10 exciting new winter routes from Ireland for 2023/24, including Lapland and Egypt

Miami (DUB)

Bienvenido a Miami! Aer Lingus’s second service to Florida (alongside family favourite Orlando) relaunches on October 29 offering travellers a more cosmopolitan way to experience the Sunshine State. For accommodation, check out bougie South Beach, boho Little Havana or, for an iconic budget trip, why not consider camping in the epic Everglades? With winter temperatures in Miami hitting the 20s, packing light is an option making Aer Lingus’ Saver fares, which include a 10kg carry-on bag, a more affordable option. December fares start from €358 return. aerlingus.com

Rovaniemi (DUB)

Lapland is one the most aspirational destinations for families but the price of many packages to the region could put Santa himself in a sweat. Direct Ryanair flights between Dublin and Rovaniemi take off again this winter offering a potential DIY option for those seeking to save. Return Saver and Regular fares are currently as low as €101/€145 for November but expect those to double come December… but don’t forget Santa can be visited every day of the year at Lapland’s Christmas Village! Flights operate until the end of March which will also appeal to potential Northern Lights hunters. ryanair.com

Hurghada (BFS)

For sun, sea and snorkelling this winter, EasyJet begins a new route from Belfast to the popular Egyptian destination of Hurghada. The Red Sea resort is known for its exceptional beaches and epic diving and offers decent value too. Standard Plus fares, which include a 15kg carry-on, start from €450 return while on the ground, beachside five-star options (eg. Hilton) will set you back around €140 per night. The airline offers all-inclusive package holidays too from €910pps; easyjet.com

Tenerife South (NOC)

Migrate south from the West this winter thanks to Ryanair’s new Canary Island route from Ireland West Airport. The route, which operates on Thursdays, starts on November 2 with Regular fares from €225 return. You’ll save on airport parking too with weekly winter rates from €40. Flights leave Knock at 10.55am (so consider a local hotel for an affordable overnight option) while the return flight will have you back in Mayo for 10.20am. ryanair.com

Paris (SNN)

C’est le timing parfait! A new Aer Lingus service from Shannon Airport to the City of Light took off just yesterday marking the first service to Charles De Gaulle in over a decade. The route will be an attractive option for Munster based fans soaking up some Rugby World Cup fever or simply to enjoy an autumn or winter break along the Seine. Fares from €90 return. Note that a new Ryanair service also takes off from Cork to Paris-Beauvais this winter too. aerlingus.com

Tallinn (DUB)

If you’re seeking a winter market destination with a difference, Ryanair returns its service from Dublin to Tallinn on October 30 offering travellers an extra option for a Baltic break. The compact Estonian capital makes a fine city break destination with everything from its postcard old town and charming Christmas market to its craft breweries and saunas. If you’ve more time, try a Baltic capital hop and fly into Tallinn and out of Riga and Vilnius. Regular return fares from Dublin to Tallinn from €135. ryanair.com

Barcelona (ORK)

Expect Barcelona to appear on many Instagram timelines this winter thanks to the new winter service connecting Cork and Catalonia.

The twice-weekly service to El Prat, Barcelona’s largest and Spain’s second largest airport, will take the baton from existing routes from Cork to both Girona and Reus. Flights operate Wednesdays and Sundays with Regular fares starting from €120 return. ryanair.com

Bucharest (DUB)

Romanians are the third largest minority in Ireland today and increased capacity to Romania reflects this. From November 3, low fares Romanian airline Dan Air are commencing a new route from Dublin to Bucharest offering competitive fares to what is one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. The service only operates on Fridays but with the existing Ryanair schedule to the city, eekenders now have increased options. Return fares from €150. Dan Air also offers flights from Dublin to the city of Brasov if you fancy a winter break in fairytale Transylvania. danair.ro

Venice Treviso (ORK)

The latest route from Cork to la Bella Italia, Ryanair’s Cork to Venice Treviso took to the skies this week. Treviso is located 31km from Venice (compared to 13km for closer Marco Polo) but zippy bus transfers connect the airport to the city. That’s if you don’t wish to stay in Treviso itself; the medieval wonder surrounded by canals is a charming Veneto city in its own right. Flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays with return fares from €105; ryanair.com

• Note: All Ryanair fares quoted include a 10kg carry on bag. Saver fares, which allow a laptop sized bag, are also available.