Explore Bristol
From colourful harbourside streets and world-class street art to independent food markets and nearby UNESCO-listed Bath, Bristol is a brilliant city break for couples, families and groups.
Why you’ll love Bristol
- Iconic views & landmarks: Clifton Suspension Bridge, pastel-painted terraces, harbourside cranes and historic ships set a stunning scene for photos and sunset strolls. Stroll the Downs, Ashton Court Estate and Brandon Hill for city panoramas, picnic spots and cycle trails.
- Harbourside food & drink: Wapping Wharf’s cargo-container eateries, waterside pubs and weekend markets make grazing your way through Bristol easy and fun.
- Museums & maritime heritage: Explore the city’s seafaring past, hands-on science and family-friendly museums in a compact, easy-to-navigate area around the docks.
- Easy day trips: Hop by train to Bath’s Roman baths and Georgian crescents, hike the Cheddar Gorge, dip into the Cotswolds or hit the beach at Weston-super-Mare.
Getting there & around
- Flights: Direct with Ryanair from Ireland West Airport to Bristol during summer schedule. Typical flight time: 1h 10m.
- Transfers: Bristol Airport is about 13km from the city. Choose from the frequent airport bus to the city centre/Temple Meads rail station, licensed taxis and app-based rides, or car hire on site. Journey time is usually 25-40 minutes depending on traffic and your stop.
- In the city: Bristol is compact. Walk the Harbourside and Old City, then use buses/Metrobus for longer hops. Trains from Temple Meads connect quickly to Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Cardiff. Harbour ferries are a scenic way to move between attractions. Cycling is popular with well-marked routes, e-bikes are widely available. Driving is possible, but central parking can be limited – park-and-ride services help on busy days.
When to visit
Ryanair flights operate from April to October from Ireland West Airport. Summer (Jun–Aug) delivers festivals, long evenings and outdoor dining – ideal for a lively city break. Late spring (Apr–May) and early autumn (Sep) are warm, great for sightseeing without peak-season crowds. Winter is cooler but festive, with markets and cosy pubs – it’s also a good time for relaxed stays and fewer queues at major attractions.
Ready to explore? Book great-value Ryanair flights from Ireland West Airport to Bristol and start planning your next UK city break today.
