5 European cities to escape to this May Day bank holiday 2026 from Dublin Airport

Looking for May Day inspiration but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. That early May bank holiday hits just right. A little taste of summer, longer evenings, and the perfect excuse to get out of Ireland for a few days without fully committing to a big annual leave splurge.

Here’s the trick most people miss. By adding just one or two days of annual leave around the May Day bank holiday, you can unlock cheaper return flights, better timings, and honestly, a much more relaxed trip. Less chaos, more aperitivo energy.

I used Skyscanner to pull together five European city breaks you can book right now, all flying from Dublin Airport in and around the May Day bank holiday in 2026.

1. Luxembourg

€38 return | Monday – Wednesday | 2 days leave

Let’s start with the wildcard. Luxembourg isn’t always top of people’s list, but that’s exactly why it works. You’ve got a fairytale old town, dramatic cliffside views, and a seriously underrated food scene.

This Monday to Wednesday option is the cheapest of the lot. Two days of leave gets you a midweek reset that feels properly off-grid, without taking over your long May Day weekend.

Alternative option:
€133 return | Saturday – Monday | no leave needed

Prefer to keep your annual leave intact? This weekend option is pricier, but still a solid shout for a no-fuss escape.

2. Brussels

€70 return | Friday – Monday | 1 day leave

Short, sweet, and full of character. Brussels is one of those cities that doesn’t try too hard and ends up winning anyway.

You’ve got grand squares, late-night bars, and some of the best French fries you’ll ever eat. Add one day of leave and you’ve got a long weekend that feels way longer than it should. If you’re feeling brave, why not pair your trip to Brussels with a day trip to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp or even Lille?

3. Copenhagen

€67 return | Saturday – Tuesday | 1 day leave

Yes, Copenhagen can be spenny once you land if you don’t plan ahead. But flights at this price? Worth it.

Design lovers, this is your moment. Clean lines, cool cafés, and an effortless Scandi vibe. One day of leave gets you a proper long break without the burnout. Feeling adventurous? Pair your trip to Copenhagen with a 45 minute jaunt to Malmö in Sweden.

4. Berlin

€111 return | Saturday – Tuesday | 1 day leave

Berlin doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s gritty, creative, and always evolving.

Whether you’re in it for the history, the nightlife, or just the energy of the place, this is one of the best-value city breaks in Europe right now. Add one day of leave and you’ve got time to actually explore beyond the surface. I love this city so much I went back for my seventh time in 2025, and returning in 2026 for the eighth!

5. Milan

€122 return | Friday – Tuesday | 2 days leave

If you’re chasing a bit of sunshine and style, Milan delivers.

Land here and you’ll have rooftop aperitivos, espresso-fuelled mornings, and a base for exploring northern Italy if you fancy stretching the trip. Two days of leave gives you a properly indulgent long weekend that leans into that early summer feeling.

Fun fact: I visited Milan in 2013 on an epic interrail adventure. I don’t have a guide for this city yet as my information will be wildly out of date – but I can assure you that this city is gorgeous!

Are you all set for travel this May Day?

The May Day bank holiday is one of the easiest wins in the travel calendar. With just a little bit of planning and a strategic day or two of annual leave, you can turn a standard long weekend into a proper European escape.

Flights from Dublin Airport are looking strong for 2026, especially if you stay flexible with your dates and don’t mind flying slightly off-peak.

Read Next: Leave Stacking: The Ultimate 2026 Annual Leave Hack for Maximum Time Off

Prices were checked on April 1st at 18:00 and are only a guide. Always check the latest deals directly with airline websites before booking.

Now the only question is… where are you heading first this May Day?

Updated: 2 April 2026