Deposits from €25
Deposits From €25pp When You Book Online
Last Minute Edinburgh Holidays from Ireland
Craving a cheeky getaway to explore ancient castles and enjoy a well-deserved pint? Secure our flexible last minute Edinburgh holidays from Ireland to lock in an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure today.
Summer Edinburgh Holidays from Ireland
Treat the family to an unforgettable Scottish adventure where you can soak up the medieval charm and vibrant culture without emptying your wallet. Securing our budget-friendly Summer Edinburgh Holidays from Ireland is the easiest way for savvy holidaymakers to explore this stunning capital.
Your Edinburgh Travel Guide
Why Visit Edinburgh?
Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital, sits on the country’s east coast, blending history, culture and stunning scenery into one incredible city. The landscape offers a blend of rolling hills and a bustling city dotted with medieval architecture. The weather is unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine, rain and a cool breeze, sometimes all in one day!
There's plenty for visitors to see and do in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, and is visible from many points throughout the city. It's packed with history, from the Crown Jewels to the Stone of Destiny, all of which are on display for visitors to marvel over. Guided tours and audio guides bring its dramatic past to life, covering everything from medieval battles to royal secrets.
The Old Town’s winding streets lead to hidden courtyards, cosy pubs and eerie underground vaults. For nature lovers, Arthur’s seat, an ancient extinct volcano, offers a rewarding hike with panoramic views over the city.
Edinburgh has something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the many opportunities this city offers to get out and explore the beautiful landscape, while history buffs can spend hours exploring the city's museums and points of historical significance.
Families will love the zoo and interactive museums while couples can enjoy romantic walks up Calton Hill and cosy whiskey bars. Solo travellers can explore hidden gems in the Old Town, while groups of friends can dive into lively pubs, ghost tours and festivals.
There are many flights from Ireland to Edinburgh every week, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes, making a city break to Edinburgh from Dublin incredibly convenient.
Budget Travel Benefits
Why book your short breaks to Edinburgh with Budget Travel, Ireland's trusted travel experts?
- Deposits from €25: Secure your holiday for just €25 per person when you book online (applies to holidays 8+ weeks out).
- Flexible Payment Plans: Spread the cost with monthly instalments or pay the balance 14 days before departure.
- 100% Irish Owned: We have been proudly Irish owned for over 50 years.
- Licensed & Bonded: Travel with confidence knowing you are 100% financially protected.
Travel Data Corner
Curious about how other holidaymakers are planning their Edinburgh breaks? Here is a look at the latest trends for city breaks to Edinburgh.
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Travel Feature |
What the Data Shows |
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Trip Style |
52% want short city breaks; 48% want longer trips. Perfect for a quick 48-hour escape or a full week of exploring. |
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Booking Ahead |
High interest already building for 2026. Lock in your prices early for peak times like Easter and New Year. |
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Preferred Package |
Flight + Hotel deals are highly searched. Save time and money by bundling your flights and hotel together. |
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Top Travel Months |
Rising interest in March, September, and October. Great times for lower prices, fewer crowds, and beautiful city views. |
Pro Tip
Our Top Tip: Always look for the early morning flight out (around 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM) and the late evening flight back. Because the flight is so short, an early start means you can be sitting in a lovely Edinburgh café having breakfast by 8:30 AM on your very first day!
This turns a simple two-night weekend break into three full days of adventure without needing to pay for an extra night in a hotel. It is the smartest way to get the most out of your holiday budget.
Hear From Our Happy Jetsetters
Alison McManus – Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Girls Trip
A group of ladies booked a trip to Benidorm for a 40th Birthday in September. We stayed at the Pierre & Vacaances Levante apartments. They were superb. Great location, clean, spacious and perfect for our group. Neasa in Budget Travel was a dream to deal with, couldn't fault a thing.
Mrs Daly, Kerry – Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Last minute booking with Budget Travel
I booked our holiday through Budget Travel one week prior to our departure date. Travelled last week in July. Same rate online as over the phone, therefore, I was able to speak to an agent to have any questions answered and she made the booking for me. Confirmation was done via email and just needed to print off hotel voucher and transfer vouchers. We didn't get our seats together on the plane but this was down to Ryanair not Budget Travel. Would recommend and use budget travel again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight for a city break Edinburgh?
Flights from Ireland to Edinburgh are incredibly quick, taking just about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This makes Edinburgh city breaks an ideal choice for a fast, hassle-free getaway.
Can I pay for my Edinburgh holidays in instalments?
Yes! We offer flexible payment plans for all our holidays. You can secure your booking with a low deposit of just €25 per person and spread the rest of the cost over affordable monthly payments.
Is Edinburgh a good destination for families?
Absolutely. Edinburgh is packed with family-friendly attractions, from exploring the grand halls of Edinburgh Castle to meeting the penguins at Edinburgh Zoo.
More Information
Things to Do in Edinburgh
Attractions
- Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress perched on Castle Rock, home to the crown jewels and rich Scottish history.
- The Royal Mile is a vibrant street running through the Old Town, filled with shops, pubs and historic sites.
- Holyrood Place is the official Scottish residence of the King, featuring stunning architecture and royal history.
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a fun, interactive museum with mind-bending optical illusions and city views.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Edinburgh is diverse and vibrant. The Old Town is full of cosy pubs with live folk music, while George Street has fancy cocktail bars and clubs. Other nightlife options include ghost tours, late-night comedy shows or a whiskey-tasting experience. Whether you want a relaxed evening or a big night out, Edinburgh has something for everyone.
Dining out
Edinburgh's dining scene offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy pubs and international street foods. You can enjoy fresh Scottish seafood, traditional haggis, or modern fusion cuisine. The Old Town and New Town are packed with great eateries, while Leith is a hotspot for top-tier dining.
For Families
Edinburgh has plenty of family-friendly activities that will be of interest to people of all ages. Explore Edinburgh Castle, where kids can discover knights and kings and their history, or visit the National Museum of Scotland for fun and interactive exhibits. Meet penguins and pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, or enjoy a magical storytelling experience at The Real Mary’s King Close. For outdoor fun, climb Arthur’s Seat or explore Princes Street Gardens for a picnic.
Shopping
Edinburgh offers fantastic shopping spots to suit all tastes! Princes Street has high-street favourites with stunning castle views, while George Street is home to luxury brands and stylish boutiques. For unique gifts and Scottish souvenirs, explore the Royal Mile or visit Victoria Street, which is said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. If you love vintage and independent shops, head to the trendy Stockbridge area.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Edinburgh depends on what you are looking for. Summer (June–August) is perfect for festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, with long daylight hours and a buzzing atmosphere. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Winter (November–December) brings seasonal charm with Christmas markets and cosy pubs where you can soak up the festive atmosphere.
Local Info
Currency
The Great British Pound is used in Edinburgh.
Time Zone
There is no time difference between Ireland and Edinburgh.
Getting around
Getting around Edinburgh is easy! The city centre is very walkable, with most attractions close together. For longer trips, the Lothian Bus network is reliable, with contactless payments accepted. The Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to the city centre and beyond. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available, and if you fancy a scenic journey, hop on a bike or e-scooter!
