Hotel prices in Ireland have risen by 15 per cent year-on-year to €124, new figures show.
This compares to a European average of 13 per cent, according to the trivago.ie Hotel Price Index, which shows average overnight accommodation prices across the continent.
In July 2014, the average hotel room in Ireland cost €108.
Dublin ranks in 10th place out of 25 European cities for hotel costs with London, Paris and Rome leading the table.
The largest year-on-year increases in Ireland were in Dublin and Killarney, where costs rose 21 per cent to €168 and €156 respectively in the 12 months to July.
In Kenmare, hotel pries increased 19 per cent from €124 in July 2014 to €123 this month.
Average hotel prices are up 3 per cent compared to the previous month, according to the data.
On an annual basis, hotel prices were up 16 per cent in Galway. However, costs are expected to surge by 51 per cent during the week of the Galway Races. Prices are expected to jump from €137 to €171 during the week, peaking at €221 for Ladies’ Day on Thursday, July 30th.
The least expensive night of the races is expected to be on Monday July 27th when the average hotel price in Galway will be an estimated €132.
Despite the problems in Greece, the study shows Irish holidaymakers are continuing to travel to the country with hotel prices having risen by as much as 32 per cent at Santorini, the most popular Greek island destination for tourists from Ireland.
Average hotel prices in July
Dublin €168
Killarney €156
Kenmare €146
Kinsale €146
Galway €137
Sligo €122
Westport €120
Cork €122
Dingle €113
Wexford €111
Tralee €110
Kilkenny €106
Waterford €104
Limerick €99
Athlone €99