FreeNow reveals May Bank Holiday hotspots

The busiest hour of the entire bank holiday weekend occurred from 1am to 2am on Sunday morning

FreeNow has revealed insights into the busiest hotspots during the May bank holiday weekend. From popular bars to late-night spots and cultural hubs, locals and visitors alike were out in force, signalling the start of a busy summer season ahead. 

Dublin Airport and Heuston Station came out on top as the most popular drop off and pick up locations in Ireland throughout the weekend, indicating that people took advantage of the extra day and seized the opportunity to jet off for a short break. Many tourists also flocked to Dublin city to soak up the city’s rich culture and attend the highly anticipated Leinster rugby match in Croke Park. 

Cultural activities also took centre stage with the World’s leading tourist attraction, the Guinness Storehouse listed as a top 10 destination on the FreeNow app. Shopping was also high on the agenda both north and south side with Blanchardstown and Dundrum shopping centres featuring in the top 10 locations.  

Top 10 Dublin locations on the FreeNow app May Bank Holiday weekend

1. Dublin Airport
2. Heuston Station 
3. Croke Park    
4. Connolly Train Station 
5. Red Cow Moran Hotel
6. 3Arena 
7. Blanchardstown Centre 
8. Dame Street  
9. Guinness Storehouse           
10. Dundrum Town Centre 

Between the hours of 6pm – 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, Dublin city revellers headed to popular bars and entertainment hubs in the capital. The 3Arena, Dicey’s and Hogan’s bar on bustling Fade Street emerged as the most popular locations during these hours. Vicar street was also a top 10 destination with the English dance Hartnoll brothers playing The Green album live at the venue. 

 Top 10 drop off Dublin locations on the FreeNow app on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night (6pm – 11pm)

1.    Dublin Airport
2.     3Arena 
3.     Dicey’s Garden 
4.     Hogans bar
5.     Heuston Station 
6.     Red Cow Moran Hotel 
7.     The Academy, Middle Abbey Street 
8.     Devitts Pub 
9.     Vicar Street 
10.   Fade Street

The busiest hours were from 11 PM on Saturday night to 2 AM on Sunday morning, and demand increased by 9% on the FreeNow app compared to the previous weekend. Notably, the busiest hour of the entire bank holiday weekend occurred from 1am to 2am on Sunday morning. 

In Cork, the Bank Holiday travel trend was also evident, with Cork Airport and Kent station emerging as the top locations. The Montenotte hotel was a popular destination, likely with both locals and tourists alike, who soaked up the stunning views during the first bank holiday of the Summer. 

Top 10 Cork locations on the FreeNow app May Bank Holiday Weekend

1. Cork Airport 
2. Kent Station 
3. Grand Parade 
4. The Montenotte Hotel 
5. Saint Patrick’s Street 
6. Washington Street 
7. South Mall 
8. Dwyers of Cork 
9. Kinsale Rugby Football Club 
10. Costigan’s Pub 

In Galway, the lively Eyre Square was the number one location on the FreeNow app. Tourists likely flocked to the popular city to enjoy the long weekend, with both the coach and train station being the top pick-up and drop-off spots. Known for its vibrant pub scene, it’s no surprise that Mary Mullens bar was also featured in the top five hotspots.

Top 10 Galway  locations on the FreeNow app May 4th – 6th 

1. Eyre Square 
2. Galway Coach Station 
3. Galway Train Station 
4. Mary Mullens Bar 
5. Electric Galway
6. Clayton Hotel Galway 
7. An Púcán 
8. Seven Bridgestreet 
9. Menlo Park Hotel 
10. Salthill Hotel 

FreeNow said: “It’s clear that both locals and tourists alike know how to make the most of a long weekend! From lively evenings out, to world renowned cultural attractions, the country truly came alive over the May Bank Holiday weekend.”