The Perfect Weekend Escape: Dublin from Leeds Bradford

By Dean | Yorkshire Travel Guide

If you are looking for a weekend getaway that offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and probably the best nightlife in Europe, then look no further than Dublin. For travelers in the Yorkshire area, the Irish capital is just so accessible.

With a short flight time of just under an hour from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), you can technically leave work on that dreary Friday afternoon and have a pint of the "Black Stuff" in your hand by dinner. Here’s your Where and What guide to spending an amazing weekend in Dublin, flying directly from Leeds.

Getting There: The LBA Advantage

One of the biggest selling points of this trip is the sheer convenience. Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate regular flights from Leeds Bradford to Dublin (DUB). The flight lasts typically around one hour, sometimes shorter than the commute across Leeds during rush hour—now there's a thing.

Because the flight is so short, you get maximum time on the ground, so to speak, and getting into the city center soon after landing is so easy. You have two main express bus options: the Aircoach and the Dublin Express. Both pick up right outside the main terminals and will have you in the heart of the city (O’Connell Bridge or Grafton Street areas) in about 30 minutes for roughly €8–€10.

Taxis of course are everywhere but bear in mind that they cost quite a bit more (expect to pay between €25–€35).

Saturday: Soaking Up History

Dublin is a really walkable city, so pack them comfortable shoes. Start your Saturday morning at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. This 9th-century manuscript is a real masterwork of calligraphy and is surely one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures. The tour includes entry to the "Long Room" of the Old Library, a stunning, Harry Potter-esque hall filled with over 200,000 of the library’s very oldest books.

From there, take a short walk to Dublin Castle. For over 700 years, this complex was the seat of British rule in Ireland. It’s a fascinating site that sits right in the heart of the city.

A fascinating site right in the heart of the city.

You can wander around the gardens and then call to see the medieval Record Tower, or take a guided tour of the lavish State Apartments, which are still in use today for presidential inaugurations and state visits.

After soaking up all that history, head up Grafton Street, the city's premier shopping district famous for its talented buskers and designer brands. At the top of the street lies St. Stephen’s Green, a Victorian park perfect for a mid-morning wander, coffee in hand.

In the afternoon, head up to Dublin's most popular tourist attraction by far: the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate. Even if you aren't a massive beer drinker, this seven-story brewing experience is sure to impress. It covers the history of brewing and ends at the Gravity Bar on the top floor. Here, you can redeem your entry ticket for a complimentary pint of what is definitely the world's best known beer, while enjoying a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, amazing.

Sunday: Gaols and Tales

On Sunday, dive into Ireland's revolutionary history with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison has held many of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. Take the guided tour which is incredibly moving and gives deep insight into the real struggles for Irish independence. Tip: Tickets for this sell out weeks in advance, so this is a must book as soon as you've arranged your flights.

If you prefer something lighter, visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Unlike dusty traditional museums, EPIC is a fully interactive, high-tech experience which is located in the city Docklands and tells the story of the 10 million people who left Ireland to start new lives overseas.

Eating and Drinking: The "Craic"

No weekend in Dublin is ever complete without experiencing the famous pub culture.

Temple Bar: Yes, it is touristy and pricey, but walking through the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district is a rite of passage that you have to take. The atmosphere is electric, and live music spills out of every doorway, your feet will be tapping right through the front door.

Walking through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar is a rite of passage.

The Brazen Head: For a much more authentic feel, make sure you visit Ireland's oldest pub (dating back to 1198). It offers really great food (try the fantastic beef and Guinness stew) and the traditional music sessions.

Food Scene: Dublin’s food scene has exploded in recent years and is now firmly on the map. For lunch, grab Dublin's best fish and chips from Leo Burdock near Christchurch Cathedral, a favorite of celebrities for decades.

Conclusion

A weekend in Dublin from Leeds Bradford is the ultimate low-stress, but high excitement city break. With those short flights and a compact, friendly city center, you can pack a week's worth of memories into 48 hours. Whether you are there for the history, the music, or just the atmosphere, Dublin has got to be a winner.