You can easily travel to Dublin from Canada on points.
Dublin is often considered a fantastic place to travel for many reasons:
Dublin boasts a long and storied history, with landmarks such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s also famous for its literary heritage, being the home of writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. The city has a lively atmosphere with its numerous pubs, live music venues, and bustling streets. Temple Bar, in particular, is famous for its nightlife.
Dublin is situated on the east coast of Ireland, providing easy access to beautiful natural landscapes such as the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, as well as the stunning coastline. The city hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, and St. Patrick’s Festival.
Dublin is a relatively compact city, making it easy to navigate on foot or by public transportation. This makes it convenient for travelers to see many attractions without extensive travel. So yeah, London is a solid choice for your next travel adventure.
Unfortunately, traveling to Dublin is expensive, and many Canadians view a vacation to this beautiful Irish city as out of their price range.
Fortunately, here in Canada, we have access to travel programs that can reduce the cost of your Irish vacation by upwards of 80%, leaving more money in your pocket, and more freedom to experience some of the world-class excursions that Dublin has to offer.
In this post, we’ll show you how you can travel to Dublin from Canada on points, and the different ways to earn and use your travel points to ensure you’re getting MAXIMUM value on your redemption.
- Our Theoretical Vacation
- Flight Cash Value
- HOW TO TRAVEL TO DUBLIN FROM CANADA ON POINTS
- FLYING TO DUBLIN WITH AEROPLAN – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
- FLYING TO DUBLIN WITH BRTISH AIRWAYS EXECUTIVE CLUB – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
- TRAVEL TO DUBLIN FROM CANADA ON POINTS – HOW MUCH WILL IT COST YOU?
- Conclusion
- What To Do In Dublin
- TRAVEL TO EUROPE ON POINTS
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Our Theoretical Vacation
For this exercise, we’ll be booking a 5-night, 6-day vacation focusing on a stay in downtown Dublin.
Our theoretical stay will be 5 nights at the aloft Dublin a 4 Star hotel operated by Marriott.
We’ll show an itinerary for 1 individual. If you are traveling with someone, your traveling companion can use the same credit cards suggested below to earn even more points.
Flight Cash Value
Below, we can see the cash value of an Air Canada economy, and business class ticket to Dublin from Canada’s 3 major hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). Air Canada offers seasonal flights to London from Toronto & Montreal
Note: Prices are subject to change
HOW TO TRAVEL TO DUBLIN FROM CANADA ON POINTS
Flight Option #1: Fly to Dublin From Canada on Points Using Air Canada/Aeroplan
Read >>> Your Complete Guide to Aeroplan
Aeroplan (and Air Canada) is the most popular travel currency in Canada, so it only makes sense that we determine the amount of Aeroplan points required for our flight to Dublin
Aeroplan leverages dynamic pricing, meaning redemptions show a range of points for Air Canada flights. More popular flights cost more.
Note: redemptions are subject to change
Which Credit Cards do You Need to Fly to London From Canada on Points With Aeroplan
Regardless of whether you’re flying economy or business class, you’ll need to focus on collecting Membership Rewards and/or Aeroplan points. There are 2 credit cards that we’ll be focusing on to get you to London
Note: credit card signup bonuses vary over the year. Please check for the latest signup offer
1. The American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is a great way to earn Membership Rewards, which can be transferred to Aeroplan
The $799 annual fee (which comes with a $150 rebate through GreatCanadianRebates) is offset by the following perks & benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
- 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase between months 14-17 of cardmembership
- Earn Rate:
- 2 MR points per dollar spent on travel, groceries & dining
- 1 MR point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $5,000,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $3,000
- Hotel Burglary insurance – up to $1,000
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- $200 annual travel credit
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane during peak operating times
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park at Pearson Airport
- $200 annual dining credit
- $100 Nexus rebate
- Instant Gold status at Marriott Bonvoy & Hilton Honors
- Special discounts for cardholders
- Lounge Access
- Priority Pass (+1 guest)
- Plaza Premium Lounges (+1 guest)
- Delta Sky Club
- Airspace Lounges (+2 guests)
- Centurion Lounges
- SwissPort Lounges (+1 guest)
While the $799 annual fee seems daunting initially, the 100,000 Membership Rewards is a great sign-up bonus, more than enough to get you to London
Canadians will have to make a personal decision as to whether or not the $799 (minus the $200 travel credit & $200 annual dining credit) annual fee is worth spending after year one.
You can also earn Membership Rewards through several other personal credit cards including:
2. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
You can earn Aeroplan points with co-branded credit cards. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is a great way to earn FREE Aeroplan points.
