Two Card Trip: Ireland

With a stunning Atlantic coastline, rolling green hills and a vibrant pub culture, a trip to Ireland should be high on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re after a pint of Guinness in Dublin, a drive along the majestic Cliffs of Moher or a trip across the border to the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Museum, a trip to the Emerald Isle has something in store for every traveler.

But perhaps the best part of flying to Ireland is that you can do it for (almost) free by leveraging the welcome offers of just two travel rewards cards.

In this article, we’re showing you exactly how to earn the welcome offers on two credit cards and use them to pay for a round-trip flight to and a hotel stay in Ireland.

The Two Credit Cards to Get You to The Emerald Isle and Back

The two credit cards that’ll be used to get us to Ireland and back on the cheap are the American Express® Business Gold Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

Let’s look at what both of these cards offer, their annual fees and how to earn their welcome offers.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The American Express Business Gold Card offers small business owners the opportunity to earn points where they spend the most, for an annual fee of $375 (see rates and fees).

The card’s unique selling point is its flexible 4X points multiplier that allows you to earn 4X points on the top two eligible categories you spend the most on per billing cycle, on up to $150,000 in annual spending (1X points thereafter). There are six eligible categories where you can earn 4X points per dollar spent, from U.S. gas stations and restaurants to U.S. media providers and more.

This card rewards you where your business spends the most and gives you the flexibility to continue earning 4X points even when those categories change from one billing cycle to the next.

The card also earns 3X points on purchases made through American Express Travel and offers an up to $240 flexible business statement credit (issued in up to $20 monthly credits) as well as an up to $155 annual Walmart+ membership statement credit (issued in up to $12.95 monthly credits).

Overall, it’s a solid choice of mid-tier travel rewards card for small business owners seeking flexibility combined with lucrative rewards.

Here’s an overview of what the card offers:

• 4X points on the top two eligible categories you spend the most on per billing cycle on up to $150,000 in annual spending (1X points thereafter), including:
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media
  • Purchases made from U.S. electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
  • Purchases at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. gas stations
  • Transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
• 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel
• 1X points on all other purchases
• Flexible business statement credit of up to $240 per year, issued in monthly up to $20 statement credits, for purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores.
• Annual Walmart+ membership statement credit of up to $155, issued in monthly increments of up to $12.95.
• Book a minimum stay of two consecutive nights with The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel and get a $100 experience credit toward eligible charges (eligible charges vary by property) plus a room upgrade upon check-in (subject to availability)
• Issue up to five employee cards for $95 per year, then pay $95 for each additional employee card issued thereafter.
• No foreign transaction fees
• Auto-expense categorization in Intuit QuickBooks®
• Trip delay insurance*
• Car rental loss and damage insurance*
• Baggage insurance plan*
• Cell phone protection*

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers Hilton loyalists a solid balance between perks and annual fees. The card comes with an annual fee of $150 (see rates & fees), which can be offset easily through maximizing the card’s perks.

The card comes with a solid range of bonus spending categories, enabling you to earn points on a multitude of purchases. For instance, you’ll earn 12X points per dollar spent on direct purchases with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, in addition to 6X points per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), groceries at U.S. supermarkets and gas at U.S. gas stations, among many other purchase types.

You’ll also enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and the opportunity to upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status when you spend $40,000 within a calendar year.

You’ll also benefit from other cardholder perks, such as a free night reward when you charge $15,000 to your card within a calendar year and an annual up to $200 statement credit for eligible direct purchases with a property in the Hilton portfolio, given in quarterly up to $50 increments.

Overall, the wealth of benefits the card offers makes it easy to offset its annual fee and proves a real asset for frequent Hilton guests.

Here’s an overview of the card’s full list of perks:

• 12X points on direct purchases with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
• 6X points on dining purchases at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• 6X points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
• 6X points on gas at U.S. gas stations
• 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases
• 3X points on all other purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
• Spend $40,000 in a calendar year using your card and receive complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Free night reward when you charge $15,000 to your card in purchases within a calendar year.
• Up to $200 annual statement credit for eligible direct purchases with a property in the Hilton portfolio, given in quarterly up to $50 increments.
• Eligible purchases include direct bookings made with Hilton and incidentals charged to your room and paid using your card.
• Complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status (enrollment required).
• No foreign transaction fees
• Baggage insurance plan*
• Car rental loss and damage insurance*

How to Earn Each Card’s Welcome Offer

Both of these credit cards come with lucrative welcome offers that can help you get to Ireland and back on the cheap.

