20 Winter Holiday Destinations From Ireland With Direct Flights
Winter sun holidays, winter wonderlands and Christmas market breaks – check out my top winter holiday destinations from Ireland with direct flights for the 2026 – 2027 season.
Want to stay in a glass igloo in Lapland, shop till you drop in New York, or is a sun holiday more your style? We are fortunate to have such a wide range of winter holiday destinations with direct flights from Ireland. I understand some of you wish to travel alone or with friends, and many will be travelling with kids – so you should find breaks here to suit all tastes and budgets.
Short Haul Winter Holiday Destinations
1. The Canary Islands
The combination of direct daily flights from Ireland, balmy temperatures, and a low cost of living, has made the Canary Islands our most popular winter holiday destination for many years.
There are direct flights to Tenerife and Lanzarote from from Dublin, Cork, Knock and Shannon airports, as well as direct flights to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura from Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
Fuerteventura is blessed with stunning white sandy beaches, while the sheltered resorts of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria are popular with sun seekers. Tenerife has the largest selection of luxury hotels, but there is something about Lanzarote that still remains my island of choice!
Read: Family holidays in Lanzarote, my top 20 picks on where to stay
Read: Top things to do in Fuerteventura – travel guide
Read: Top things to do in Tenerife and where to stay
2. Skiing Holidays
Skiing holidays are growing in popularity all the time, with Austria, France and Italy being the firm favourites from Ireland. Söll in Austria is a great all rounder, with great skiing, restaurants and après ski, but if money is not an option, check out Val d’Isere in France.
Most of the top ski resorts in France, Italy and Austria are easily accessible from Dublin airport, but there are also options from our regional airports. There are flights from Dublin and Shannon airport to Turin and Cork airport to Munich and Geneva.
Top Tip: If you are looking to ski in Austria, flights to Munich are sometimes cheaper than Salzburg and the transfer times are similar.
Read: Skiing in Soll, all you need to know and why you should go
Read: My top tips for family ski holidays
Read: Ski holidays for beginners – my top 10 ski tips
3. Lapland
I will never forget the look in my children’s eyes when we went to Lapland to see Santa. It was a magical family experience that we will never forget. It has been ten years since we visited, but the memories never fade.
There are many ways to visit Lapland. TUI and Sunway offer packages with flights, transfers, accommodation and activities included, from various Irish airports.
Ryanair offer flights to Rovaniemi from Dublin and Shannon airport from the end of October until late March, and Santa Claus Village is open all year round – see more about the various seasons in Lapland here. You can book flights and hotels separately via the links below.
Read: Our trip to see Santa in Lapland
Lapland isn’t just for kids! You can scratch one off your bucket list by staying in a glass igloo just 15 minutes drive from Rovaneimi airport. You can enjoy husky safaris, snowmobiling, as well as igloo saunas.
Featuring a heated glass roof, the Aurora cabin allows you to watch the sky directly from the bed. It comes with a private bathroom, electric fireplace and a sofa. Wouldn’t this be the ultimate Christmas present?
4. Christmas Market Breaks
A Christmas market break is a great way to kick-start the festive season, without breaking the bank. Many markets open from the end of November and there are super deals available on flights and hotels, especially if you can travel mid-week.
More and more cities are embracing the trend, but there are still a few show stoppers! Germany is probably the most famous country for Christmas markets, with Cologne and Berlin being most popular. However Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg should not be overlooked. I went to Vienna last year and loved it.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Vienna and where to stay
Copenhagen is another city you may not have thought of, but if you are looking for a Christmas market break with children, this is a great choice. Tivoli Gardens come alive with over 2 million Christmas lights and there are plenty of activities to keep all the family happy.
There is a wide choice of Christmas market breaks available from Dublin airport, Budapest and Krakow are served from Shannon airport, Geneva and Prague are available from Cork, and Malaga is served from Cork, Knock and Shannon airports too.
Read: 26 Christmas market breaks with flights and hotels included
5. Paris, France
Paris might be popular in the Spring, but winter time is also a great time to visit. There are no crowds, its great for shopping, and have you ever seen the Eiffel Tower look so pretty? We went for New Year and loved it.
If you happen to have children, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris at Christmas time. There are many flights to Paris available from Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
Read: Top things to do in Paris and where to stay
Read: The best Disneyland Paris hotels, on site and nearby
6. Iceland
Iceland is one of the best winter holiday destinations if you are looking for a snowy destination with winter wonderland feels and plenty to see and do. Chase the Northern Lights, swim in the Blue Lagoon and drive Iceland’s golden circle. There are direct flights from Dublin to Reykjavik with Icelandair this winter.
Read: Top things to do in Iceland
7. Malta
For a small island in the Mediterranean, Malta sure packs a few punches. Temperatures can be as high as 17 degrees and rarely get below 11 degrees, making it ideal for sightseeing.