The cost for the card is $0 for the first year, and then $139 annually, & comes with the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- 20,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $6,000 in the first three months
- 20,000 Aeroplan points on renewal after spending $10,000 in the first year
- Total of 50,000 Aeroplan points
- Earn Rate:
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on food, beverage, gas & travel
- 1 Aeroplan point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $1,000,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $5,000
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- First bag free on Air Canada flights
- Preferred pricing when redeeming Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights
- $100 NEXUS credit
- Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 you spend on the card
While this card isn’t as strong as some of American Express’ top cards, we live in a world where AMEX isn’t accepted at many retail locations in Canada. As a result, it’s good to have a solid visa in your wallet as well. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite provides a great, FREE way to earn a large amount of Aeroplan points, and it can be a great backup to the high annual fee cards in the market. the 50,000 Aeroplan points will get you a free economy ticket with Air Canada.
You can read which other cards offer Aeroplan points here
FLYING TO DUBLIN WITH AEROPLAN – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The average value of 1 Aeroplan point is 2.1 cents per point. We will hope to receive a higher value when redeeming Aeroplan points.
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare | $1115 | $6,218 | ||
| Aeroplan Points with Air Canada | 62,100 | 1.88 cents/point | 263,000 | 2.38 cents/point |
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare | $900 | $5,944 | ||
| Aeroplan Points with Air Canada | $41,100 | 2.35 cents/point | 172,500 | 3.48 cents/point |
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare | $907 | $5,662 | ||
| Aeroplan Points with Air Canada | 41,100 | 2.38 cents/point | 58,500 | 9.80 cents/point |
Flight Option #2: Fly Using British Airways
Read >>> Your Complete Guide to British Airways Executive Club
In the world of points redemptions, you need a certain level of flexibility. Sometimes, you’ll be planning a vacation only to find out that there is no award availability on a particular flight, or that the number of points needed has increased drastically (especially in the case of Air Canada’s dynamic pricing).
That’s why it’s great to have another option.
We mentioned above the value of transferring your American Express Membership Rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Thankfully, Membership Rewards can also be transferred to British Airways Executive Club miles at a 1:1 ratio.
British Airways has flights to Dublin out of Vancouver Toronto and Montreal, which connect through London
Flight Option #2.B: Fly Using Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is a partner airline of the British Airways Executive Club, which means you can use Avios points earned through the Executive Club to book flights with Aer Lingus.
Aer Lingus flies direct to Dublin out of Toronto
Aer Lingus also flies direct to Dublin out of a number of US cities:
- Seattle
- San Fransisco
- Los Angeles
- Denver
- Minneapolis
- Chicago
- Cleveland
- Washington
- Orlando
- Miami
- Philadelphia
- New York (JFK & EWR)
- Hartford
- Boston
Which Credit Cards Do You Need To Fly To Dublin From Canada on Points Using British Airways Executive Club
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
Read >>> Your Complete Guide to Avion Points
While collecting American Express Membership Rewards is a great way to earn thousands of Avios, it’s certainly not the only way. For those who are collecting RBC Avion Points, those points can be converted to Avios at a 1:1 ratio with the occasional 30% transfer bonus.
RBC currently offers several credit cards that allow you to earn RBC Rewards or Avion Points.
Currently, the RBC Visa Infinite Avion is the easiest way to earn a large amount of Avion points
The $120 annual fee is offset by the following perks & benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 35,000 Avion points upon approval
- 20,000 Avion Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn Rate:
- 1.25 Avion points per dollar spent on travel
- 1 Avion point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
- Trip Interruption insurance – up to $5,000
- Cancellation Insurance – up to $25,000
- Flight delay insurance – up to $500
- Mobile device insurance – up to $1,500
- Perks
- Special discounts throughout the year
The RBC Visa Infinite is a great way to earn transferrable Avion points. When transferring out Avios, this card will give you a free economy flight to London
In Addition to the RBC Visa Infinite, several cards allow you to earn Avion points including:
- RBC Avion Platinum
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
- RBC Avion Business
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business
RBC British Airways Visa Infinite
If you regularly fly with British Airways or intend on taking a trip with British Airways, or their partners over the next year, the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card is a great tool you can leverage to reduce the cost of your flight.
The $165 annual fee is offset by the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 15,000 Avios points upon first purchase
- 35,000 Avios upon spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
- 10,000 Avios when you renew your card for a second year
- Earn Rate:
- 2 Avios points per dollar spent on British Airways
- 1 Avios point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
- Flight delay insurance – up to $500
- Hotel burglary insurance – up to $500
- Car rental damage insurance
- Perks
- Special discounts throughout the year
- Companion voucher if you spend $35,000 annually on the card
If you intend on taking a business class trip with British Airways, Canadians can supplement their Avion/Avios points with this great Visa Card
FLYING TO DUBLIN WITH BRTISH AIRWAYS EXECUTIVE CLUB – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The average value of 1 Avios is 2.0 cents per point. We will hope to receive a higher value when redeeming Avios points.
