Overview
Dublin is one of the simplest short breaks you can take from the UK – a quick hop across the Irish Sea to a compact, walkable capital of Georgian streets, literary history and famously warm pubs. Flights depart from airports right across the UK, competition between carriers keeps fares keen, and there is no time difference to unsettle a weekend away. Whether you are planning a city break, a stag or hen weekend or a visit to family, cheap flights to Dublin are rarely hard to find if you book with a little care.
Best time to fly to Dublin
Dublin has a mild maritime climate, which means a shower is possible in any month but extreme temperatures are rare. Late spring (May and June) and early September usually offer the best balance of longer days, gentler weather and more sensible fares. July and August are the busiest and priciest period, along with the weekend around St Patrick's Day in March. Winter is quietest and cheapest outside Christmas and New Year. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
Aer Lingus and Ryanair operate the majority of UK to Dublin flights, with British Airways serving Heathrow and London City and easyJet on selected routes. Direct flights from London take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes; from Manchester it is closer to an hour. You will also find direct flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford and Liverpool, among others, so connecting flights are almost never necessary.
Things to do in Dublin
Most of the highlights sit within an easy walk of the River Liffey.
- Guinness Storehouse: Seven floors on Ireland's most famous stout, ending with city views from the Gravity Bar.
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells: The nninth-century illuminated manuscript and the breathtaking Long Room library.
- Kilmainham Gaol: A powerful guided tour through the story of Irish independence.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: An award-winning interactive look at how the Irish shaped the world.
- Phoenix Park: One of Europe's largest enclosed city parks, home to wild deer and Dublin Zoo.
At Dublin Airport (DUB)
Dublin Airport lies about 10km (6 miles) north of the city centre, a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic. Frequent airport coaches such as Aircoach and Dublin Express run to central stops; local city buses (routes including the 16 and 41) are cheaper but slower; and taxis wait at a dedicated rank. There is currently no rail or tram link to the airport. If you are flying onward to the United States, Dublin offers US pre-clearance so you arrive as a domestic passenger.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Dublin
- Book roughly four to eight weeks ahead for the best short-haul fares; last-minute prices tend to climb.
- Fly midweek, ideally Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid Friday evening and Sunday returns.
- Steer clear of St Patrick's weekend, Six Nations rugby weekends and UK bank holidays, when demand spikes.
- Compare Aer Lingus against Ryanair, travel with hand luggage only, and use the flexible date tools and price charts on this page.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Ireland, which shares a Common Travel Area with the UK. Carry a valid passport all the same, as airlines require photo ID and it is the simplest proof of nationality. The currency is the euro. Under Common Travel Area arrangements UK residents can access necessary medical treatment while in Ireland, though comprehensive travel insurance is still sensible. Ireland is not in the Schengen Area, so the EU's ETIAS and Entry/Exit System do not apply. Traffic drives on the left and English is spoken everywhere.
