5 Underrated European Cities You Can Fly to from Ireland for Under €100

Budget Travel from Ireland: Underrated Gems Await

In an age where budget travel is more accessible than ever, flying from Ireland to explore Europe doesn't have to cost a fortune. While cities like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam dominate most travel bucket lists, there’s a whole world of lesser-known — and far more affordable — destinations waiting to be discovered. Whether you're flying from Dublin, Cork, or Shannon, you can score return flights for under €100 to some of Europe’s most charming and underrated cities.

From medieval alleyways to seaside promenades, these five hidden gems promise rich culture, delicious food, and fewer crowds — all without breaking the bank. Ready to book your next cheap European city break? Let’s take off.

Brno, Czech Republic

Why You Should Go:

Often overshadowed by Prague, Brno is the Czech Republic’s second city — and arguably its coolest. With its lively student vibe, quirky bars, and laid-back atmosphere, Brno is a cultural treasure hiding in plain sight.

Top Highlights:

• The hauntingly beautiful Capuchin Crypt

• Špilberk Castle offering panoramic city views

• Modernist architecture like Villa Tugendhat (a UNESCO site)

Travel Tip: 

Grab a local Pilsner and enjoy it in one of the many beer gardens — prices are delightfully low compared to Western Europe.

Trieste, Italy

Why You Should Go: 

Located near the Slovenian border, Trieste is a crossroads of cultures. Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it blends Italian charm with Central European elegance, all set on the Adriatic coast.

Top Highlights:

• Piazza Unità d’Italia — one of Europe’s largest seafront squares

• Miramare Castle perched on a cliff

• A historic café scene that rivals Vienna’s

Travel Tip:

Skip the expensive Italian hotspots and savour a coffee in Caffè San Marco — literary greats like James Joyce once did the same.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Why You Should Go: 

Vilnius offers a quirky mix of baroque beauty, Soviet history, and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. It’s also one of the cheapest capitals in the EU.

Top Highlights:

• UNESCO-listed Old Town with cobbled streets and pastel facades

• The bohemian Republic of Užupis

• Towering views from Gediminas’ Tower

Travel Tip:

 Visit in autumn for colourful foliage and fewer tourists, plus low-season flight deals from Dublin or Cork.

Zaragoza, Spain

Why You Should Go: 

Midway between Madrid and Barcelona lies Zaragoza — an overlooked gem bursting with Roman ruins, Moorish architecture, and authentic tapas bars without the tourist crowds.

Top Highlights:

• The stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

• Aljafería Palace, a Moorish fortress turned royal palace

• Riverside walks along the Ebro

Travel Tip: 

Plan your visit around the Fiestas del Pilar in October — one of Spain’s most vibrant cultural festivals.

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Why You Should Go:

Set in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj is a dynamic university city that balances medieval charm with hipster cafés and a thriving music scene. Flights from Dublin often cost less than €80 return.

Top Highlights:

• St. Michael’s Church and Unirii Square

• Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania

• Day trips to Turda Salt Mine and countryside castles

Travel Tip:

Try a traditional Romanian meal for under €10 in one of the local bistros — and don’t miss the papanasi (cheese doughnuts)!

Comparison Table

Choose Adventure Over Familiarity

While everyone flocks to the usual suspects in European travel, there’s something truly magical about discovering places you’ve never heard of — especially when they’re easy on the wallet. With budget airlines operating from Ireland's major airports, the world is truly at your doorstep.

Next time you’re browsing flight deals, skip the mainstream and set your sights on one of these five underrated European destinations. Your next adventure — and the best pint or pasta you’ve ever had — might be just a €100 flight away.