Holidays, whether at home or aboard, do more than just help you relax and enjoy some much-needed time out. In fact, according to a new study, they play a huge part in creating a sense of togetherness for families.
The first Family Togetherness Index for Ireland by Center Parcs Ireland reveals that there is a direct correlation between the level of family togetherness experiences and the happiness that family unit enjoys.
In fact, the study shows that families who don’t have a holiday together experience lower levels of family togetherness when compared with the national average.
When it comes to happiness on holiday, the Index shows that families are 31 percent happier with time spent together on holiday when compared with their happiness during an average week at home.
Center Parcs Ireland developed the Family Togetherness Index in collaboration with Child Psychotherapist Dr. Colman Noctor, and found that time away from the daily slog significantly contributes to the closeness a family feels.
“The Family Togetherness Index demonstrates that family togetherness, holidays and the happiness a family feels are inextricably linked," Dr. Colman said.
"In a busy world, leaving the distractions of your everyday surroundings and routine behind is necessary to allow space for family togetherness."
The nationally representative study, which was carried out among parents of children aged 16 and under, found that 89 percent of families in Ireland took a family holiday or short break together over the past year.
While a week or more abroad was the most popular choice of getaway for 51 percent of Irish families, a short break staycation was the second most popular choice, with 49 percent of families choosing to holiday at home.
A week in Ireland was the third choice for family getaways for 25 percent of those polled.
Commenting on the findings, Martin Dalby, CEO for Center Parcs said: "Family is at the heart of everything we do at Center Parcs so we are delighted to introduce our forest resort to Ireland in 2019, and offer Irish families space and time to create special memories in the unique and beautiful surroundings of Longford Forest."
Center Parcs Ireland will open in Longford Forest in summer 2019, offering a new, luxury destination for families to spend quality time together. For more information, visit www.centerparcs.ie.