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare (Air Canada) | $1115 | $6,218 | ||
| Avios with British Airways | 39,500 | 3.18 cents/point | 105,000 | 6.46 cents/point |
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare (Air Canada) | $900 | $5,944 | ||
| Avios with Briitish Airways | $34,250 | 3.05 cents/point | 95,000 | 6.87 cents/point |
| Avios with Aer Lingus | 8.38 cents/point |
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare (Air Canada) | $907 | $5,662 | ||
| Avios with British Airways | 34,250 | 3.09 cents/point | 105,000 | 5.95 cents/point |
As you can see, you’ll receive great value for your Avios if you fly from Canada to Dublin. For maximum value of your Avios, fly Aer Lingus out of Toronto, direct to Dublin.
Hotel Option #1: Marriott Bonvoy Points
Marriott Bonvoy points are the easiest hotel currency to collect in Canada. They also have the benefit of being a transfer partner of American Express. If you want to use points for your hotel stay, this is the easiest way to do it
If you’re traveling on points for an extended period, it’s you should leverage Marriott’s “Fifth Night Free” promotion, which can go a long way in enhancing the value of your vacation.
4 nights paid for with points = 5th night free.
If your goal is to use Bonvoy points for the entire duration of your hotel stay, staying 5 nights enhances your redemption by 20%. It’s something you should seriously consider if you’re going the points route
Below we can see the cash & points value of a 5-night stay at the aloft Dublin
aloft Hotels, part of the Marriott International brand, are known for their modern and vibrant design, as well as offering a unique and lively atmosphere. Here are some potential benefits of staying at an Aloft Hotel:
- Contemporary Design: Aloft Hotels are known for their modern and trendy design, featuring bold colors, open spaces, and stylish interiors. The contemporary atmosphere appeals to travelers looking for a fresh and unique hotel experience.
- Tech-Savvy Amenities: Aloft Hotels often incorporate cutting-edge technology into their amenities. You may find features like keyless entry, mobile check-in, and smart room controls, providing a convenient and efficient stay.
- Social Spaces: Aloft hotels typically have vibrant and social spaces. These areas are designed to encourage guests to mingle, socialize, and have a good time, making it an attractive option for those looking for a lively atmosphere.
- Fitness Facilities: Many Aloft Hotels offer well-equipped fitness centers, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines while traveling.
What Credit Cards Do You Need To Spend 5 Nights In London On Points?
1. The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card is Marriott’s sponsored card in Canada.
The annual fee of $120 (reduced to $60 if you sign up through Great Canadian Rebates) is offset by the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 65,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- 3 Bonvoy points per dollar spent on eligible gas and travel purchases in the first 6 months (up to 15,000 points)
- Total of 80,000 Bonvoy Points
- Earning Rate:
- 5 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent on Marriott Bonvoy properties
- 2 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $500,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- 15 Elite qualifying nights & instant Silver status within Marriott’s loyalty program
- Annual free night, up to 35,000 points
2. American Express Business Edge
The American Express Business Edge card offers a strong signup bonus, along with strong everyday earnings.
The cost for the card is $99 ($24 with a $75 rebate through Great Canadian Rebates), & comes with the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 45,500 Membership Rewards upon spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- 1,000 Membership Rewards each month in which you spend $3,000
- 10 Membership Rewards on office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of cardmembership (up to 10,000 points)
- Total of 67,000 Membership Rewards
- Earn Rate:
- 3 Membership Rewards per dollar spent on eligible food & drink (groceries not included), office supplies, electronics & gas
- 1 Membership Reward for everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Car rental damage insurance
- You can be insured for eligible items charged to your American Express Business Edge Card for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of accidental physical damage or theft
- Automatically extend the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year
- Perks
- Occasional discounts on select products
3. American Express Business Bonvoy
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card is Marriott’s sponsored business card in Canada.
The annual fee of $150 (reduced to $75 if you sign up through Great Canadian Rebates) is offset by the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 75,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- 2 additional Bonvoy points per dollar spent on eligible gas and travel purchases in the first 6 months (up to 15,000 points)
- Total of 90,000 Bonvoy Points
- Earning Rate:
- 5 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent on Marriott Bonvoy properties
- 3 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent on gas, dining & travel
- 2 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $500,000
- Car Rental Damage Insurance
- Baggage Delay Insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- 15 Elite qualifying nights & instant Silver status within Marriott’s loyalty program
- Annual free night, up to 35,000 points
Here Are a Few Considerations You Should Make For Your Trip to Dublin
1. One of the best (and cheapest) ways to fly business class to Dublin is with British Airways, although you will have to incur high fuel surcharges with your ticket.
