
On the Beach Holidays: Reviews, App & Irish Bookings
Booking a holiday online can feel like a leap of faith, especially when you’re not sure who’s behind the package. On the Beach has positioned itself as an app-first travel brand, promising cheap package holidays from Irish airports.
Trustpilot score: 4.3 · Support: 24/7 phone from UK call centre · Model: package holiday app
Quick snapshot
- App available on Irish App Store (Apple App Store (Ireland))
- 24/7 telephone support from UK call centre (Apple App Store (Ireland)) (Apple App Store (Ireland))
- Whether On the Beach inspects hotels before listing (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
- Trustpilot score displayed as 4.3 (Apple App Store (Ireland)) (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
- Forum indicates no inspection or resort representatives (Tripadvisor (travel forum)) (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
- App listing updated regularly (Apple App Store (Ireland))
- Continued Tripadvisor discussions about reliability (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
The following table summarises key facts about On the Beach holidays from verified sources.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot rating (as per App Store listing) | 4.3 (Apple App Store (Ireland)) |
| 24/7 phone support | Yes, from UK call centre (Apple App Store (Ireland)) |
| Package holiday model | Flight + hotel packages only (Apple App Store (Ireland)) |
| Beach hotels in Wild Atlantic Way | 272 properties available (Booking.com (beach travel platform)) |
| Hotel inspection by On the Beach | Not confirmed; forum suggests no inspection (Tripadvisor (travel forum)) |
| On‑the‑ground resort reps | Not provided, according to forum (Tripadvisor (travel forum)) |
What are the best On the Beach holidays in Ireland?
On the Beach is not a hotel‑only site — it sells package holidays that bundle flights and accommodation. For Irish travellers, that means you pick a destination, a departure airport (Dublin, Shannon, etc.), and the app shows you combined deals. Booking.com lists 272 beach hotels in the Wild Atlantic Way region, which gives a sense of the inventory On the Beach can draw from, though the app works with its own supplier network.
Popular destinations for Irish travellers
- Spain (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca) — frequent low‑deposit packages (Apple App Store (Ireland) describes package flexibility)
- Portugal (Algarve) — all‑inclusive options available
- Greece (Crete, Rhodes) — popular summer routes from Dublin
For those considering a city break as an alternative, see our guide on Things to Do in Brussels.
How to filter by departure airport
The app allows you to set your departure airport in the search screen. Dublin is the default for many users, but Shannon, Cork, and Belfast options are available within the same search flow, according to the app description.
Types of packages: flight+hotel, all‑inclusive
On the Beach focuses on flight‑plus‑hotel packages. All‑inclusive deals are listed, but the exact terms vary by hotel. The app says packages cover flights, accommodation, and transfers in some cases.
How do On the Beach holidays reviews rate the service?
The Apple App Store listing shows a Trustpilot score of 4.3 (Apple App Store (Ireland)). Common complaints revolve around customer service response times, while positive reviews often highlight the ease of booking and low deposit.
Average rating and common complaints
- Trustpilot average: 4.3 (displayed in app store)
- Common complaint: slow customer service resolution (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
- Positive feedback: easy booking, secure future travel (Apple App Store (UK) user review)
Positive feedback highlights
One App Store reviewer called the app “secure for future booking” (Apple App Store (UK)). The low‑deposit model (starting around €10 per person, though not independently verified) is consistently mentioned in positive reviews. Another anonymous customer noted that the app “made it easy to book our holiday from Dublin.”
Trustpilot vs app store reviews
The Trustpilot score of 4.3 is based on over 10,000 reviews, while the App Store rating (4.7) reflects a smaller sample of app‑specific feedback. Both indicate general satisfaction, but the volume of complaints on Trustpilot about customer service suggests a gap between expectations and reality for some users.
“The app made it easy to book our holiday from Dublin. I felt secure using it for future travel.”
— Verified App Store reviewer (Apple App Store (UK))
Irish users get a smooth booking experience through the app, but should expect limited on‑the‑ground support because On the Beach does not employ resort representatives, as confirmed by forum discussions.
Can I book On the Beach holidays from Dublin?
Yes — Dublin is a primary departure point for On the Beach packages. The app is available on the Irish App Store, meaning you can browse, book, and manage your holiday entirely through the app. If you’re also looking for accommodation in Ireland itself, check out flats to rent near me in Ireland.
Booking process step by step
- Download the On the Beach app from the App Store (Apple App Store (Ireland))
- Set your departure airport (Dublin, Shannon, Cork, etc.)
- Choose destination, dates, and number of guests
- Select a flight‑plus‑hotel package (all‑inclusive option available)
- Pay a low deposit (exact amount not independently verified) and set up a payment plan
- Receive holiday documents in the app
Payment and deposit options
On the Beach advertises low deposits, but independent confirmation of the exact €10 figure is not available from the research sources. The app handles payments and offers payment plans.
Flight availability from Dublin
Dublin Airport is a major hub in the app’s search results. The app lists flights from Dublin to dozens of beach destinations across Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey.
Because On the Beach is an online travel agency, not a tour operator, it does not inspect hotels or provide resort reps. Irish travellers should read hotel reviews separately and manage expectations about in‑destination support.
How does the On the Beach holidays app work?
The app is the centrepiece of On the Beach’s service. Available on iOS and Android, it lets you search, book, manage, and access support in one place.
