I HATE the term ‘Rip-off Ireland’,” says Trea Heapes of Pure Camping, a family-run campsite and yoga retreat on Co Clare s Loop Head peninsula. No-one benefits from that impression on either side… I hope everyone is fair this summer. We all need a break.”
She may be disappointed. As soon as summer holiday searches started this January, with little to no chance of overseas alternatives, cries of ‘rip-off followed. Screengrabs of extreme peak season prices were shared on social media. Radio debates sparked up.
“I’d get a week in Spain for that!” is by now a familiar cry. But this year, many like Heapes believe the quick-trigger outrage could do deeper damage.