City full of ‘charming locals’ is one of Europe’s most popular breaks

A new study has lifted the lid on the most popular European city break destinations for Britons in 2024 and while Amsterdam has topped the charts, a second city just a stone’s throw from England has taken second place. The historic city of Dublin, with it stunning, old-world architecture attracts millions of overseas tourists every year.

According to data from the experts at Holidu, Dublin receives an average of 64,000 online searches each month from budding tourists.

“Dublin secures its spot as the second most popular city break location,” commented the experts. “With flights from Liverpool to the Irish capital lasting less than one hour, travellers on a tight schedule might even opt to fly over just for a day or two.

“Perhaps the most popular activity to do whilst you’re in Dublin is to visit the Guinness Storehouse, the brewery experience that tells the tale of Ireland’s world-loved beer, complete with tastings and a rooftop bar.”

The speedy flight time and availability of budget options is a fantastic draw for British tourists. Flights from Newcastle to Dublin take an average of one hour and five minutes.

Flights from Manchester to Dublin take an average of one hour and five minutes, while flights from London to the Irish capital take an average of one hour and 25 minutes.

However, it’s not just the fast flights attracting masses of British tourists. It’s local people are also commended by experts at Tripadvisor.

“Dublin blends old world vibes with friendly, down-to-earth charm,” they said. Plus, the city is incredibly walkable meaning that if you only go for a couple of days you don’t need to worry about hiring a car.

If you’re only visiting for a brief period, Tripadvisor’s experts recommend kicking off your trip with some well-known sights.

“Admire the ornate details of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, explore the ‘heart of the city’ at the Dublin Castle, and take in the sprawling campus of Trinity College,” explained Tripadvisor.

“There are tons of museums to explore (many, like the Chester Beatty, are free), and the food really caters to any budget or taste: You can dive into a tasting menu at one of the city’s 43 Michelin-starred restaurants or pop into a pub and get the best fish and chips of your life.”