Cork, Ireland: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Cork Airport, located in County Cork, Ireland, is the second-largest international airport in the country. It is situated 6.5 km (4.0 mi) south of Cork City centre in an area known as Farmers Cross. The airport offers a seamless transit experience with a modern terminal, efficient check-in processes, and convenient access to the city centre. Cork Airport is known for its spacious and serene atmosphere, providing passengers with a sense of wellbeing and comfort. It handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, with 2.6 million passengers passing through in 2019. The airport caters to both domestic and international flights and provides various amenities, including lounges, restaurants, duty-free stores, and free Wi-Fi.

Cork Airport's location and transport links

Cork Airport is located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) south of Cork City centre, in an area known as Farmers Cross. It is connected to the city centre via the N27 and N40. The R600 connects the airport to the port town of Kinsale, which forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way tourist route. The airport is approximately 260 kilometres (160 mi) away from Dublin and 107 kilometres (66 mi) from Limerick, accessed via the M8 and N20 respectively.

There is no rail link to the airport, and the nearest station is Kent Station on the edge of the city centre. However, there are multiple Bus Éireann routes connecting the airport to Kent Station via the city centre. Two competing bus operators offer links to the city. The Bus Éireann AirCoach runs at least hourly, while the SkyLink Airport Express departs hourly on each of two routes, non-stop between the airport and the city centre. Taxis are also available, with a taxi rank outside the arrivals entrance.

Cork Airport is responsible for the infrastructure that enables airlines and handling agents to operate at the airport. Aer Lingus provides its own aircraft ground handling services, while other airlines and private flights contract services to third-party ground handlers (Swissport and Weston Aviation).

Airport facilities and amenities

Cork Airport, located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) south of Cork City centre, is the second-largest international airport in Ireland. The airport offers a range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers.

Terminal Facilities

The terminal at Cork Airport features a modern design with a spacious and serene atmosphere. It has eight departure gates, two of which are equipped with airbridges. The terminal includes several shopping and dining options, including a duty-free area, restaurants, and cafes, both before and after the security screening area. Additionally, passengers can access a bureau de change kiosk, ATMs, and Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. For business travellers, there is a business lounge operated by Swissport.

Transport Facilities

The airport provides convenient transport options for travellers. It is easily accessible by car, located off the N27 when coming from the North, West, or East, and the R600 when coming from Kinsale. There is a taxi rank located outside the main terminal, with approximate fares ranging from EUR 10.16 to EUR 12.70 to the city centre. Bus services are also available, with two competing bus operators, Bus Eireann AirCoach and SkyLink Airport Express, offering frequent connections to the city.

Accommodation

For travellers requiring accommodation, there are two hotels located adjacent to the passenger terminal: the Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel. These hotels offer convenient options for both business and leisure travellers, with amenities such as comfortable rooms, dining options, and Wi-Fi.

Additional Amenities

Cork Airport also offers a variety of additional amenities to enhance the passenger experience. These include a business park with over 50 tenant companies, car rental services, and a multi-storey car park with both short-term and long-term parking options. The airport has also been recognised for its sustainability initiatives, meeting its public sector obligation of a 33% reduction in energy costs ahead of schedule.

History and development of the airport

Cork Airport, the second-largest international airport in Ireland, is located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) south of Cork City centre, in an area known as Farmers Cross. The airport was established in 1961 after the Government of Ireland agreed to the building of an airport for Cork in 1957. The airport was officially opened on 16 October 1961, after proving flights by Aer Lingus and Cambrian Airways. In its first year, the airport handled 10,172 passengers, a number close to the average number of passengers handled daily at the airport in 2007.

Throughout the 1960s, the airport expanded with the arrival of more advanced aircraft and more destinations. The first jet to land at Cork Airport was a British Overseas Airways Corporation Comet, on 29 March 1964. By 1969, Aer Lingus was operating flights to London Heathrow, Manchester, and Bristol. In 1975, a passenger terminal study was conducted by the state airports authority, Aer Rianta, which led to the improvement of terminal facilities, including new departure and arrival halls, a new check-in area, and an executive lounge. These new extensions were opened in 1978.

The 1980s saw further expansion, with the extension of the main apron and the introduction of new services to London Gatwick. Ryanair commenced services at Cork Airport in 1987, and Phase I of the Terminal Expansion and Development Plan was completed the following year. In the 1990s, Phase II and Phase III of the terminal expansion were completed, with the entire plan finalised in 1994. A new terminal building was constructed, with roads upgraded and a new short-term multi-storey car park built. The new terminal opened in 2006, the first built in Ireland in the 21st century.

