Jools, Not really liking the "paddy idiot" reference!  Besides, there's lots of choice in airlines out there now - I just pick the cheapest option (allowing for extra transport time and costs).  Have to say tho....it's usually O'Leary & co.  Like him or hate him he's revolutionised short haul EU air transpo.  Like most of you, I remember being fleeced by the national carriers Aer Lingus, BA, Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa etc and paying hundreds of pounds for EU flights over 20 years ago (eg. Dublin-Madrid £450 normally).  Just before the end of season in oct, I paid €22 inc tax and CC fee for a return flight from my local small airport to Reus!  Of course you pay more in summer, easter and public hols - but I've never ever paid more than €120 return and that was booking in high season without much notice (mainly pay under €60). 

On a personal level, I don't like O'Leary or his sneaky business model however I will use Ryanair as long as the price and schedule suit my purposes.

Re flying via Eindhoven to Stanstead from Reus. It can be done eg 14/12 return 28/12 for 70€ plus 2 credit card charges plus baggage charges etc. The trouble is the wait at Eindhoven on both legs of the jourmey and the possiblity like today of snow or fog etc ruining the plans. You could fly from Barcelona to Leeds return with Jet2 for €46 over the holiday period. The journey from Leeds to London or wherever via National express - not expensive esp if over 60