15 Day Trips From Dublin Airport To Europe From €30!
Looking for an adventure but don’t have the time, money or annual leave? don’t stress! Discover exciting day trips from Dublin Airport to Europe, as well as from Cork, Shannon, and Belfast to the UK.
Extreme day trips from Dublin Airport are an exciting new travel trend. With short flights and thrilling experiences, you can fit an epic adventure in to a single day and be back home that evening, without having to fork out for hotel accommodation! I’ve personally taken three different day trips abroad, and I loved every second of them! I’ve visited Paris, Edinburgh, and Milan, all departing at about 6 AM and returning at approximately 10 PM.
Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to be so well connected to major cities in Europe, and thanks to low-cost airlines, these day trips abroad are possible. You will be surprised how much of a city you can see in just a few hours. Below I have chosen 15 amazing destinations for extreme day trips with flights from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast.
Want a little more time? Make it a one-night escape, fly out, stay overnight, and be back the next day refreshed and recharged.
Read: 1 Night Getaways from Dublin Airport With Flights and Hotel from €78pp!
Extreme day trips from Dublin Airport
Below I have listed the best one day trips from Dublin airport and the best things to do in each location. Many more dates are available, but I have listed the best value for money over the next few months.
1. Paris, France from €56pp
Flight time : 1 hour 30 minutes
I found Paris to be one of my favourite destinations for an extreme day trip, as I was able to see most of the city’s iconic landmarks in such a short space of time. During my day trip, I mapped out my route by location and used the metro to get around quickly, but if you’re not comfortable using the metro, consider opting for the hop-on hop-off bus as it’s a fantastic way to explore the city.
Be sure to check out the iconic Eiffel Tower, gaze at the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and visit the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral. Don’t miss the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. If you’re a fan of Emily in Paris, why not stop by some of the famous filming locations from the show too?
Read : Top things to do in Paris
The cheapest flights are with Ryanair to Beauvais airport, but you need to take a bus for an hour and 40 minutes to reach the city. You can book this bus on the Ryanair website, cost of €29.90 return.
However, you can also book a day trip from Dublin to Paris with Aer Lingus and Air France to Charles de Gaulle. The city centre is 40 minutes by train which run every 10 minutes from the airport at a cost of €11.80.
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands from €51pp
Flight time : 1 hour 30 minutes
Amsterdam is one of the best destinations for day trips from Dublin Airport, with a short flight time and excellent transport options from the airport to the city. The train goes directly from the airport to central station and a few minutes walk will place you in Dam Square.
You can explore the moving Anne Frank House, enjoy a scenic canal boat ride, or, if you’re a beer enthusiast, don’t miss the Heineken Experience. Art lovers can’t afford to miss the Vincent van Gogh Museum.
Read : Top things to do in Amsterdam
3. Milan, or Bergamo, Italy from €56pp
Flight time : 2 hours 20 minutes
I took an extreme day trip to Milan, flying into Bergamo and spending the day exploring the vibrant Italian city of Milan. From Bergamo, you have the choice of going straight to Milan city centre, or taking your time exploring the beautiful Bergamo area.
You will need to take a bus from outside the airport to bring you to either. The bus journey to Milan city centre is 50 minutes and costs €18 return – you can book this on the Ryanair website.
One of the highlights in Milan is the iconic Duomo, whether you choose to admire it from below, or take the climb for breathtaking views of the city. This 3-hour tour of the Duomo with access to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper and city centre is a great way to see the highlights in a short space of time.
Milan is also a shopper’s paradise. Its streets are lined with everything from high street brands to luxury boutiques. If you’re looking to escape the city, why not take a train to Lake Como and enjoy one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes?
3. Venice, Italy from €50pp
Venice is a fantastic option for a day trip from Dublin Airport. Sipping a latte on St Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride through the canals, both cost a small fortune, but simply have to be done! There are plenty of things you can do for free though.
Visit the Basilica di San Marco and the Campanile Tower, cross the famous Rialto bridge or simply wander through the back streets and alleyways and see every day Venetian life.