The American Express Business Gold Card has a typical welcome offer of 100,000 Membership Rewards points, usually after spending $15,000 within the first three months of card membership. However, the welcome offer has also shot as high as 130,000 points after spending $20,000 within the first six months of card membership.

On the other hand, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a typical welcome offer of around 130,000 points, usually after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.

To earn the Amex Business Gold Card’s welcome offer, you’ll need to charge an average of $5,000 per month to your card, depending on the exact welcome offer’s terms. To earn the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card’s typical welcome offer, you’ll need to charge an average of $500 to $667 per month to your card.

Given the much higher spending requirement for the Amex Business Gold Card, you should apply for this card at a period in which you have large expenses on the horizon. If you need to invest in new capital for your business, pay for renovation costs or any other significant expenses, charging these to your Amex Business Gold Card is a solid strategy for earning the welcome offer naturally. This way, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of overspending to reach the minimum spend.

Likewise, when it comes to earning the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card, you can use the card for all of your everyday spending, particularly as it earns an elevated rate of points on multiple everyday categories. You can get creative when spending toward the welcome offer by leveraging upcoming expenses such as insurance premiums, prepaid vacations, early Christmas shopping and even your tax bill to get you closer to the minimum spend.

Similarly, keeping your card applications spaced well apart will make it easier to earn each card’s welcome offer, as you can focus on one at a time, instead of having to meet two minimum spends simultaneously.

If you want to maximize your earnings and redemption opportunities, you could also pursue a two-player mode strategy, in which both you (Player 1) and your significant other (Player 2) apply for the same cards simultaneously and earn their welcome offers together. That means you’d have double the number of points to play with come redemption time. If pursuing a two-player mode strategy, you’ll just need to make sure that you can hit the minimum spends naturally without overspending.

How to Fly to Ireland on Points

Once you’ve earned both cards’ welcome offers, you’ll have over 100,000 Membership Rewards points and over 130,000 Hilton points.

There are tons of options when it comes to flying to Ireland. You can fly with airlines belonging to all three major alliances to Dublin (DUB) in the North East and Shannon (SNN) in the South West of Ireland.

As an American Express cardholder, you can transfer your points to any of the following airline rewards programs:

When flying to Ireland, we’re going to focus on transferring our Amex points to Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. These aren’t your only options, but they provide some of the most lucrative opportunities for award flights to Ireland.

Let’s now see how far our points get us.

Aer Lingus AerClub

Aer Lingus—the flag carrier of Ireland—is your most cost-effective option when flying from the U.S. to Ireland. You can transfer your Amex points at a 1:1 rate to Aer Lingus Avios, with transfers usually being instant.

Not only does Aer Lingus serve a wide variety of U.S. cities, operating nonstop flights to Dublin and Shannon, but it also uses a zone-based award chart for its flights with highly competitive pricing.

Aer Lingus charges the following one-way rates for its award flights to Dublin and Shannon, based on the zone, class of service and whether you fly during peak or off-peak dates.

Zone 5 cities include Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Hartford, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Nashville, Newark, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., while Zone 6 cities include Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle.

For example, you could fly economy off-peak from Seattle (SEA), Las Vegas (LAS) or San Francisco (SFO) to Dublin for 16,251 Avios each way nonstop.

You could also fly from Orlando (MCO) or Boston (BOS) to Dublin in business class for 50,000 miles each way off-peak or 75,000 miles each way during peak season. If you pursued a two-player mode strategy and both earned the Amex Business Gold’s welcome offer when it was above 100,000 points, you could each fly business class off-peak to Dublin.

You could also fly economy for 13,000 Avios off-peak each way from cities such as Nashville (BNA), Hartford (BDL) and Boston (BOS) to Dublin.

That means you could fly for as little as 26,000 points round-trip in economy to Ireland and back from the East Coast and Midwest, and 28,500 points round-trip in economy from the West Coast. These are highly affordable economy rates, meaning you could take yourself, your spouse and even the kids with you, depending on when you earned the welcome offer and if you pursued a two-player mode earning strategy.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan is another solid option when booking flights to Ireland.