It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the City of Valletta is one of them and is a must see. It has 320 historic monuments and a stunning natural harbour and is described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’ by UNESCO.
Malta was the most bombed country in the world during WWII, with over 14,000 bombs dropped. You can visit air raid shelters and war rooms, as well as an aviation museum.
It is rare to find anywhere in the Med where you drive on the left hand side, and the island is only 17 miles long and 9 miles wide, with a population of just over 500,000, so it is an easy island to explore.
Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta
8. Tromsø & Bergen, Norway
Aer Lingus’ announcement of direct flights from Dublin to Tromso last year took us all by surprise! Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø offers the picture perfect winter wonderland experience, along with a charming city and one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Choose from Arctic shoeshoeing, husky dog-sledding, whale watching or fjord cruises – one thing for sure is you won’t be left wanting for things to do in Tromsø. Aer Lingus will fly from Dublin to Tromsø twice weekly from December to March.
As well as direct flights to Tromsø, you can also visit Bergen, the gateway to the Fjords, with direct flights from Dublin with Widerøe. Bergen is Norway’s second largest city but feels like a small town, and its UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen is a colourful wharf with museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Read: Top Things To Do In Bergen And Where to Stay – Bergen Travel Guide
9. Madeira
Madeira is having a moment, and after my recent trip I can see why! This stunning Portuguese island offers year-round mild temperatures, fewer crowds than many other European holiday destinations, great value, and an incredible choice of things to see and do. Madeira holidays are particularly appealing if you love the outdoors, but the island works equally well for a relaxing break, a city escape or a mix of both.
I was blown away by the scenery and the sheer variety of experiences available. Watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and hiking the Stairway to Heaven were up there with some of my best travel experiences. I also loved exploring the atmospheric Fanal Forest, and visiting in the natural pools at Porto Moniz and the famous black-sand beach at Seixal on Madeira’s stunning north coast.
Located off the coast of Africa, with an average day time temperature of 18 degrees in the winter, this is an ideal winter holiday destination. Ryanair fly twice weekly to Madeira from Dublin airport.
10. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is one of my favourite holiday destinations. I love the beaches there – there are over 100 of them! I also love its pretty clifftop villages and the great food scene, and you don’t need to have scorching temperatures to appreciate them.
There is also a superb range of sporting and wellness activities in the Algarve, and with winter weather being generally mild, this is the time to enjoy them.
We visited in February of this year and loved walking the beaches and cycling the boardwalks. The Algarve is one of the best value winter holiday destinations from Ireland and there are flights from Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.
Read: Where to stay in the Algarve – ultimate guide to top holiday resorts
11. Malaga and the Costa del Sol, Spain
The Costa del Sol is one of our most popular holiday destinations and is served all year round from Dublin, Cork Knock and Shannon airports. You can expect mild temperatures and great value in the numerous hotels along the Costa del Sol. I suggest paying a visit to Malaga city too – it offers the best of both worlds.
Despite being the six largest city in Spain, Malaga feels more like a vibrant town. Most of the top things to do in Malaga are located close together so you can see most of the highlights in a short break. It is a pretty city with marbled tiles and tapas bars on its streets and there are over 30 museums to explore.
Malaga is fascinating, friendly and fun and is a great option for a city break this winter.
Read: Top things to do in Malaga – Malaga Travel Guide
If you want a little adventure thrown in, I urge you to visit one of Spain’s best kept secrets – the Caminito del Rey. It is only an hour from Malaga and the resorts along the Costa del Sol. The views are spectacular from beginning to end, with stunning gorges, canyons and cliffs around every corner.
Read: Top Tips for walking the Caminito del Rey cliff path walk
Read: Top 10 Day Trips from Malaga and the Costa Del Sol
Read: Nerja Spain: 10 Top Things to do in Nerja, Where to Stay, Dine and Explore
12. Turkey
There are direct flights to three Turkish airports from Dublin airport this winter. Choose a city break in Istanbul with Turkish airlines or Pegasus or Sun Express to Izmir or Antalya. Turkey is often considered a shoppers paradise, so a trip before Christmas might be worth considering!
Antalya has proven very popular with Irish holidaymakers to its white sandy beaches, yacht-filled marinas and lavish hotels. Belek is Mecca for golfers – there are 16 courses here, but there are plenty of traditional towns and historical sites to be explored too.
Read: The Ultimate Turkish Riviera Resort Guide – The Best Resorts To Choose For Holidays to Turkey
Read: 25 Top Hotels In Turkey – Best Value, Luxury and Family Friendly Hotels
13. Naples, Amalfi Coast
Explore the Amalfi Coast without the crowds! With flights from Dublin to Naples five-six times weekly from Ryanair, you can wander through Positano, take a boat trip to Capri and explore Pompeii. Check out our travel guide with top things to do and where to stay here:
Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay, dine and explore
14. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik may not be the first place that comes to mind for a winter holiday, but with the lowest airfares I have seen, it is well worth considering for a great value city break. Exploring without the crowds, with flights and hotels costing less – its a win win!
