Travel planners in northern Italy are already eyeing the next summer season, and a fresh set of air links promises to reshape the itinerary landscape. Direct flights have long been the catalyst for spontaneous trips, and the latest Ryanair additions connect Milan Bergamo to two captivating European corners: the rugged west coast of Ireland and the cultural hub of Denmark. With the routes slated to operate from summer 2027, tourists can now bypass lengthy connections and land straight in the heart of their desired adventure.
Both connections are already open for reservation through Ryanair’s official channels, allowing early-bird travelers to lock in the lowest fares. The airline highlighted the initiative as a way to broaden options for the “Nord Italia” market, and spokesperson Rossella Amato urged passengers to book promptly. The flights will depart from Orio al Serio airport, a short ride from Milan’s city centre, and will land at Shannon Airport on Ireland’s western seaboard and at Aarhus Airport in the Danish Jutland region.
Ryanair opens direct Milan-Bergamo links to Shannon and Aarhus
The new service to Shannon creates a seamless gateway to Ireland’s famed Atlantic coastline. Scheduled to start in summer 2027, the route will likely run several times per week, mirroring Ryanair’s typical low-cost frequency. Passengers will benefit from a flight time of roughly two and a half hours, a stark contrast to the usual multi-stop journeys via Dublin or London. The direct flight model also means reduced carbon footprints per passenger, aligning with Ryanair’s broader sustainability messaging.
Equally noteworthy is the connection to Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city. Aarhus is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic Latin Quarter, and the iconic ARoS museum. By offering a straight link from Milan, Ryanair taps into a market of Italian travelers seeking cultural city breaks without the hassle of extra layovers. Both routes are presently bookable via the airline’s website or mobile app, with fares advertised as “early-bird” to reward those who secure seats well before the summer rush.
Shannon: gateway to western Ireland’s natural and cultural treasures
Landing at Shannon Airport places visitors within a 30-minute drive of some of Ireland’s most photogenic sites. The Castle Bunratty and its adjoining folk park sit just ten minutes away, offering a restored medieval fortress surrounded by over thirty reconstructed traditional buildings. Families can wander through thatched cottages, watch historical reenactments, and taste hearty Irish cuisine in an authentic setting.
Historical sites near Shannon
For aviation aficionados, the Shannon Aviation Museum sits a stone’s throw from the runway and showcases the county’s pioneering role in trans-Atlantic flight. The museum’s “Discovery Experience” even includes a flight simulator, letting visitors feel the thrill of early air navigation. Further north, the bustling city of Limerick beckons with its medieval King John’s Castle, riverside museums, and a revitalised culinary scene that blends traditional Irish fare with modern gastronomy.
Nature and wildlife experiences
Nature lovers will gravitate toward the iconic Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic limestone escarpment that dominates the Atlantic horizon. A one-hour drive from Shannon, the cliffs provide a half-day itinerary of viewpoints, visitor centres, and coastal walks that reveal seabird colonies and sweeping sea vistas. Not far beyond lies the Burren, a karst landscape dotted with ancient dolmens such as Poulnabrone, dating back roughly 5,000 years. The area’s lunar-like terrain is criss-crossed by marked trails suitable for hiking, birdwatching, and even guided kayak tours on nearby waterways.
For a taste of Ireland’s living musical heritage, the village of Doolin offers nightly sessions in cosy pubs where traditional tunes flow freely. Meanwhile, the estuarial town of Kilrush serves as a launch point for RIB-boat trips that chase resident bottlenose dolphins, and provides opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and dedicated bird-watching excursions along the Shannon estuary.
Booking tips and travel logistics
Because the routes are newly announced, seat availability is expected to dwindle quickly once the summer schedule is fully disclosed. Ryanair recommends using the official website or the mobile app to secure the “early-bird” price, which is typically lower than the standard fare released closer to departure. Travelers should also consider adding a car rental at Shannon Airport; the region’s attractions are spread across a radius of 30-90 kilometres, and a rental vehicle offers the flexibility to explore at one’s own pace.
Finally, visitors should allocate at least three to four days to fully appreciate the western Irish circuit, allowing time for historic sites, coastal drives along the Wild Atlantic Way, and spontaneous stops in lively villages. By coupling the convenience of a direct flight with a well-planned itinerary, a short-haul journey from Milan can transform into an unforgettable immersion in Ireland’s rugged beauty and cultural richness.