Read: Top things to do in Venice
5. Madrid, Spain from €60pp
Flight time : 2 hours 30 minutes
Take an unforgettable day trip to the Spanish capital, Madrid. The metro from the airport will get you to the city centre in 20 minutes.
Start your day by shopping until you drop along the iconic Gran Vía, a bustling street known for its wide range of shops and boutiques. Afterwards, visit the majestic Royal Palace, where you can soak in the stunning architecture and rich history. As the evening sets in, immerse yourself in the Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show.
Read : Top things to do in Madrid
6. Barcelona, Spain from €43pp
Flight time : 2 hours 30 minutes
Accommodation in major European cities like Barcelona can be pricey, especially since it’s a key flight hub and a popular cruise port. To save on costs, consider taking a day trip and hitting the city’s top attractions in just a few hours. Barcelona is one of my favourite cities, and I know I’ll always return, It’s the perfect blend of city life and beautiful beaches.
It is super easy to get into the city centre via the efficient Aerobus or subway. From there you can walk along Las Ramblas, and explore the Gothic Quarter. Don’t miss the stunning La Sagrada Familia – I strongly recommend you book to go inside.
In the afternoon why not enjoy a leisurely lunch by the beach. If time allows, explore Camp Nou and indulge in some shopping at iconic Spanish stores like Zara and Bershka.
Read : Top Things to do in Barcelona
7. Berlin, Germany from €46pp
Flight time : 2 hours 10 minutes
Want an extreme day trip filled with history and creativity? Berlin is the choice for you. The train from the airport gets you into the city in 30 minutes. Walk along the Berlin Wall, visit Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, and be amazed at the open air museum in front of you. You don’t need to make time for a leisurely lunch, just pick up some currywurst in Alexander Platz instead.
The flight times are great for this extreme day trip you can really make the most of this great city. Why not jump on the hop-on hop-off bus and see all the city sights in just a few hours.
8. Malaga, Spain from €56pp
Flight time : 3 hours
If you’re planning a day trip from Dublin to Malaga, you’re in for a treat! The airport train into the city will have you exploring the sights in under 15 minutes. Start by exploring the stunning Alcazaba, a fortress offering incredible city and coastline views. Next, head to the impressive Malaga Cathedral, also known as La Manquita, with its unique unfinished tower.
If its sunny take a stroll along the beautiful Malagueta Beach and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. If you’re a Picasso fan, don’t miss the Picasso Museum, where you can see works by the city’s most famous artist.
For a taste of local life, wander through the bustling Mercado Central de Atarazanas, where you can sample fresh local produce and tapas. Finish your day by relaxing at the lively Plaza de la Merced, the perfect spot to grab a bite or enjoy a drink before heading back to the airport.
Read : Top things to do in Malaga
9. Rome, Italy from €68pp
Flight time : 3 hours
Although flying time is a little longer than others on the list, it’s still possible to take adventurous day trips from Dublin Airport to the Italian capital. Take the train direct from the airport to the city centre in 30 minutes, where you can enjoy La Dolce Vita with a food and wine tour, explore the ancient wonders of the Colosseum, visit the Vatican, or enjoy free attractions like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Rome
The Vespa and golf-cart tours are a superb way to see the city, but hop-on hop-off buses are also available, and are a less expensive option.
Note: These extreme day trips to Rome only depart on Mondays and Fridays.
10. Budapest, Hungary from €60pp
Flight time : 2 hours 55 minutes
The flight is also a little longer than others, but Budapest is a worthwhile addition to this list of day trips from Dublin Airport. Take the bus, train, or tram from the airport in 30 minutes for only a couple of euros. Start your morning at St. Stephen’s Basilica, which looks like something straight out of a Disney movie. The panoramic views of the city from the top are breathtaking.
Next, walk along the Danube to see the iconic Parliament building and the Shoes on the Danube Memorial just opposite. In the afternoon, unwind like a local with a visit to the famous Széchenyi Baths. After some relaxation, enjoy a delicious dinner before heading back to the airport.