Aeroplan utilizes a zone- and distance-based award chart in which the majority of flights from the U.S. to Ireland fall into the 4,001-6,000 mile category, with the following one-way award rates:

• Economy: 40,000 points
• Business: 70,000 to 80,000 points
• First: 100,000 points

You can also take advantage of affordable rates for United Airlines business class, costing you 140,000 to 160,000 points round-trip.

However, keep in mind that Aeroplan has begun using a form of dynamic pricing for its United award flights, so rates can vary.

Given Aeroplan’s award pricing structure, it doesn’t cost you anything more to fly to Dublin from the West Coast than the East Coast.

For instance, you could fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Dublin with a connection in Chicago (ORD) for 40,000 points each way in economy. You could also fly from Houston (IAH) to Dublin for 40,000 points each way in economy, with a connection in Washington (IAD).

You can also catch nonstop flights with United from its East Coast hubs to Dublin, such as from Washington (IAD) and Newark (EWR), for just 40,000 points in economy each way.

You could also fly business from Newark to Dublin for 80,000 points each way, for at least one leg of your journey (given the number of Amex points you’ll have).

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is another great transfer partner when booking flights to Ireland.

You can take advantage of its competitive zone-based partner award rates with fellow SkyTeam alliance airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

When flying with Air France or KLM, you’ll pay the following one-way award rates to Ireland:

That means for an East Coast off-peak round-trip economy fare to Ireland, you could pay as little as 24,000 points, enabling you to fly the whole family there and back. And even if you’re based on the West Coast, you could pay just 30,000 points for an off-peak round-trip economy fare.

For example, you could fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Dublin with a stop in Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM for just 15,000 points each way in economy.

You could also fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Dublin with KLM or New York (JFK) to Dublin with Air France for just 12,000 points each way in economy.

You could fly with Air France from Minneapolis (MSP) to Dublin with a connection in Paris (CDG) for 15,000 points each way in economy.

For flights operated by Delta Air Lines to Ireland, you’ll pay the following rates when booking through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club:

These are affordable rates that can help you avoid Delta’s dynamic pricing model during periods of high demand.

For instance, you could fly from New York (JFK) to Dublin nonstop with Delta for 30,000 points each way in economy.

Alternatively, you could fly nonstop from Minneapolis or Atlanta with Delta to Dublin for 30,000 points each way in economy.

If you want to fly nonstop to Dublin, booking with Delta is a better option compared to Air France and KLM. However, just be sure to check the price Delta charges for the same flight booked directly through Delta SkyMiles, as they can sometimes be cheaper than booking through Virgin, particularly during periods of low demand.

Where to Stay in Ireland on Points

With your flights to Ireland booked, it’s time to look for a place to stay during your visit.

There are multiple Hilton properties scattered across Ireland, with the majority concentrated in Dublin and a few over the border in Belfast. That means if you want to explore both Ireland and Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom), a stash of Hilton points makes this easy to do.

Ireland has an efficient and affordable public transport system, making it easy to hop aboard the train from Dublin to Belfast and even onward from Belfast to the North Coast for stunning beaches, world-class golf courses and uninterrupted coastline.

Just keep in mind that while there’s no hard border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland, U.S. citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the U.K. So if you wish to explore both the North and the South of Ireland, make sure you apply for an ETA before you travel (p.s. it’s quick and easy to do).

Let’s now check out a handful of the properties you could stay at during your time in Ireland.

Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre

The Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Dublin, just minutes away from Dublin Connolly Rail Station.

The rooms are comfortable and modern with all the basic amenities and more, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center and an on-site restaurant, the Honey Fitz Restaurant & Bar.

From the hotel, you can easily access most of Dublin’s highlights on foot, including the Temple Bar neighborhood, Irish Whiskey Museum, Trinity College, O’Connell Street and the Irish Emigration Museum.

Award nights here start at 45,000 points per night, allowing you to stay for five nights in two-player mode or two nights solo.

Dylan Hotel, an SLH Hotel

The Dylan Hotel is Dublin’s only five-star boutique hotel, located in one of Dublin’s most prestigious neighborhoods, nestled among embassies, diplomatic residences and historic Georgian buildings.

Set in a Victorian townhouse, the hotel is a combination of traditional architecture and modern interior design. It’s smaller than your typical luxury hotel, with around 72 rooms, which makes for an intimate stay. Rooms come with standard high-end features, with a range of room types available from luxury suites to cozy lofts.

