Short Breaks to Ireland | Ireland Weekend Breaks

Day trip

Return One way

From: Cairnryan

To: Larne

Departing

Returning

Day trip

Departing

Day trip

Active Short Breaks to Ireland

Antrim County

With so much countryside to explore there are loads of opportunities for active short breaks to Ireland. Pack your walking boots and explore the historic sites and iconic scenery that County Antrim has to offer. You could take on the Causeway Coast Way, a spectacular 33-mile stretch perfect for walking that allows you to take in some of the most dramatic cliff-top scenery and iconic landmarks in Ireland.

Derry

In Derry, you could take on the sprawling trails of the Sperrin Mountains, a rugged mountain range perfect for hiking and cycling that allows you to explore some of the most untouched, wild terrain in Ireland. Or explore the nature around Derry, by visiting popular locations such as Ness Country Park.

Fermanagh County

If you want to pick up the pace then County Fermanagh is a sporting paradise. You could take on the Kingfisher Trial, a 230 mile stretch perfect for cycling allowing you to see all the must see destinations in Ireland.

What are you waiting for, book your Cairnryan to Larne ferry today and start planning your next adventure!

City Break to Ireland

Belfast

You could also choose to visit Belfast and enjoy exploring the bustling city metropolis and relax in the Botanical Gardens. Belfast, as well as being home to the iconic Titanic museum and the lively Cathedral Quarter, is a city rich in maritime history and vibrant street art perfect for any culture lover. Its excellent shopping and variety of restaurants makes it a perfect mini-break in Ireland.

Dublin

If exploring the countryside is something you don’t want to explore on your mini break to Ireland, then a city break to Ireland will be a perfect trip for you. From shopping to exploring the home of Guinness there’s something for everyone.

With lots of vibrant cities to explore in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, you really are spoilt for choice. Dublin, as well as being home to the Guinness museum and Temple Bar, is a city rich in literature and culture perfect for any bookworm. Its shopping and variety of restaurants makes it a perfect city break.

Family Short Breaks to Ireland

When planning a holiday break to Ireland it can be tricky to decide which family destination in Ireland is best. There are so many options when planning family short breaks to Ireland, whether you want to explore the countryside, their bustling cities or step back in time with the Celtic relics. There are so many opportunities to explore something new as a family like caving in County Clare. Or you can enjoy more relaxing quality time together walking and talking in the countryside.

To ensure children are always entertained, during the summer months we ensure our children’s entertainers on board offer plenty of things for them to do so they will never be bored when travelling as well as on the trip itself. Here travelling to your short breaks to Ireland by ferry couldn’t be any easier from offering pet travel, onboard children’s entertainment and children’s menu, we offer everything you could possibly need.

Plan your trip to Normandy beach, France

Romantic Holiday Destinations in Ireland

Galway

Visiting Galway is another popular choice when planning a romantic mini break to Ireland, especially since Ed Sheeran released his popular song talking about this location. If you visit Galway don’t forget to check out Latan Quatar. With its cobblestone streets full of independent pubs, theatres and restaurants it is perfect for date night.

Wicklow County

A short break to Ireland is the perfect excuse for a romantic getaway to Wicklow country. No need to wait for a “Leap Year” to escape to County Wicklow, near Dublin, the stunning setting of the film Leap Year. Known for its breathtaking mountains, scenic coastline, and the famous Wicklow Way, it’s one of the best destinations in Ireland for a romantic trip away.

Cork

Visiting Cork is another popular choice when planning a romantic mini break to Ireland, especially given its famous reputation as the culinary capital of the country. If you visit Cork don’t forget to check out the Victorian Quarter. With its charming streets full of independent pubs, theatres, and fantastic restaurants, it is perfect for date night.

Whether you want a romantic getaway to Ireland, a city break, or a last-minute break to Ireland, the locations and things to do are endless. At P&O Ferries, we make travelling easy, offering all the onboard facilities you need to have a relaxing start to your trip. Treat yourself even more by booking our Club Lounge when you book your Cairnryan to Larne ferry.

Short Break to Ireland FAQs

1 Is Ireland a popular tourist destination?

With plenty of places to visit in Ireland it is a very popular tourist destination. With more and more people visiting Dublin, other Irish locations are also proving popular. There is a holiday destination in Ireland whether you want a city break to Ireland, or a relaxing break in the countryside the choices are endless.

2 Should I stay in Dublin or Galway?

When on a short break to Ireland you don't have to choose between staying in Dublin or Galway. Instead you could stay at both or stay in one but plan day trips to visit the other so you can enjoy visiting a variety of places in Ireland on your trip. If you enjoy city life and are wanting to visit the modern side of Ireland, Dublin will be perfect for you. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe with easy access to beautiful coastal landscapes then Galway will be the location for you.

3 Is a three day visit to Ireland enough?

For a short break to Ireland, 3 days gives you plenty of time to have a great snapshot of the Irish country to get a taste of its highlights. Here with three days you can plan your ideal mini break to Ireland and take some day trips too so you can explore both the city and countryside. When travelling by car to Ireland, you can have even more flexibility and be able to plan the ultimate road trip to Ireland.