Airports in Ireland | How to choose the right airport for your trip

No matter whether you are going to visit the rugged west coast or Dublin’s vibrant city, the first decision in your Irish trip will be to choose the best entry point. Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN), Ireland West Knock (NOC), Kerry (KIR) and Belfast International in the north (BFS) are the principal international airports of Ireland.

These are the gateways, connecting with the UK, Europe and the US. While most long-haul traffic is serviced by the international airports, regional airports, including Donegal (CFN), Waterford (WAT) and City of Derry (LDY) play a vital role in the development of more rural areas.

In this article on airports in Ireland, we’ll discuss the best options for your travel, from the busiest to the least busy picturesque airstrips.

Main international airports in Ireland

Ireland has five major international airports which are the primary ports of entry for international travellers. These key airports in Ireland are well positioned to reach all provinces, such that regardless of your destination, a flight will likely be just an hour or two away by drive.

Dublin Airport remains Ireland’s busiest airport, followed by Cork and Shannon. The three airports handle the bulk of the traffic from the US, Europe and the UK. For those wanting to explore the Atlantic coast, Ireland West (Knock) and Kerry Airport are much easier to get to.

Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is basically the main international gateway, handling over 30 million passengers a year. It’s the main hub for Aer Lingus and a massive base for Ryanair, with the most extensive list of direct flights to North America, the Middle East, and every major European city.

It sits about 10 km north of the city, so you’re looking at roughly 30 to 45 minutes to Dublin city centre. There’s no rail link, but the Dublin Express and Aircoach run frequently through the Port Tunnel. It’s the best starting point if you’re kicking off a tour of the capital.

Cork Airport

Cork Airport is the main airport of Ireland in the South. It has a modern and accessible terminal, and offers good flights within Europe. It’s an excellent choice if you are a foodie and keen to visit Cork City or if you want to enjoy the incredible beaches of the south coast. 

A major advantage of flying here is the easy access to West Cork. From the arrivals hall, you can quickly connect to the N71 road, leading you toward the stunning beaches of Clonakilty and Skibbereen. It’s the perfect starting point for southern activities, you’ll see.

Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport, situated in County Clare, provides visitors with an experience that is more relaxed than Dublin Airport. Also, it was the first airport in the world to provide US pre-clearance for travellers returning home to America; thus, it has become a popular choice among passengers flying into the West.

Shannon is the true gateway to the west, when you land and rent a car, you will be driving to the rugged coast of Clare within half an hour; and you can be at the iconic Cliffs of Moher within an hour after landing. You have a much quicker route to the west than you would if you drove from Dublin.

Regional airports in Ireland

For travellers looking to save time when travelling, try using Ireland’s regional airports for domestic travel or for short-haul flights. These airports have some of the prettiest approaches of any airport in the world. For example, Donegal Airport (CFN) is purportedly one of the world’s best for its landing.

And, if you are on a trip to visit the farthest corners of the northwest of Ireland, then Donegal (CFN), Kerry (KIR) and Ireland West (NOC) airports will help you avoid the crowds. However, be aware that the downside of these local airports is that they have limited flights and operating times, and are dependent on a seasonal service or on flights to the UK.

Best airport to choose in Ireland

Your ideal airport choice will be determined primarily by your final travel destination as well as your budget. When it comes to getting the best airfares and widest choice of airlines, Dublin is generally going to win out. But if you wish to head west, you can fly into Shannon or Knock to save 4 hours of driving.

Many travellers on a 7-day trip to Ireland will purchase an open-jaw ticket, arriving in Dublin and leaving from Shannon. This enables you to fly east to west without doing a U-turn and maximises your time exploring Ireland.

Travel tips for Irish airports 

There is little difficulty in navigating Irish airports. Despite this, it’s always good to have a few tips for making the journey more enjoyable. It’s important to arrive 2 hours before your flight if travelling on a European flight and 3 hours before for transatlantic trips, especially in the busiest summer months at Dublin Airport.

Most of the transport to and from airports will be by road. While Irish Rail links Ireland’s major cities, you will typically still need to take a bus or taxi ride from the airport to the nearest train station (e.g., Kent Station in Cork or Heuston Station in Dublin). Most airports also have major car rental desks located in the arrivals hall, which is the preferred mode of transport for many international tourists.

Best airport by travel route in Ireland

It’s easy to get around Ireland’s airports. But here are a few tips for a more pleasant journey. We recommend that you arrive 2 hours before a flight to Europe and 3 hours before a flight to the US (especially in the summer months at Dublin Airport).

Most airport transport will be by road. There are trains in the main Irish cities but you will need to travel by bus or taxi from the airport to the train station (e.g. Kent Station in Cork, Heuston Station in Dublin). Airports also have all the major car rental firms in their arrival halls, the preferred transport for many international tourists.

Getting from airport to your destination

After landing at the airport, you have numerous safe forms of transport. Both Bus Éireann and Expressway have high-frequency fixed-route services between the airport and the nearest major city as well as a number of fixed routes to many other major cities. The bus trips are very inexpensive and also often have free Wi-Fi access.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi; although, it can be very costly if taking a long journey. For instance, the price for a taxi ride from Dublin Airport to the city centre will be around €25 to €35. It is definitely recommended to rent a car for your journey if you plan to visit other off-the-beaten track places as there is little public transport in many smaller towns.

FAQs

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