The Dylan Hotel boasts a well-regarded restaurant, The Eddison, which focuses on seasonal Irish ingredients and a modern menu. There’s also The Ruby Room, a cocktail bar that’s known for its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere and excellent drinks. For business travelers, there are a few meeting rooms available, though the hotel is more geared toward leisure stays. While it doesn’t have a full spa, in-room treatments can be arranged.

The location is a plus for visitors who want to be close to the city without staying in the middle of it. You can walk to many key areas like St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street and the Grand Canal Dock. You’re also close to Aviva Stadium if you’re in town for a match or concert. Dublin’s museums, including the National Gallery and the Museum of Literature Ireland, are nearby and the area has several quieter cafes, pubs and parks to choose from.

The Dylan Hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for a low-key, upscale base in Dublin. Award nights start at 65,000 points per night, allowing you to stay for four nights in two-player mode or two nights solo.

The Wilder Townhouse, an SLH Hotel

It’s set in a redbrick Victorian building that was originally a home for retired governesses. The hotel has kept much of its original character while updating its interiors. It’s smaller than a typical hotel, with around 42 rooms, making for a quiet, residential feel. Rooms range from compact “Shoebox” options to spacious suites.

Amenities include a lounge, a small outdoor terrace and The WilderTownhouse Gin and Tea Rooms that serve cocktails, bespoke craft Gin made in Ireland wine and light bites. While there’s no full restaurant on-site, the location makes it easy to reach plenty of places to eat.

In terms of nearby attractions, the Wilder is within walking distance of most of central Dublin’s main sights. St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street and the National Concert Hall are all close. Trinity College, the Little Museum of Dublin and the Grand Canal area are also nearby. The hotel is well-positioned for getting around on foot or by public transport, and it’s far enough from the busiest streets to feel more relaxed.

If you’re looking for a quieter, well-located place to stay in Dublin with a bit more character than a typical chain hotel, the Wilder Townhouse is an excellent choice. Award nights start at 50,000 points per night, enabling you to stay for five nights in two-player mode or two nights solo. If you have some Amex points leftover, you could boost your Hilton balance to make it into a three-night stay.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

The Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is a luxury hotel located just outside Galway City on the West Coast of Ireland, with its own 138-acre golf estate.

The property offers a mix of traditional elegance and modern comfort, housed in a 19th-century abbey. The hotel has a range of accommodation options, from classic rooms to luxurious suites.

One of the standout features of Glenlo Abbey is its dining options. The hotel has several restaurants, including the Pullman Restaurant, which is housed in two restored railway carriages from the Orient Express, offering a unique dining experience with views of the surrounding estate. The Pavilion, another on-site restaurant, focuses on a more casual dining experience with a variety of international dishes.

You can enjoy several recreational activities on the estate, including a golf course, archery and even falconry. The hotel’s in-house spa offers a range of treatments and therapies, while those looking for something more active can enjoy guided walks, fishing or rent a bike on the estate. It even has its own on-site movie theater, where you can relax at the end of a day of sightseeing.

Nearby, the city of Galway offers a wide range of attractions. You can visit Galway’s Latin Quarter, explore the bustling Eyre Square or enjoy the city’s arts and culture scene. For nature enthusiasts, the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park are both within driving distance, offering opportunities for hiking and breathtaking views. The hotel’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring both the city and the surrounding landscapes.

Award nights start at 80,000 points per night, allowing you to stay one night solo or three nights in two-player mode.

Ballymaloe House Hotel

Ballymaloe House Hotel is a family-run country house hotel located in East Cork, about 30 minutes from Cork City.

Set on a 300-acre working farm, the hotel operates out of a 17th-century house that’s been expanded and updated over the years. It has a relaxed, informal feel, with 32 rooms varying in size and style.

A key draw of Ballymaloe is its connection to food—after all, it’s known as the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine. The on-site restaurant uses produce from the farm and local suppliers, offering seasonal menus that focus on Irish classics. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, and guests can also visit the Ballymaloe Cookery School nearby, which offers short courses and demonstrations.

The hotel includes sitting rooms with open fires, gardens and a small outdoor pool (open seasonally). There’s also a tennis court and walking trails around the property.

For those looking to explore, the nearby village of Shanagarry offers some local shops and cafes. Ballycotton, a fishing village on the coast, is about 15 minutes away and offers cliff walks, sea views and boat trips.