2. If you have Aeroplan elite status, this would be a great opportunity to leverage your e-upgrade credits for an Air Canada flight, as the cost of business class Air Canada tickets can be extremely high given Aeroplan’s dynamic pricing.
3. If you’re satisfied with Economy class, the Aer Lingus flight out of Toronto will provide you with the cheapest option to fly directly to Dublin.
4. The American Express Platinum card will go a long way to elevating your trip experience by offering a wide variety of benefits including lounge access, travel insurance, potential hotel upgrades with Marriott, and a $200 travel credit that can go towards a car rental.
TRAVEL TO DUBLIN FROM CANADA ON POINTS – HOW MUCH WILL IT COST YOU?
| Credit Cards | Sign up Bonus | 1st Year Annual Fee (with GCR rebate) |
| TD (or CIBC) Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 50,000 Aeroplan Points | $0 |
| American Express Marriott Bonvoy | 85,000 Bonvoy Points | $60 |
| American Express Business Edge | 57,000 Membership Rewards (68,400 Bonvoy Points) | $24 |
| American Express Business Bonvoy | 90,000 Bonvoy Points | $60 |
| Total | $144 |
Flying economy, you can fly to London from Canada on Points, and stay 5 nights at the aloft Dublin all for 144 + taxes & fees.
| Credit Cards | Sign up Bonus | 1st Year Annual Fee (with GCR rebate) |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | 55,000 Avion Points (55,000 Avios) | $120 |
| RBC British Airways Visa Infinite | 50,000 Avios | $135 |
| American Express Marriott Bonvoy | 85,000 Bonvoy Points | $60 |
| American Express Business Edge | 57,000 Membership Rewards (68,400 Bonvoy Points) | $24 |
| American Express Business Bonvoy | 90,000 Bonvoy Points | $60 |
| Total | $379 |
Flying business, and using British Airways you can fly to Dublin from Canada on Points, and stay 5 nights at the aloft Dublin all for $379 + taxes & fees.
Conclusion
Dublin embodies a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, making it an exceptional destination for travelers. Steeped in centuries of heritage, Dublin offers a tapestry of iconic landmarks and historic sites, including Trinity College, home to the famous Book of Kells, and Dublin Castle, a symbol of the city’s medieval past.
Stroll through cobblestone streets adorned with Georgian architecture, or immerse yourself in the literary legacy of renowned writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. The city’s museums, galleries, and theaters provide a window into Ireland’s cultural tapestry, while its lively pubs and music venues offer unforgettable experiences of traditional Irish music and dance.
Beyond its urban allure, Dublin is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, from the rugged coastline to the rolling hills of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic hiking trails, picturesque villages, and ancient ruins, all within easy reach of the city center.
Whether savoring the flavors of Irish cuisine in cozy pubs or enjoying a pint of Guinness in a bustling local tavern, Dublin’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals create an unforgettable travel experience. With its captivating history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Dublin invites travelers to discover the heart and soul of Ireland in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
By leveraging travel programs like Aeroplan, British Airways Avios & Marriott Bonvoy, you can fly, and spend 6 days in Dublin for $1,000 or less. This can be a dream vacation, without the crazy travel costs
What To Do In Dublin
Dublin offers a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit every traveler’s interests:
- Explore Historic Landmarks: Visit iconic sites such as Trinity College, where you can marvel at the Book of Kells, and Dublin Castle, which offers insights into the city’s medieval history. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, is also a must-see.
- Immerse Yourself in Culture: Dublin is a cultural hub with numerous museums and galleries. Explore the National Museum of Ireland to learn about the country’s archaeology, history, and decorative arts, or visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art for contemporary art exhibitions.
- Enjoy Literary Heritage: Dive into Dublin’s literary legacy by exploring landmarks associated with famous writers such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. Take a literary walking tour, visit the Dublin Writers Museum, or relax in one of the city’s many bookshops and cafes.
- Experience Vibrant Nightlife: Dublin is famous for its lively pub scene and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions in cozy pubs, sample local brews like Guinness and Irish whiskey, or dance the night away in one of the city’s clubs and music venues.
- Stroll Through Parks and Gardens: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by exploring Dublin’s green spaces. Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, offers scenic walking and cycling trails, while the National Botanic Gardens showcases beautiful plant collections.
- Attend Festivals and Events: Dublin hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from literature and music to food and culture. Don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, and Dublin Theatre Festival for an unforgettable experience.
- Day Trips and Outdoor Adventures: Take a day trip to explore the scenic countryside surrounding Dublin, including the picturesque villages of Howth and Malahide, or venture further afield to the Wicklow Mountains for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.
From historic landmarks and cultural attractions to vibrant nightlife and outdoor adventures, Dublin offers a wealth of experiences for travelers to enjoy.
Here’s a video of how you can spend your time in Dublin by Youtuber World Wild Hearts
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