UK Day Trips From Dublin Airport, Cork, Shannon or Belfast
Day trips to the UK are typically great value and are some of the quickest destinations to reach. Below, I’ve listed the most affordable options from Irish airports.
11. London, UK from €30pp
Fly from Dublin, Cork, Shannon & Belfast
Flight time : 1 hour
With numerous daily flights available from various airports, London is ideal for an exciting day trip abroad. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping or want an action packed day exploring the top attractions, you won’t be disappointed in London! You can catch a matinee West End show, ride the iconic London Eye, visit Buckingham Palace, or check out Camden Market.
Getting into the city from Heathrow, Stansted or Gatwick couldn’t be easier with their express train services that you can pre-book online or buy on the day.
To make the most of your time and see as many city sights as possible, consider taking the hop-on hop-off bus.
Note : You can fly into one airport and fly out of another but this will require 2 bookings . For example Fly into London Stansted and home from London Gatwick
Read : Top things to do in London with kids
12. Edinburgh, Scotland from £34pp
Fly from Dublin & Belfast
Flight time : 1 hour
I have personally taken this extreme day trip to Edinburgh and can highly recommend it. The tram outside the airport goes into the city centre every few minutes, and it is so easy to get around the city centre.
Begin your day at Edinburgh Castle, located in the heart of the city. Next, have some fun with optical illusions at the nearby Camera Obscura. Take a stroll up Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city, and wrap up your afternoon with some shopping on Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
In the late afternoon take a visit to the Johnnie Walker Whiskey experience, I have done this with my friends and we loved it, It was so interactive and personal to the drinks you like.
13. Birmingham, UK from €30pp
Fly from Dublin
Flight time : 1 hour
Birmingham is a fantastic spot for shopping as its home to the world’s largest Primark/Penneys and many more high street brands featured in the Bull Ring shopping complex. For chocolate lovers, Cadbury World is a must see, where you can dive into the sweet history of the brand. You can easily reach the city from the airport by train.
If you’re traveling with kids, Drayton Manor Theme Park is just a short drive from the city. The park offers a mix of thrilling rides, family friendly attractions, and even Thomas Land, which is perfect for younger visitors.
Birmingham also has a connection to the famous TV series Peaky Blinders. If you’re a fan of the show, you can visit several of the film locations around the city.
14. Liverpool, UK from €30pp
Fly from Dublin
Flight time : 40 minutes
With one of the shortest flights from Dublin, Liverpool is the perfect destination for an extreme day trip. Whether you’re a fan of shopping, history, or sports, the city has it all. Take the 500 bus route to reach the city centre from the airport.
Start your day at Liverpool One, where you can shop ‘til you drop. If you’re a Beatles fan, don’t miss the Beatles Experience, where you can immerse yourself in the history of one of the most iconic bands in the world. For football enthusiasts, a tour of the legendary Anfield stadium is a must.
After shopping and sightseeing, head to the historic Albert Dock for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. This area is full of charm, with plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit down for a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful views of the docks and the River Mersey.
15. Manchester, UK from €30pp
Fly from Dublin, Cork & Belfast
Flight time : 1 hour
Gather the girls for a day of shopping at one of the UK’s largest shopping complexes, the Trafford Centre! Or, bring the boys along for a football tour of Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium. If you’re up for something unique, you can also visit the famous Coronation Street experience visiting the filming set.
If you are taking the kids on the day trip visit Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland Discovery Centre. In the evening, head for some cool cocktails at the Alchemist before heading back to the Airport.
The train from Manchester Airport takes you straight to Piccadilly Station, right in the city centre.
There are plenty of other options for extreme day trips, including Frankfurt, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, and Newcastle all from Dublin Airport.
For shorter day trips that are still doable, consider Munich (available on Mondays and Fridays with Aer Lingus) or Zurich (with Aer Lingus on Mondays and Wednesdays).
Extreme day trips from Dublin Airport offer the perfect blend of adventure and convenience for those looking to explore exciting destinations in a short amount of time.
I hope these day trips abroad give you some inspiration and make you book your next day trip getaway. Prices and information are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.
