Close to one in four said they will not be able to afford a holiday this year, according to the June Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index.
Those most likely to say they cannot afford a holiday included women, those aged 45 to 54, and those struggling to make ends meet.
This is despite the fact that the cost of travelling abroad is lower than last year.
However, domestic restaurant and hotel prices are higher.
The survey, carried out in partnership with Core Research, indicates that the vast majority of consumers do not intend to spend more on their holidays this year.
One in four plan to spend more on their holiday than they did a year ago
Economist Austin Hughes, who oversees the compiling of the consumer sentiment index, said this suggests discretionary spending power remains limited for most Irish households.
The survey showed roughly one in four consumers plan to spend more on their holiday than they did a year ago.
Broadly similar numbers plan to spend the same amount.
But 22pc said they are unable to afford to go on holidays this year.
“So, these results are consistent with a range of other responses to special questions in previous sentiment surveys in that they highlight wide variations in financial circumstances that might be summarised as suggesting a three-tier breakdown in the financial health of Irish households that ranges from fit to feeble,” Mr Hughes said.
He added that the results are marginally more positive than a year ago, as the share of consumers spending the same or more is fractionally up. The share of those unable to afford a holiday is marginally down.
However, there is also a small increase in the share of consumers who say they will spend less on holiday this year, Mr Hughes said.
The demographic breakdown suggests consumers in Dublin, those on higher incomes and those aged 25 to 34, are more likely to plan to spend more on holidays this year than others.
Men are more also likely to plan to spend more than women.
Overall, consumer sentiment improved marginally in June. This was due to tariff threats easing slightly, oil prices and interest rates falling, and the economy continuing to post strong growth in activity and employment.
The survey for June has an index reading of 62.5, up slightly on the 60.8 figure for May.
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