When planning your trip to Ireland, you must consider which airport is best for your arrival and departure. One of the smartest ways to maximise your time is to fly into one airport and depart from another. This will allow you to explore more of the island without having to backtrack! If you are booking a tour with us, discuss this option with our sales team and they will gladly give you the best advice. All of our Self-Drive and Chauffeur Tours are customisable and can be adapted to suit your personal travel needs.
International Airports in Ireland:
Dublin –
Located about 15km north from Dublin City, Dublin Airport is Ireland’s busiest airport. If Dublin city is a must see on your itinerary then it makes perfect sense to begin your Ireland vacation here. Dublin airport offers an extensive list of transatlantic connections, plus you can currently fly direct from Boston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, St. John’s, Montreal and Toronto. There is also a wide network of flights to the UK and Europe, making onward travel very convenient. Check out the Dublin Airport Website for up-to-date destination information.
Shannon –
Shannon Airport is located on the west coast of Ireland. It is approximately 24 KM north of Limerick, 22 KM south of Ennis and 90 KM south of Galway, and is thus a fantastic option if you wish to visit that side of Ireland. Shannon Airport is well known for its shorter queues, offering a more relaxed arrival experience than Dublin. It offers connections via London from several US and Canadian cities and you can currently fly direct from Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Boston. The airport has great links to the UK and provides many opportunities to travel further afield in Europe. Uniquely, it also offers U.S. preclearance facilities for return journeys. Check out the Shannon Airport Website for up to date destination information.
Belfast –
There are two airports in Belfast:
• Belfast International Airport – the main international hub
• George Best Belfast City Airport – primarily serves UK routes
Flying into Belfast is a great option if you wish to explore Northern Ireland and Donegal. Here, most transatlantic journeys connect via the UK or Europe. However, during peak times of the year, there are occasionally direct routes from North America. Check out the Belfast Airport Website for up to date destination information.
Cork –
Cork airport is located just 6.5 km away from Cork city in an area known as Farmers Cross. It is a perfect gateway for those wanting to explore the south coast of Ireland. The airport services mostly UK and European Airports, but you may be able to route a flight from the US via London or another European Connection. Check out the Cork Airport Website for up to date destination information.
Regional Airports in Ireland:
Ireland also has several smaller regional airports, including:
• Ireland West Airport Knock
• Kerry Airport
• Donegal Airport
• City of Derry Airport
These airports are quite small and mainly serve routes within Ireland, the UK, and limited parts of Europe. While they typically do not offer direct transatlantic flights, they can be very useful for regional connections within your itinerary. Less time travelling, more time exploring!