In 2008, Cork Airport Authority accepted responsibility for a debt incurred by the Dublin Airport Authority, impacting its independence. In 2013, Cork Airport was ranked first for overall customer satisfaction in a global survey by Airports Council International. The airport has continued to receive awards and recognition, including being named the "Best Airport in Europe under 5 million passengers" by Airports Council International in 2017 and 2019.

Airlines and destinations

Cork Airport, the second-largest international airport in Ireland, has a wide range of airlines and destinations to choose from. The airport is located 6.5 km (4.0 mi) south of Cork City centre, in an area known as Farmers Cross.

Airlines

Several airlines operate regular flights to and from Cork Airport, including:

• Aer Lingus
• Ryanair
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta
• Aer Arann
• Swissport
• Manx2
• Air Lada
• KLM
• EasyJet
• Norwegian Air Shuttle

Destinations

Cork Airport offers direct flights to and from various cities across the globe, some of which are seasonal or charter flights:

• Amsterdam
• Bristol
• Glasgow
• Lanzarote
• London Heathrow
• Málaga
• Tenerife
• Bilbao
• Bordeaux
• Dubrovnik
• Faro
• Lyon
• Munich
• Palma de Mallorca
• Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Alicante
• Barcelona
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Liverpool
• London Gatwick
• Manchester
• Rome
• Valencia
• Venice
• Izmir
• Corfu
• Prague
• Berlin
• Cardiff
• Dublin
• Belfast
• Bratislava
• Brest
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Edinburgh
• Faro
• Geneva
• Gdansk
• Glasgow
• Jersey
• Katowice
• Lanzarote
• Lisbon
• Liverpool
• London
• Malaga
• Manchester
• Munich
• Nantes
• Newcastle
• Newquay
• Nice
• Paris
• Plymouth
• Prague
• Poznań
• Rome
• Tenerife
• Warsaw
• Birmingham
• Charleroi
• Edinburgh
• Faro
• Gdańsk
• Gran Canaria
• Lanzarote
• Liverpool
• London
• Luton
• Stansted
• Málaga
• Manchester
• Palma de Mallorca
• Poznań
• Rome
• Seville
• Tenerife
• Valencia
• Venice
• Alghero
• Bergamo
• Carcassonne
• Fuerteventura
• Girona
• La Rochelle
• Pisa
• Reus
• Rhodes
• Treviso
• Zadar
• Providence

Hotels near Cork Airport

Cork Airport is located 6.5km south of Cork City Centre and is the second-largest international airport in Ireland. There are a number of hotels located near the airport, offering convenience and comfort to travellers. Here is a list of some hotels near Cork Airport:

• Cork International Hotel: Located directly opposite the airport, this hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport. The spacious and clean rooms make for a comfortable stay. The hotel is also just a 10-minute drive from Cork City, offering easy access to shops, vibrant bars and restaurants.
• Cork Airport Hotel: This hotel is located on the airport grounds, providing the ultimate convenience for travellers. It offers comfortable rooms, along with dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• The River Lee Hotel: Located 3.6 miles from Cork City Centre, this hotel offers a warm and calming ambiance. It boasts comfortable beds and rooms with windows that open, allowing for a pleasant stay. The delicious breakfast and friendly staff further enhance the experience.
• The Imperial Hotel: Situated 3.8 miles from Cork Airport, this hotel can be reached via a short taxi ride. It is located in the heart of Cork City, providing easy access to the main shopping district, restaurants and nightlife. The air-conditioned rooms and Escape Spa make for a relaxing stay.
• Hayfield Manor Hotel: About 3.3 miles from Cork City Centre, this hotel is also a close drive from Cork Airport. It offers a tranquil setting and luxurious accommodations, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.
• Fortwilliam Farm: Nestled 2 miles from Cork Airport, this accommodation offers a beautiful farm setting with well-designed interiors. The peaceful location and attention to detail make it a highly recommended option.
• Foxglove: A recently renovated guest house located in Douglas, 2.4 miles from the airport. It offers free private parking, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. The private entrance provides added convenience and privacy.
• Bridgets Log Cabin: Found in Togher, 2.5 miles from the airport, this accommodation provides a unique experience in a log cabin setting. The property features a garden and patio, offering a tranquil stay surrounded by nature.
• Apartment 2 Oakleigh House: Located 2.8 miles from Cork Airport, this apartment offers a clean and cosy space for travellers. The host is highly welcoming and helpful, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Frequently asked questions