Dublin International Airport

Dublin Airport is the main air hub for the Republic of Ireland, set just six miles to the north of the city. Passenger throughput in 2011 totaled close on 19 million, and the facility is a base for national carrier Aer Lingus and budget airline Ryanair. Its short and medium haul network is extensive with destinations all around Europe. Its long-haul network includes flights to the USA through Aer Lingus, backed up by US legacy carrier flights from a number of US cities. US border pre-clearance facilities are available for all American bound passengers.

Dublin Airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 hosting domestic flights and Terminal 2 dealing with international arrivals to Ireland. Delta, United, American Airlines and US Airways all offer flights from New York, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Atlanta, while Aer Lingus flies from New York, Orlando, Boston and Chicago. Ryanair, Aer Lingus Regional, Flybe, British Airways and Thomson fly to all the London airports and the vast majority of the UK’s regional airports with either seasonal or year-round connections.

The airport terminals feature passenger facilities including currency exchange booths, ATMs, internet access, medical and baby-changing areas, assistance for disabled passengers, pay-per-hour executive lounges open to all classes, VIP services, adjacent parking lots and car rental operations. The Loop shopping area has a selection of boutiques, cosmetics, beauty stores and high-end brands as well as a huge choice of restaurants, bars and coffee shops including a seafood eatery and the Garden Terrace. Ground transportation is by bus, coach or taxi.

Shannon International Airport

Mostly serving Limerick, Galway, Ennis and the southwest of the country, Shannon Airport is the third busiest airport in Ireland with close to two million passengers a year passing through the complex’s single terminal. Most of its flights are seasonal, with Aer Lingus, Delta and United Airlines flying from New York and Boston. For UK visitors, Ryanair connects to London Gatwick and Stansted, while Aer Lingus Regional covers Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol and London Heathrow.

Terminal facilities include currency exchange booths and ATMs, Wi-Fi internet access, landside baby-changing rooms and an airside kids’ play area, in addition to assistance for disabled passengers. A café, coffee shop, Sheridan’s Bar and Restaurant and the Sagafredo snack bar take care of hunger pangs, and shopaholics can have fun in the Loop shopping concourse and at the duty-free outlets. Parking is provided, as is car rental via four well-known companies. Onward transportation to your destination in Ireland is by bus or non-metered taxi.

Cork International Airport

This busy air hub lies four miles to the north of Cork City and handles well over two million passengers a year, making it the second busiest in Ireland. Aer Lingus and Ryanair are its main carriers, offering seasonal and year-round flights to London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, and Aer Lingus Regional service to Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are no direct flights from the USA, so North American visitors can connect through London, Brussels or Amsterdam.

The airport’s new terminal offers amenities such as banking, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi and fixed internet access, executive and business lounges, two on-site hotels, assistance for the disabled, family rooms and a hair stylist.

Its Loop shopping arcade offers international branded cosmetics, fashion, jewelry, smoked salmon, Irish cheeses and a comprehensive duty-free store. A selection of cafes, bars and eateries, as well as a food court takes care of the pre-flight munchies. Parking and car rental are available and ground transportation from the airport is by taxi, bus, coach or self-drive.