Our Top Destinations for August Bank Holiday Breaks from Ireland 2019
August Bank Holiday Breaks in Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a perfect destination for an August Bank Holiday break. Not only are there direct flights from Dublin, but flight prices are relatively inexpensive and flight time is less than two hours. Not only that but it is just a 30-minute bus ride into the city centre. This means you’ll have plenty of time to explore Amsterdam in a weekend.
Immerse yourself in some culture and history with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House and then take a lovely stroll along Amsterdam’s famous canals. The total length of Amsterdam’s 165 canals is 50km, but if that is too much to do on foot, make like a local and bike your way through the city.
Amsterdam has a fantastic food and coffee scene. Make your way to the Foodhallen in the west of the city and take your pick of creative cuisine from over 25 stalls. Make sure you try the local stroopwafel and pancakes.
When the lights go down the music turns up and the party goers come to dance the night away in one of the city’s many clubs, pubs and bars. Head out onto the terrace of the SkyLounge for some unbeatable views of the city.
The best thing about heading to Amsterdam for the August Bank Holiday is that you can catch Pride Amsterdam’s Canal Parade 2019 (Saturday 3 August 2019) and enjoy Vondelpark Festival, which hosts gigs, theatre, dance and cabaret events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. All these events are free too. This is why Amsterdam is one of the best destinations for an August Bank Holiday break.
Travel Inspiration: 9 Best Things to do in Amsterdam
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a lovely, lively city and just a 2.5-hour direct flight away from Ireland. The downtown area is known as Baixa and you can be there in less than 40 minutes from the airport if you choose to use public transport.
Lisbon has plenty of museums and galleries to keep culture lovers happy. However, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Lisbon is to wander and get lost in the old streets.
When you work up an appetite it’s time to discover Lisbon’s mouthwatering food and wine culture. Visit the Time Out Market and indulge your tastebuds with some local caught fish and traditional custard tarts. The local Portuguese wines are a great accompaniment, and they are great value too.
Lisbon is lively at night. You won’t find it hard to find a cool bar, café, club or live music venue. If you want to do Lisbon like a local, begin at sundown at the Titanic Sur Mer. This is a cool live music venue right on the waterfront.
Travel Inspiration: Top 7 Things to do in Lisbon
Long-haul August Bank Holiday Breaks
Dubai, UAE
If you fancy heading off somewhere far flung for an August Bank Holiday break Dubai is a great choice due to the direct flights from Ireland. You can also get a late flight out of Ireland which lands in Dubai bright and early so you can maximise your time there. With just 4 hours time difference too, you won’t really feel any effects of jet lag. All these reasons add up to make Dubai a great destination for an August Bank Holiday break from Ireland.
Once you get there, it is just a quick transfer from the airport to downtown so you can get out and explore ASAP.
The only problem you’ll have is deciding what to do, as you can do almost anything your heart desires. Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis in the desert and it is renowned for its shopping, physics-defying buildings and world-class hotels and restaurants. With so much on offer there is no shortage of things to do in Dubai. But with all the actives, make sure you take some time to relax on the beautiful beaches or laze by the pool.
Travel Inspiration: Top Things to do in Dubai
New York, USA
New York is a sensational destination for an August Bank Holiday break as it has so much to offer all kinds of visitors. You can lap up the culture with visits to the many museums and take in a show on Broadway. You can get out on the Hudson River in a canoe or kayak and enjoy an active break. Bargain hunters can head to the vintage stores in Brooklyn or those looking for the latest fashion can shop till they drop on 5th Avenue.
The best thing about going to New York in August is that there are plenty of free events and festivals on as well as street parties and celebrations of all kinds.
Food lovers are in for a treat as New York Restaurant Week takes place over two weeks around the August Bank Holiday. You can get a great deal on lunch and dinners in some of the best restaurants in New York.
No matter what you are into, New York is sure to thrill you.
Travel Inspiration: Discover New York City like a New Yorker
Top value for money family August Bank Holiday Breaks
Malaga, Spain
When travelling with children you want the journey to be as stress free as possible. Malaga is an ideal destination for an August Bank Holiday break if you are travelling with children as there are direct flights from a variety of Irish airports, the flight time is just about 3 hours (not too long when you have kids in tow) and the transfer time to the city is just 30 minutes.
Malaga itself is a fun city with plenty of sandy beaches, outdoor attractions and child-friendly restaurants. It is a great family destination.
Adults are well catered for too with loads of historic buildings to uncover, Game of Thrones filming locations to explore and a vibrant food scene.
For a fun-filled family trip out of the city, rent a car and make your away along the scenic route to The Smurf Village of Júzcar. A few years ago the village of Júzcar was painted blue to promote the Smurf movie. However, the residents loved the new hue so much that they have left the village blue and dedicated to the Smurfs. The village of Júzcar is now a real-world Smurfville.
Travel Inspiration: 10 Best Things to do in Malaga: a Local’s Guide
Newquay, UK
In terms of stress free destinations when travelling with children, the UK is a great option. Flights are short and plentiful and with so much competition you can usually nab yourself a bargain.
For a fun few days in the sun, Newquay is a firm favourite with families thanks to its clean beaches and plenty of accommodation options including caravan parks, camping and clamping sites, self-catering apartments and houses and holiday parks. Furry family members can also come too as there are plenty of pet-friendly places in Newquay.
Newquay is a great place to try out water sports and learn how to surf and the water is a balmy 17 degrees Celsius in August.
Throughout the year, Newquay hosts events and festivals on its beaches, in the town’s streets and in the surrounding areas. From surf to sporting events and family events to more adult options there will be something happening nearby to suit everyone.
Travel Inspiration: 10 of the Best Beaches in the UK for 2019
| August Bank Holiday Breaks 2019 | City, Country |
| Destinations in Europe | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Lisbon, Portugal | |
| Long-haul Destinations | Dubai, UAE |
| New York, USA | |
| Top Value for Money Family Destinations | Malaga, Spain |
| Newquay, UK |
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