The hotel is a good base for exploring East Cork, including visits to the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, local beaches and the wider coastal region. If you’re after a quiet escape with world-class food in a rural setting, Ballymaloe House Hotel is the place to be.

Award nights here start at 80,000 points per night, allowing you to stay one night solo or three nights in two-player mode.

The Montenotte, an SLH Hotel

The Montenotte Hotel is a four-star hotel located on a hillside just outside Cork city centre, offering views over the city and the River Lee.

It’s about a 15-minute walk or a short drive into town, making it convenient for both urban access and a bit of distance from the busiest areas.

The hotel has around 100 rooms, making for a mid-size property.

The Montenotte puts a strong focus on its leisure facilities. It has a full fitness centre, an indoor pool and a spa offering treatments like massages and facials. There’s also a rooftop terrace and an in-house private cinema, which runs daily screenings for its guests. The hotel’s restaurant, Panorama, serves a mix of Irish and international dishes and has a solid reputation locally. Likewise, The Glasshouse offers a unique cocktail experience with panoramic views over Cork city.

Nearby, Cork city offers a lot to explore—English Market, Crawford Art Gallery and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral are all within easy reach.

You’re also close to the Victorian Quarter and the shops and pubs around Oliver Plunkett Street. Day trips to Cobh, Fota Wildlife Park or even Blarney Castle are all manageable by car or public transport.

Award nights here start at a very reasonable rate of 40,000 points per night, enabling you to stay for three nights solo or six nights in two-player mode.

Culloden Estate and Spa

If you’re planning to head up North to Belfast, nothing quite beats a stay at the Culloden Estate and Spa.

The Culloden Estate and Spa is a five-star hotel located just outside Belfast, in the suburb of Holywood, overlooking Belfast Lough.

Originally a bishop’s palace, the property has been converted into a luxury hotel with 98 rooms and suites. The setting is quiet and upscale, offering a mix of historic architecture with modern updates.

One of the hotel’s main draws is its spa and wellness centre. It includes a gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and a full treatment menu.

The spa is open to both guests and locals, so it can be busy, but the facilities are high standard. There are also well-kept gardens and walking paths on the grounds, giving it a secluded feel.

Dining options include the fine-dining Vespers Restaurant, which serves modern Irish cuisine in a formal setting and a more casual bar and lounge area for lighter meals or afternoon tea.

Nearby, there’s a lot to do within a short drive. Hollywood town has a few cafes, shops and coastal walks. Belfast’s city attractions, such as the Titanic Belfast, St. George’s Market, Cathedral Quarter and the Ulster Museum, are all close by. Golfers can play at Royal Belfast Golf

Club, just a few minutes away. If you’re up for a day trip, the Antrim coast and Giant’s Causeway are reachable in about an hour by car or train.

The best part is that award nights start at just 50,000 points per night, meaning you could stay for five nights in two-player mode or two nights solo.

DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast Templepatrick

DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast Templepatrick is a four-star hotel located about 20 minutes from central Belfast and just 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport.

Set in a countryside area near Templepatrick village, the hotel is part of a larger estate that includes an 18-hole golf course, making it a popular choice for golfers and business travelers looking to stay outside the city.

The hotel has over 100 rooms, with some offering views over the golf course.

On-site amenities include a fitness centre, indoor pool, sauna and tennis courts. There’s also a spa offering massages and other treatments, though it’s relatively small compared to dedicated wellness resorts. The hotel’s golf course is a key feature and golf packages are available for guests.

The restaurant, The Dormy Bar and Grill, serves a mix of traditional and international dishes.

Nearby, you’re a short drive from Antrim Castle Gardens, while Belfast city centre is close enough for day trips to attractions like Titanic

Belfast, the Ulster Museum and city tours. The location also works well as a base for exploring Northern Ireland’s countryside, with access to routes heading toward the Antrim coast, including stops like the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Award nights here start at a very affordable 30,000 points per night, meaning you could stay for eight nights in two-player mode or four nights solo.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an affordable holiday off the beaten track, Ireland is a magical place to spend your time, whether it’s for a pub crawl in Dublin or a road trip along the Atlantic West Coast.

And by earning the welcome offers on just two credit cards, you can have your flights and hotel stay paid for with points, leaving you more cash to splurge on good food, drink and experiences.

* Eligibility and Benefit levels vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.