Instead, more travellers are turning their attention to cooler destinations in northern Europe.

Recent figures indicate a decline in demand for traditional sun-drenched locations such as Greece and Spain during summer months. This shift comes in the wake of a World Meteorological Organisation report identifying Europe as the fastest-warming continent.

Claire Doherty, Products and Operations Director at Dublin-based Travel Department, has noted a clear change in holiday patterns. “We’re definitely seeing fewer people heading to hotter European destinations in July and August,” she said.

According to Doherty, travellers are still visiting warmer countries, but they are adjusting their timing. “Rather than summer, we’re seeing more people book in April, May, September, and October – what we call the shoulder seasons. April and October are now just as busy as May and September once were,” she added. She also highlighted a surge in interest in northern destinations like Norway, which has seen a 50% year-on-year increase.

Travel writer Sarah Slattery of the Travel Expert also recognises a shift. “There’s definitely been a major change over the past year or two,” she said, noting that summer sun breaks have become cheaper, while cooler, lesser known spots have grown in popularity – including Bergen, Norway, which now enjoys four weekly direct flights from Dublin.

Meanwhile, Ireland is also benefiting. Research at the Cliffs of Moher, supported by Clare County Council and the University of Limerick, found that visitors – particularly from France and Spain – are increasingly drawn to Ireland’s mild weather as a welcome escape from the southern Europe’s heatwaves.