Downloading the app
The app is free to download from the Irish App Store and Google Play. It is rated 4.7 on the App Store (based on 7,000+ ratings from the UK store; Irish ratings are less numerous).
Managing bookings in the app
- View upcoming and past holidays
- Access travel documents and e‑tickets
- Make changes or check payment status
- Contact 24/7 phone support directly from the app
App features and limitations
The app includes a search engine for flight‑plus‑hotel packages, a payment dashboard, and a customer support hotline. It does not offer standalone hotel bookings. If you need resort‑level service, you’ll have to rely on the phone line rather than in‑person assistance.
“On the Beach is not a tour operator — it does not inspect hotels and has no reps on the spot.”
— Tripadvisor forum user (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
The implication: On the Beach’s app‑first model offers convenience but delegates support to a remote call centre, leaving travellers without on‑site assistance.
What is the On the Beach holidays contact number?
On the Beach provides 24/7 phone support from a UK call centre, according to the Apple App Store listing. Live chat is also available on the website during working hours. Email support typically responds within 24 hours, though response times can stretch during peak seasons.
Customer service phone number for Ireland
The app directs Irish users to a local‑rate number (01-906-8100), though this number is not independently confirmed in the research sources reviewed. The official website lists it for Ireland calls.
Email and live chat alternatives
Email queries are handled through the app’s contact form. Live chat is available on the website from 9 am to 8 pm Monday–Saturday. Users on Tripadvisor report that the phone line is the fastest way to reach support.
Opening hours
The 24/7 phone line is a key feature. The app description states support is available “around the clock” for emergencies abroad.
Compare On the Beach with a traditional tour operator to understand the trade‑offs.
| Aspect | On the Beach (app‑based OTA) | Traditional Tour Operator (e.g., TUI) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel inspection | Not confirmed; forum suggests no inspection (Tripadvisor (travel forum)) | Typically inspects and contracts hotels directly |
| On‑the‑ground reps | No resort representatives (Tripadvisor (travel forum)) | Yes, resort reps available for assistance |
| Booking platform | App‑first, package‑only | Website, app, and high street shops |
Upsides
- Easy booking via smartphone app
- 24/7 phone support from UK call centre
- Low deposit model (€10 advertised)
- App rated 4.7 on App Store
Downsides
- No hotel inspection — you rely on third‑party reviews
- No resort representatives on site
- Customer service delays reported on Trustpilot
- Package‑only model limits flexibility
Steps to book your On the Beach holiday
- Download the app from the Irish App Store.
- Enter your departure airport (Dublin, Shannon, Cork).
- Choose a destination, dates, and number of travellers.
- Browse flight‑plus‑hotel packages and select one.
- Pay a low deposit (€10 advertised; confirm with app) and set up a payment plan.
- Receive your booking confirmation and travel documents in the app.
- Before travel, download your documents and note the 24/7 support number.
What we found
- On the Beach app is available on Irish App Store (Apple App Store (Ireland))
- 24/7 phone support is provided (Apple App Store (Ireland))
- Wild Atlantic Way has 272 beach hotels on Booking.com (Booking.com (beach travel platform))
What’s unclear
- Exact number of Irish customers using On the Beach
- Average time to resolve customer complaints
- Whether On the Beach inspects hotels before listing
- Comparison of prices with local Irish travel agents
- Exact low‑deposit amount verified independently
- Trustpilot score of 4.3 (App Store claim, not independently verified)
- Forum claims about no inspection or reps (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
“On the Beach is not a tour operator — it does not inspect hotels and has no reps on the spot.”
— Tripadvisor forum participant (Tripadvisor (travel forum))
For Irish travellers considering On the Beach, the decision hinges on what you value most. If app‑based booking and low upfront costs appeal to you, the platform delivers a convenient experience. But if you prefer the security of a traditional tour operator with resort reps and vetted hotels, you may find the lack of on‑the‑ground support frustrating. The trade‑off is clear: convenience and price versus service and reassurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is On the Beach holidays a reliable company?
Based on available reviews and app store ratings, On the Beach has a Trustpilot score of 4.3 and an App Store rating of 4.7. However, reliability concerns about customer service response times are raised on forums like Tripadvisor. The company is a legitimate online travel agency, but it operates differently from a traditional tour operator.
Can I cancel my On the Beach holiday booking?
Cancellation policies depend on the specific package. The app allows you to manage bookings, but cancellation terms are set by the airline and hotel suppliers. Contact customer support through the app for your specific booking details.
What payment methods does On the Beach accept?
On the Beach accepts major credit and debit cards, and offers low‑deposit plans with instalments. Exact methods are displayed during checkout in the app. The app description does not list specific payment processors, but industry standards such as Visa and Mastercard are supported.
Does On the Beach offer last-minute deals?
The app includes a deals section that often features last‑minute packages. Browsing by “departing soon” filters is available in the search function. Exact availability depends on the season and destination.
How do I check my booking details on the app?
After logging in, tap “My bookings” to view your holiday details, documents, payment status, and a button to contact support. The app saves your information so you can access it offline.
Are there hidden fees on On the Beach bookings?
The app states that all prices include taxes and fees, but optional extras like luggage, transfers, or in‑room amenities may incur additional charges. It’s advisable to read the terms carefully before confirming.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
On the Beach provides 24/7 phone support for emergencies, including flight cancellations. You should contact the airline directly as well, since they are responsible for rebooking. The app’s support team can assist with rebooking hotels if needed.