12 New Holiday Destinations from Ireland in 2025
From Detroit to Nashville, Cyprus to Tunisia, I’ve got 12 new holiday destinations from Ireland in 2025 for you to explore.
There is nothing like exploring a new destination, and if there is a direct flight from Ireland to get you there, all the better! However, despite some showstoppers like Nashville, there are not as many new holiday destinations from Ireland in 2025 as we would like.
The Dublin Airport Traffic Cap has certainly not helped, despite the decision to refer the legality of it to the EU Court of Justice. DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs said ‘the company has taken steps to dampen demand, but it cannot legally stop airlines or passengers from using the airport’ – Irish Times.
That being said, there has never been more direct flights to the USA from Ireland are flights to over 170 destinations from Dublin airport, and with new routes from Cork to Corfu, Bilbao and Turkey, and a new service from Shannon to Madeira, there are still plenty of new routes from Ireland to satisfy holidaymakers this summer.
I’ve picked 12 new holiday destinations for 2025 below, let’s hope I will have some more to add to this list very soon.
New Flights to USA from Dublin
Ireland got a 30% increase in capacity and eight new direct routes across the North Atlantic in 2024, and it looks like the trend is set to continue in 2025. Our love affair with the USA is as strong as ever and Ireland will have direct flights to 27 different USA and Canada airports this year!
United will double the number of flights to Washington D.C. and increase capacity on its Dublin to Chicago service too and will offer more flights from Dublin than any other U.S. airline for Summer 2025.
Read: Top 10 travel trends for 2025
1. Dublin to Nashville
Nashville is arguably the most exciting new route from Ireland this year! The capital of Tennessee is the home of country music, and its proximity to Memphis and New Orleans make it the perfect choice for music lovers looking to tour America’s Deep South.
Aer Lingus’ direct flights to Nashville from Dublin will commence on the 12th of April and will operate four times weekly.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Tennessee with kids
Read: Top 10 American tours and road trips for 2025
2. Dublin to Las Vegas
Sin City has been on my bucket list for many years, and I am finally visiting in 2025, thanks to the new direct flights from Dublin to Las Vegas with Aer Lingus. This must be the most requested route from Irish holidaymakers and it has been warmly welcomed since its introduction in October 2024.
Flights currently operate until the 29th of April, so you can squeeze in Easter holidays if you act fast. Whether you want to take in a show at the Sphere, see the Grand Canyon by helicopter or shop you to drop, you won’t be short of things to do in the entertainment capital of the world. Alternatively, combine with a trip around the Canyonlands, which is what I plan to do!
Lets hope this direct service will continue year round.
3. Dublin to Indianapolis
Aer Lingus recently announced a 19th direct destination in North America with the introduction of Europe’s first direct flight to Indianapolis. Flights will operate four times weekly from Dublin airport, commencing the 3rd of May.
The capital of Indiana is home to the world’s biggest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500, as well as being another gateway to the Mid-West, it is less than 3 hours drive from Chicago!
4. Dublin to Detroit
It is not only Aer Lingus and United who have increased capacity to the U.S. Delta Airlines will be operating the first new direct service between Dublin and Detroit starting in May. This flight will operate four-times weekly and is part of a large expansion into Europe by the airline, with over 700 weekly flights to 33 European destinations.
Known as the ‘Motor City’, Detroit offers so much more. It has been transformed of late and boasts a trendy riverfront with a great food scene, as well as a dynamic arts and cultural centre and lively nightlife.
New Holiday Destinations from Dublin to Europe and Africa
5. Dublin to Enfidha, Tunisia
It is great to see the return of flights from Dublin to Tunisia! Although part of Africa, it has a Mediterranean climate and is one of the new summer holiday destinations from Ireland from TUI – the service is starting weekly from May.
As well as choice of accommodation options in a variety of holiday resorts, Tunisia is also a delight for travellers looking to explore ancient cities and souqs, not to mention its stunning beaches. You can also go dune bashing in the Sahara desert and stop at an authentic Bedouin camp for some traditional fare.
6. Dublin to Larnaca, Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is full of culture, history and white sandy beaches. TUI will fly weekly to Larnaca from Dublin from May to capitalise on holidaymakers looking to enjoy the lively resorts of Ayia Napa and Limassol next summer.
For families, couples and groups looking to holiday somewhere new, but still want a typical holiday resort with stunning beaches, then Larnaca may be one to watch.
New Holiday Destinations from Cork
7. Cork to Turkey
Cork is to get two new services to Turkey next summer! Sun Express will fly from Cork to Izmir twice-weekly from May to October, to capitalise on holidaymakers looking to holiday in the popular resorts of Kusadai and Ceșme.
TUI will also operate a brand-new direct weekly flight to Dalaman for a 4-week rotation during the peak summer months, commencing 23rd June. Dalaman is close to the lively resort of Marmaris as well as the idyllic Olu Deniz on Turkey’s southwest coast.
8. Cork to Bilbao
I had the pleasure of visiting Bilbao a few years ago. We spent 48 hours in this beautiful city before embarking on a road trip through Rioja to San Sebastian. I have no doubt this new route from Aer Lingus, that is starting in May, will be warmly welcomed by Irish holidaymakers looking to explore the Basque Country. Find out more in my travel guides:
Read: 48 hours in Bilbao
Read: Discovering there is more to Rioja than wine
Read: A short break in San Sebastian
9. Cork to Bordeaux
Bordeaux is France’s sixth largest city and boasts a massive World Heritage site, stunning architecture as well as being one of France’s top gastronomic and wine capitals.
You could easily spend a few days here and not leave the city. However, it would be a shame not to explore the picturesque villages and charming Châteaux on the Bordeaux wine trail, Saint-Emilion in particular is a little piece of heaven.
The new service to Bordeaux from Aer Lingus is starting in May.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Bordeaux and where to stay
10. Cork to Corfu
Corfu has been a firm favourite with Irish holidaymakers for many years so I am sure Corkonians will be delighted to hear of the new weekly flight from TUI, that is starting in May. It is famous for its great beaches and lively nightlife, but its UNESCO Old Town and gorgeous Greek food are also top attractions.
Corfu is also a gateway to discover nearby Albania ( 30 minutes by speedboat ) – a destination that is hotly tipped to be one of the best places to visit in 2025.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Albania and where to stay
New Holiday Destinations from Shannon
11. Shannon to Madeira
Often described as the Hawaii of Europe, the volcanic island of Madeira rarely sees temperatures rise above 27 degrees – despite its location off the African coast.
This tropical Portuguese island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, due to its many hiking trails, natural pools and adventure activities – canyoning, rafting and tobogganing are just some of the activities available.
Its vibrant capital, Funchal has a huge choice of shops, bars and restaurants, and is known as a top foodie location.
The new service from Ryanair will operate twice weekly from March 30th, just in time for Easter holidays.
New Destinations from Knock Ireland West airport
12. Knock to Groningen, Netherlands
Knock, Ireland West Airport has announced a new weekly charter flight from Groningen in The Netherlands to the West of Ireland with leading Dutch Tour Operator BBI Travel.
The weekly service will be operated by Emerald Airlines every Saturday for 13 weeks between June and August to boost tourism in the West of Ireland. For enquires from Knock to Groningen, contact BBI Travel.
I hope these new holiday destinations from Ireland in 2024 will help you with your travel plans this year. I will be adding to the list as soon as any new routes from Ireland are announced, so bookmark or pin this post for future reference.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, place note descriptions are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
