I can’t believe it’s already the last week of classes here in Dublin. When looking at the schedule before arriving, I noticed a day off classes due to the bank holiday in Ireland on August 4th. It seems that we all came to an agreement early on that this long weekend should be spent getting new passport stamps, exploring different countries, and eating food other than fish & chips. So after wrapping up our final presentation for global business immersion on Friday, a few of us seized the chance to explore beyond Dublin, ending up scattered across Europe (and Ireland!). For me, this well-earned long weekend escape ended with me in Sardinia, Italy. Here are a few of the places visited and a few quick tips for avid travelers during your own study abroad adventures. 

Alghero – Sardinia Italy

Just around three hours from Dublin, Alghero is an absolutely sun-soaked gem on the northwestern coast of Sardinia. Think cobbled streets, turquoise water, and seafood so fresh it makes you question everything you thought you knew about pasta. I went with a friend, and from stumbling upon the most gorgeous beaches, taking a boat ride to a grotto right off the water, eating the best pizza and gelato I’ve ever had, it was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Sardinia might not be the first place that comes to mind for a weekend trip from Ireland, but trust me, it should be. We came upon this city on a complete whim! When looking for places, we wanted somewhere cheap to fly to and stay in and also a beach (of course!). From looking up “prettiest European cities for a weekend trip,”  Alghero became the top of our list and I’m so grateful it did! While my backpack might’ve been flagged by Ryanair as too big, the sun gave me one of the worst sunburns I’ve ever had, and the same backpack broke before our flight back, Sardinia was most definitely worth visiting. 

Brussels, Belgium 

A few others in our group jetted off to Brussels, where chocolate, waffles, and rich history collide. With its compact size and excellent public transport, Brussels is ideal for a short stay. They squeezed in everything from admiring the architecture, vintage thrifting, and a fun night out. Brussels is a similar vibe to that of Dublin as its well-connected, relatively affordable, and offers a unique mix of European culture in a bite-sized setting.

Faro, Portugal 

Another pair spent their weekend in Faro, Portugal. With consistent sunshine and cheap flights from Dublin, it’s a go-to for beach lovers and city explorers alike. From what I heard, pastel de nata tastes even better after a long day in the waves.

The Irish Countryside

As the last few of our weekends were occupied with pre-planned excursions, we didn’t have lots of time to explore farther out of Dublin, so some of us chose to stay in Ireland and explore some more! From Bray to Wicklow, staying local gave them a chance to see the parts of Ireland we often take for granted. It’s a good reminder that “getting away” doesn’t always mean going far.

Top tips: 

• Ryanair often runs cheap direct flights from Dublin. Book early and pack light (don’t get flagged like I did!)
• If you want to save money, book a private hostel room with your friends!
• Don’t overplan – this is something that’s really hard for me as an extreme type A! But lots of times, and especially for my trip to Alghero, not having a plan and just wandering leads you to the coolest things! 
• Maximize your time – we left early on Friday and the last possible flight on Monday to maximize our time away! Arriving back in Dublin at 1am on Tuesday was surprisingly not too bad!

Studying or living in Dublin means having Europe at your doorstep. And long weekends are the perfect excuse to explore. Whether you’re after sunny coastlines, buzzing cities, or quiet nature escapes, there’s something out there for every mood and budget. If you happen to be studying abroad in Europe, I highly recommend taking the leap, booking the flight, or hopping on the train to a new place. Because one of the best parts of studying abroad is being able to explore and come back with stories worth telling.