Over 4 million passengers fly into Ireland from all over the world each year. International Irish flights arrive at Ireland's three major airports, Dublin, Shannon and Belfast. In addition, Aer Lingus, the Irish national airline, and other local carriers fly into six regional airports. Below is some useful information about the airports in Ireland.

Dublin Airport is located about 6 miles North of Dublin City Centre on the M1/N1 Road, off the intersection with the M50 ring road which loops around the city. The airport is well signposted on all major routes and is served by an excellent road network. 

Dublin Airport serves both international and domestic airlines and is the main airport in Ireland. Flying time to Ireland is 6½ hours from New York, 7½ hours from Chicago, 10 hours from Los Angeles and approximately 1 hour from most British cities. There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand.

On Arrival
Flying into Ireland is relatively hassle-free, although an increase in traffic over recent years has caused some flight and baggage delays. Customs and immigration in Ireland is normal, naturally no contraband items will be tolerated. Allow at least an hour to 90 minutes or so to disembark, collect luggage, clear customs and arrange transportation. Most major hotels will arrange for you to be collected and quality tour operators will have someone meet you or your group at the Airport. Visitors arriving will either Rent a car, or travel to the city centre or their Hotel by Airlink, Bus or Taxi. 

Facilities
There are several Bureau de Change located in the Airport most operated by Bank of Ireland, A 24 hour Foreign currency ATM machine (US Dollars, £ Sterling, French & Belgian Francs) is also located on the Departures Floor. As a busy Capital Airport, Dublin has good Restaurants, Public Area's and Restrooms. Disabled passengers are well catered for and a "take to plane" service is available when required.

Transport
As a guide Taxis are available from outside the Arrivals Area of the Airport between 06.30 and 11.30 pm freely but at peak periods in the morning and evening long queues can develop so our best advice is to pre book. Outside of these hours you may still find it difficult to get a cab so again we suggest you pre book. Taxi Fares are about EUR 18 (US$15) from the Airport to the City Centre, the ride is about 20 minutes, 40 at peak times.
All Car Rental Desks are located in the ARRIVALS HALL and most car rental agencies are open from 8 AM to 8 PM.  

Bus & Rail
Alternative transport to Dublin City Centre is the new ' Aircoach' service which provides transport between Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre Aircoach runs daily every 15 minutes from 05:30 until 22:30. Among the destinations covered are O'Connell Street, Merrion Square, Mount Street, Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge and Donnybrook. A shuttle bus runs from outside the arrivals gate to the city centre and serves the main Rail stations to the South west and North of Ireland.

Dublin Airport more Info: here

Shannon Airport is located in Shannon, County Clare on the west coast of Ireland, about 10 miles from Limerick, and 12 from Ennis. Shannon Airport is not as busy as Dublin Airport, but has a stopover of just one hour on most Transatlantic flights. 

If you plan on visiting the west of Ireland, you may like to arrange your itinerary to begin and end at Shannon, this makes for an excellent tour of Ireland if planned in a loop to include some of the countries major towns, saves you a few hours in travel time!

On Arrival
Flying into Ireland is relatively hassle-free, although an increase in traffic over recent years has caused some flight and baggage delays. Customs and immigration in Ireland is normal, naturally no contraband items will be tolerated. Visitors arriving will either Rent a CAR, or travel onwards by Bus Eirann Coach or Taxi. If you are arriving early morning or late night we suggest you pre book your onwards transport. Alternatively you can use the IARNROD EIREANN'S frequent InterCity Train Service to and from Limerick which has a regular bus connection from its Railway Station to Shannon Airport.

Facilities
At Shannon the banking facilities are open from 07.30 to 17.30 hours. for your foreign exchange and other transactions. There is a good restaurant, public area's and restrooms. Disabled passengers are well catered for and a "take to plane" service is available when required.

Transport
It is wise to ensure your onward travel plans prior to arriving at Shannon, there are several Car Hire Companies at Shannon Airport, open 8am to 8pm, and many will be pre-booked, especially in Peak Season.

Bus and Rail
You can get to and from Shannon Airport from virtually any point throughout Ireland with Bus Eireann. Regular services are available via the main terminals at ENNIS or LIMERICK. Onward connections are available to and from Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and all other parts of Ireland. There is also a Bus Eireann desk in the Arrivals Hall of the Airport. Passengers arriving by Taxi will be set down on the Departures Courtyard, directly outside the Terminal Building. Taxis are available at the 24 hour Taxi deskin the Arrivals Hall. Peak Times are 8.30 - 10 am and 4.30 -6pm,
Limerick - Dublin - Limerick 10 Trains in either direction on weekdays - average journey time 2 hours 15 minutes. Limerick - Cork - Limerick 8 trains in either direction on weekdays - average journey time 1 hour 45 minutes. Belfast - Limerick - Belfast Average journey time 5 to 6 hours. 

Shannon Airport More Info Here

Cork Airport is located just off the Main N71 Route 5 Miles from the City Centre and is well signposted on all major routes.Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny are within easy reach via the new Lee Tunnel. A frequent bus service operates from the airport to the city centre. Train services operate downtown from Kent station serving all of Ireland.

On Arrival
Customs and immigration in Ireland is generally hassle-free. However, contraband items are illegal and will not be tolerated. Still, plan at least an hour to 90 minutes or so to disembark, collect luggage, clear customs and arrange transportation. Most major hotels will arrange for you to be collected and quality tour operators will have someone meet you or your group at the Airport. Visitors arriving will either Rent a CAR, or travel onwards by Bus Eireann Coach or Taxi.

Facilities
At Cork the banking facilities are open from 07.30 to 17.30 hours. for your foreign exchange and other transactions. Good Restaurants, Public Area's and Restrooms. Disabled passengers are well catered for and a "take to plane" service is available when required. (Must be Pre Booked)

Transport
There is a taxi rank located outide the main terminal. The cost is approx. EU 8.00 from the airport to City Centre, journey time 20 minutes average. There is also a Hackney Service (Private Hire) from the airport, rates of hire are displayed at the desk. Peak Times are 8.30 - 10 am and 4.30 -6pm, If you are arriving early morning or late night we suggest you pre book your onwards transport. Car Rental Desks are located in the ARRIVALS HALL and most car rental agencies are open from 8 AM to 8 PM. At Cork there are only 5 car hire companies on site, you may find that you will have to pre book your preffered car rental company in advance.

Bus and Rail
You can get to and from Cork Airport from virtually any point throughout Ireland with Bus Eireann. A daily service is available to and from Cork City Centre with regular departures every 45 minutes.  Details from: Bus Eireann 
IARNROD EIREANN'S frequent InterCity Train Service to and from CORK has a regular bus connection from its Railway Station to Cork Airport. Connections are available to and from intermediate stations. 

Cork Airport More Info here

Other Airports in Ireland