Cork travel: Three European cities ideal for minibreaks 

Amsterdam: Canals, Culture, and a Dash of Quirk

Aer Lingus flights from Cork daily except Sunday, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines daily

The capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is a city of vast juxtapositions.

On one hand, its red light district, vibrant party scene, and (ahem) progressive legal policies make it a stag and hen do mecca. Wander around the centre of the city after dark any weekend of the year, and you’ll undoubtedly come across hoards of international revellers out for a good time.

On the other hand, during the day, Amsterdam transforms into a peaceful, relaxed, cobblestoned haven perfect for unhurried exploration. Mirror-like canals undulate softly with each passing barge, while the cheerful trill of bicycle bells can be heard somewhere overhead.

Amidst your nights of revelling, if you visit only one cultural site then make sure it’s Anne Frank House.

Nestled in a quiet canal-side setting, this museum is as profound as it is poignant. Walking through the preserved secret annex where Anne and her family hid from the Nazi regime, you’ll be struck by the tangible weight of history.

It’s an essential experience, one that reminds us of humanity’s darkest chapters and our enduring hope. Top tip: Book your tickets online as far in advance as possible, no matter what season you’re visiting in.

From there, if you have capacity for more sightseeing, a lighter diversion might be in order.

Art enthusiast? Make the pilgrimage to the Van Gogh Museum, a treasure trove of the artist’s works, from sunflower-strewn fields to turbulent starry nights.

A stone’s throw away lies the Rijksmuseum, where Rembrandt and Vermeer reign supreme (though the grand building alone makes this a worthwhile stop).

The canals, of course, are Amsterdam’s arteries, and a boat tour offers a unique perspective of the city. If you’re lucky, your guide will deliver a perfectly deadpan commentary about the city’s quirks (ask about the hooks on the houses).

For something more modern, head to the A’DAM Lookout. This tower, with its panoramic views and vertigo-inducing swing, offers a thrill-seeker’s perspective on Amsterdam.

Across the city, the WONDR Experience provides Instagram-worthy fun, with rooms filled with multi-coloured confetti, adult ball pits, and an artificial pink beach.

While extremely time-specific, the tulip bloom in Amsterdam is also well worth a mention. If you’re visiting in spring (and ideally in mid-April), head out to the Keukenhof Gardens. This sprawling park showcases more than seven million flowers - with the tulips being the headliners.

And finally, no trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a nod to the clichés: windmills, clogs, and cheese.

Zaanse Schans, a short trip from the city, has all three in spades, offering a taste of the Netherlands you’ll likely never forget (especially if you get roped into clog-making). Combine this with a boatload of Gouda, and you’ll have a very Dutch day indeed.

Brussels: Waffles, Wisdom, and a Little Whimsy

Ryanair flights from Cork, Thu, Fri, Sun

It might be the administrative heart of the European Union, but don’t let that fool you - Brussels is more than its suit-and-tie reputation would have you believe.

Start your jaunt around the city at its central square - Grand Place. Surrounded by the ornate guild halls and the towering spire of the town hall, this breathtaking location will fill your smartphone’s gallery with scores of Instagram-worthy photos in no time. And even still - the photos will never do it justice.

Return after dark and you’ll be treated to a slightly more magical experience - the buildings will all be beautifully illuminated, offering a totally different vibe than during the day.

Likely one of the first things you’ll eat in Brussels (and rightly so) will be a mouth-watering Belgian waffle. These aren’t just any waffles, mind you - Belgian waffles are usually thick, golden, and indulgently crisp. 

Whether topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or strawberries (or all three, for that matter), they’re a meal and a hug in one. Pair this with a hot chocolate so rich it feels almost indecent.

For comic book fans, Brussels pays homage to its illustrated heritage with a number of murals scattered across the city. The Smurfs and characters such as Tintin can be spied peeking out from unexpected corners, adding a playful charm to urban strolls. If you’re especially keen, the Belgian Comic Strip Center offers a deep dive into this beloved artform.

Meanwhile, the Atomium is an interesting landmark. It’s a gigantic, gleaming structure that looks like a piece of futuristic art, but is actually an iron molecule magnified billions of times. Climbing inside, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city and some delightfully retro interiors that wouldn’t feel out of place in a 1960s sci-fi flick.

For history buffs, the Royal Palace and its surrounding parks provide a regal interlude, while the European Parliament offers a fascinating peek behind the curtain of continental politics. Last, but by no means least, if you’re feeling especially cheeky you can visit the Manneken Pis, the city’s famous statue of a urinating boy. It’s small, irreverent, and entirely Brussels.

Munich: Bavarian Beauty and Sobering Histories

Aer Lingus flights from Cork, Sat, Jan-Mar only

The best time to visit Bavaria is undoubtedly at the very end of September when the world-famous Oktoberfest festival is in full swing.

For the last 200 years, Oktoberfest in Munich has been held on the Theresienwiese - a large open field a short train ride south-west of the city centre. There, you’ll find carnival rides, market stalls, six million revellers, an inordinate amount of beer, and more pretzels than you can shake a bratwurst at.

But if you’re doing Oktoberfest, do it right and dress up in traditional outfits - a dirndl for the women and lederhosen for the men. Far from being cultural appropriation - the locals encourage visitors to come dressed in the garb!

Outside of this annual, three-week celebration, Munich (and Bavaria in general) is well worth a visit.

Begin your journey at Marienplatz. In this square, the Glockenspiel clock tower performs a daily mechanical spectacle that’s either charming or unsettling, depending on your point of view.

From here, it’s a short trip to the sprawling English Garden, where locals relax, picnic, and even surf on river waves! The Eisbach wave is the most famous of these, but should only be attempted by pro-level surfers. The rest of us mere mortals will have to be content with watching the spectacle.

While not in Munich itself, one cannot speak of a trip to the area without mentioning the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle - inspiration for the now-iconic Disney castle.

It’s a fairytale brought to life, all turrets and romance, perched atop a hill so picturesque, it feels like someone staged the entire setting for a postcard. A visit here is worth the trip alone.

While going inside is a must, make sure you can also go for a hike around the back for amazing views looking down on the castle.

Extra points if you get to Neuschwanstein by driving on the autobahn. There’s no speed limit on certain sections, so feel free to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton - just make sure your rental insurance is in order.

For a sobering contrast, Dachau Concentration Camp is not far from Munich and offers a deeply moving experience. The site, one of the first Nazi concentration camps, is now a memorial and museum.

Entry is free, a deliberate decision to ensure accessibility for those seeking to learn about this dark chapter in history.

Walking through its grounds, you’re reminded of the importance of memory and the lessons of the past - an emotional but essential visit, and one you’re likely never to forget.

TOMORROW: In the final part of our series, Cork Airport Getaways, we visit the Polish cities of Poznan and Gdansk, plus Salzburg in Austria, and the sunny destination of Faro in Portugal.