According to the St. Patrick’s Day Spending Report, commissioned by Wise, despite rising holiday costs almost half (47%) of Irish people have planned a trip either abroad or domestically to make the most of the bank holiday weekend.
Irish people are savvy when it comes to holiday spending with 7 in 10 (70%) of survey respondents setting themselves a budget.
Almost a third (32%) will staycation on the emerald isle while 15% have booked a flight abroad, the majority to Europe and the UK (10%).
When respondents factored in flights and accommodation, 75% expect to spend more than €500 on flights while half expect to spend just as much on accommodation.
The research, which saw Censuswide independently poll 1,000 Irish people, also shows that almost 40% of respondents will be rolling out the Céad Míle Fáilte and will play tour guide to loved ones visiting from overseas, largely from the UK (33%), Europe (30%), and North America (12%).
St. Patrick’s Day is recognised worldwide, with the Irish and those with Irish heritage celebrating right across the globe, from America to Australia.
The survey found that while inflation is coming down, 77% believe the price of a pint has skyrocketed.
Determined not to let this dampen their spirits, more than half (55%) of survey respondents still plan to join in the festivities and head to the pub, although around 1 in 8 (12%) don’t intend on coughing up for an overpriced beer.
Others looking to keep costs down are choosing to raise a glass with family, friends and visitors at home (23%).
Like most national holidays, St. Patrick’s Day also involves gathering together for a meal with family and friends.
Of those surveyed, respondents expect to spend an average of €92, giving restaurants a much needed revenue boost.
Roisin Levine, Head of Partnerships, UK and Ireland at Wise said: “As we approach Ireland’s National holiday, Wise’s St. Patrick’s Day Spending Report reveals that Irish consumers are set to spend an average of €140 celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and largely internationally.”
Wise, a global technology company, has over 100,000 Irish customers offering them ways to move money around the world.