Kaitlin and I both visited Dubrovnik recently and have plenty of tips to share, including the top attractions in the ciry and the best places to visit nearby. Why not extend your trip with a day in neighbouring Montenegro, or explore some of the nearby islands.
Read: Winter holidays in Dubrovnik, Flights & 5 Star Hotel from €259!
Read: Top things to do in Dubrovnik and nearby
Read: 20 Best hotels in Dubrovnik and nearby
Ryanair fly twice-weekly from Dublin to Dubrovnik throughout the winter and Aer Lingus fly twice-weekly until the end of November.
15. Cruise holidays
There are many options for winter cruises from Ireland. MSC and Princess Cruises will cruise the Mediterranean during the winter season, you can cruise the Canary Islands with Norwegian and Marella Cruises, or choose to cruise the Caribbean or Emirates on a variety of cruise lines.
River cruises are also very popular, particularly during the festive season where you can visit many Christmas markets on one trip.
Read: 20 Top Tips for First Time Cruisers
16. Morocco
We are very fortunate to have flights to three airports in Morocco this winter, Agadir, Rabat and Marrakech with Ryanair, and Marrakech with Aer Lingus. So whether you fancy a cultural city break or a relaxing holiday on Agadir’s sandy beach – Morocco can offer both.
Agadir’s beach is 12km long and its fashionable marina area has a host of restaurants and duty free shops, while Marrakech’s medina is fascinating to explore.
I had the pleasure of visiting Marrakesh this year and loved it. It is the perfect winter city break destination as average daytime temperatures are 20 degrees. You can ready my full guide here, with tips on the best places to visit and where to stay.
Read: 15 Top Things to Do in Marrakesh, Where to Stay, Dine and Explore
17. Seville, Spain
With year-round flights from Dublin to Seville with Aer Lingus and Ryanair, as well as a service from Cork with Ryanair, there has never been a better time to plan a city break to the stunning capital of Andalusia.
Seville blends history, culture, and gastronomy in perfect harmony. Set along the Guadalquivir River (remember Chris de Burgh’s Spanish Train?), the city is a maze of narrow streets lined with tempting tapas bars. Wandering through Seville is a delight – each stroll revealing architectural treasures like the magnificent Royal Alcázar and the iconic Plaza de España.
Read: Top things to do in Seville and where to stay
18. Pisa, Italy
I predict that flights to Pisa are going to be great value this winter. Ryanair are flying three times weekly from Dublin and there are so many places to discover. Whether you choose to hike the Cinque Terre, get lost in the narrow streets of Florence, or hire a car and discover Tuscany’s rolling hills – this is the opportunity to explore this part of Italy without the crowds.
Read: The best places to visit in Tuscany
Read: Where to stay in the Cinque Terre and top tips to help you explore
Long Haul Winter Holiday Destinations
19. Cancun, Mexico
Want to get straight to the Caribbean this winter? Mexico is a fantastic choice, with direct flights from Dublin to Cancun making it easier than ever to enjoy some winter sun. From the lively resorts of Cancun to the beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya, there are plenty of options to choose from. Our guide below has top tips on choosing the best resort in Mexico for your trip.
Read: The Ultimate Mexico Resort Guide – The Best Resorts To Choose For A Holiday To Cancun
Read: Where To Stay In Mexico – 12 Of The Best Hotels In Cancun And Surrounding Areas
Read: Top things to do along the Riviera Maya
20. Florida, USA
With direct flights to Orlando all year round and Miami in winter, why not choose winter over summer in the sunshine state. Winter is the optimum time to visit Orlando’s theme parks, although Christmas holiday time will be busy.
Take the opportunity to explore Florida’s coastline too including the beaches of Miami. Why not fly into Orlando and home from Miami to make the most of your winter holiday?
Read: 10 things you need to know about Universal Studios before you book
Read: 35 Things to do in Universal Orlando – My top tips and tricks
Read: 30 Things to do in Disney World Florida with teens
21. New York, USA
New York is amazing to visit at any time of year, but I think it is a great winter holiday destination. You don’t need to worry about the roasting summer temperatures, and of course you can ice-skate in Central Park. We all know New York is a super city for shopping so it is ideal for a pre or post Christmas break.
The Christmas lights are turned on in early December, and this is a great time to visit, but if you want to avoid the crowds and the high hotel prices, leave it until January. There are direct flights from Dublin and Shannon airport this winter and it is easily accessible via Heathrow from Cork and Knock airports.
Read: Where to stay in New York
Read: Top 25 things to do in New York
Read: Top things to do with New York with kids
I hope this list of winter holiday destinations will help you plan a trip away soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, prices and experiences are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional charge to you.
