All Ireland Airports (2025 Info) + Map
Ireland has five international airports (Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Kerry, and Ireland West Knock) plus one regional hub in Donegal. Together, they connect visitors not only with major cities but also with coastal villages, scenic countryside, and lesser-known destinations.
Whether you’re arriving in Dublin for its urban buzz, Shannon for the Wild Atlantic Way, Kerry for dramatic mountain landscapes, or Donegal for off-the-beaten-path adventures, Ireland’s airports serve as the most popular gateways to the country.
International Airports in Ireland
Ireland is home to five main international airports, connecting the island to major cities across the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. These gateways don’t just handle long-haul and cross-border flights—they’re also key hubs for domestic and regional air travel within Ireland and to nearby destinations like the UK.
- Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland’s busiest and largest international airport, located about 7 miles north of Dublin city center. It serves as the main hub for Aer Lingus and Ryanair, offering year-round and seasonal flights to destinations across Europe, the U.S., Canada, and the Middle East. Common routes include London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Toronto, and Dubai, with over 40 airlines operating here. U.S. travelers also benefit from U.S. pre-clearance facilities, allowing immigration before departure.
- Cork Airport (ORK), situated roughly 4 miles south of Cork city, is Ireland’s second-largest international airport. It handles short- and medium-haul routes, with regular flights to London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Paris, and Malaga. Ryanair and Aer Lingus are the primary carriers, alongside KLM and Lufthansa offering seasonal services. Here is a list of all airlines.
- Shannon Airport (SNN), located in County Clare on the west coast, is a historic gateway for transatlantic travel. It’s one of only a few European airports with U.S. preclearance and handles seasonal and year-round flights to New York, Boston, London, and Frankfurt, among others. Airlines serving the airport include Aer Lingus, Ryanair, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines (seasonal).
- Ireland West Airport (NOC)—also known as Knock Airport—is a regional international airport in County Mayo, northwest Ireland. It connects to London, Liverpool, Manchester, and seasonal European destinations like Alicante and Cologne. Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional are the primary operators, but other airlines also serve the airport.
- Kerry Airport (KIR), located near Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, is a small international airport that offers flights to London, Manchester, and Frankfurt-Hahn. Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate scheduled services, mostly catering to tourists visiting Ireland’s scenic southwest.
Regional Airports in Ireland for Domestic and Short-Haul Travel
In addition to Ireland’s international airports, the country is also served by a small but important regional airport that improves connectivity in the west and northwest.
- Donegal Airport (CFN) is Ireland’s most remote commercial airport, nestled on the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. It is often praised for having one of the world’s most beautiful landings. The airport offers daily flights to Dublin via Aer Lingus Regional as well as a year-round route to Glasgow, making it a key connection point for both local residents and visitors.
Though Kerry Airport (KIR) is officially classified as an international airport, it also serves a regional role. In addition to offering short-haul flights to the UK, it provides a vital domestic connection to Dublin, helping travelers access the scenic southwest of Ireland with ease.
Airlines and Destinations
Most international travelers to Ireland arrive via Dublin Airport (DUB), but other airports like Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN), Ireland West Airport (NOC) and Kerry (KIR) also handle a range of short-haul European flights. As of 2025, here are some key airlines and their typical routes:
- Aer Lingus – London, Paris, New York, Boston, Chicago
- Ryanair – Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, Manchester, Brussels
- Lufthansa – Frankfurt, Munich
- KLM – Amsterdam
- British Airways – London Heathrow, London City
- easyJet – Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester
- Jet2 – Leeds, East Midlands, Birmingham
- TUI – UK and German leisure routes (seasonal)
- United / Delta / American Airlines – New York, Newark, Chicago (seasonal and year-round from DUB or SNN)
Air Travel Tips for Ireland
Ireland’s airports are efficient and well-connected, but travel patterns vary by region. Dublin Airport is the busiest and can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays—arriving early is strongly recommended. Shannon and Cork offer a more relaxed experience with shorter queues.
For domestic travel, flights from Dublin to regional hubs like Donegal or Kerry are short and scenic. These routes are often serviced by smaller aircraft with limited baggage capacity, so packing light is a smart move.
Planning to explore rural areas or the Wild Atlantic Way? Consider renting a car directly at the airport for flexible onward travel. Booking flights and car rentals in advance—particularly in summer—helps avoid last-minute hassle.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.