
Ireland is home to several airports that serve as gateways to the country's many attractions, including its breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities. The main international airport is in Dublin, the country's capital, with others located in Cork, Shannon, Kerry, Knock, Derry, and Belfast. These airports offer varying levels of connectivity, facilities, and experiences, catering to both local and international travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of International Airports in Ireland | 5 (Shannon, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Knock) |
| Number of International Airports in Northern Ireland | 3 (Belfast City, Derry City, Belfast International) |
| Location of Derry City Airport | 11.2 km outside Derry City |
| Location of Shannon Airport | Shannon Estuary in County Clare |
| Location of Cork Airport | 6.5 km south of Cork City |
| Location of Dublin Airport | 11 km from Dublin City Centre |
| Popular Airlines in Ireland | Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines |
| Popular Cities in Ireland | Dublin, Cork City, Sligo |
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What You'll Learn
- Dublin Airport: Ireland's main international airport, located 11km from the city centre
- Shannon Airport: An international airport in County Clare, west of Ireland
- Cork Airport: Ireland's second-largest international airport, 6km south of Cork City
- Belfast International Airport: Located centrally in Northern Ireland, 20 miles from Belfast
- Derry Airport: 11.2km outside Derry City, with direct flights to the UK

Dublin Airport: Ireland's main international airport, located 11km from the city centre
Dublin Airport is Ireland's main international airport. It is located 11km from Dublin City Centre, which is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. The airport ranks as the 12th busiest airport in Europe, serving around 32 million passengers. It offers 24-hour arrival and departure services, with facilities like free Wi-Fi, a lounge, baby rooms, and a pharmacy.
Dublin Airport is a hub for many airlines, including IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, which offer flights from various destinations such as Delhi. The airport has expanded over the years to accommodate the increasing number of passengers travelling to Ireland for both tourism and business.
Dublin, the city, has much to offer visitors, from its famous landmarks like the Ha'penny Bridge and St. Patrick's Cathedral to the vibrant Temple Bar and Dublin Flea Market. History enthusiasts can explore The National Museum of Ireland, while nature lovers can enjoy the lush green landscapes and iconic cliffs that Ireland is renowned for, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway.
Dublin Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the rest of the country and beyond, with short-haul flights to Europe and long-haul flights to other parts of the world. It is well-connected to the city centre, with taxi and bus services available, making it a popular entry point for travellers exploring Ireland.
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Shannon Airport: An international airport in County Clare, west of Ireland
Shannon Airport is an international airport located in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. It is named after the nearby River Shannon and is adjacent to the Shannon Estuary, halfway between Ennis and Limerick. The airport is 15 miles north of Ennis and 15 miles south of Limerick. It is one of Ireland's main international airports and is a popular gateway for flights to and from the US and several European destinations.
Shannon Airport has a long history associated with transatlantic flight. It was built in the late 1930s, with the first commercial flight taking place in 1939. The airport was initially intended for flying boats, with a terminal located at Foynes on the south side of the Shannon Estuary. However, the changing technology of transatlantic aircraft required the construction of permanent runways, and by 1942, Shannon Airport was serviceable. During World War II, the runways were extended to accommodate transatlantic flights, and in 1945, it became the landing point for the first transatlantic proving flight. In 1947, Shannon became the world's first duty-free airport.
The airport has played a significant role in connecting Ireland and the United States. The first Air Services Agreement between the two countries in 1945 permitted US airlines to serve only Shannon, while Irish airlines were restricted to serving Boston, Chicago, and New York. Shannon's position as a transatlantic hub continued to grow, and by the 1960s, it was a busy refuelling stop for many carriers. The airport has the longest runway in Ireland at 3.2 kilometres, which made it a designated alternative landing site for the Space Shuttle.
Shannon Airport has also been a site of diplomatic incidents and international cooperation. In 1983, following the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007, the United States demanded that Ireland suspend Aeroflot's operations at Shannon, which was being used as a stop between the Soviet Union and other Communist bloc countries. Despite this incident, Shannon continued to be an important hub, and in 1990, the US-Irish bilateral agreement was amended to allow Irish airlines to serve Los Angeles and additional US airlines to serve Dublin via Shannon. Shannon Airport remains a significant gateway to Ireland and a vital part of the country's aviation history.
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Cork Airport: Ireland's second-largest international airport, 6km south of Cork City
Cork Airport is Ireland's second-largest international airport, located just 6 km south of Cork City. It is one of five international airports in Ireland, offering more routes than any other airport outside of Dublin. The airport first opened in 1961, and in its first year, it served 10,172 passengers—a number now surpassed in just a few days.
Throughout the 1960s, Cork Airport expanded with advanced aircraft and new destinations. By 1969, Aer Lingus operated flights to London Heathrow, Manchester, and Bristol. The airport continued to grow in the 1980s, with an extension of the main apron and new services to London Gatwick. In 1987, Ryanair commenced services, and the following year, Phase I of the Terminal Expansion and Development Plan was completed.
The 1990s saw the completion of Phase II and Phase III of the terminal expansion, with a new terminal building constructed by 2001. The new terminal featured four fixed links to the main building and was designed to accommodate additional airbridges if needed. In 2005, Ryanair established its second Irish base at Cork Airport.
Cork Airport welcomed approximately 2.2 million passengers in 2022, showcasing its significant growth since its opening over six decades ago. Its convenient location and range of route options make it a popular choice for travellers visiting southern Ireland.
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Belfast International Airport: Located centrally in Northern Ireland, 20 miles from Belfast
Ireland has several airports catering to tourists and locals alike. One of these is Belfast International Airport, which is located centrally in Northern Ireland, about 20 miles from Belfast. Formerly known as Aldergrove Airport, it is situated near Nutts Corner on the eastern shore of Lough Neagh. The driving time to Belfast is between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic. While it is a bit far from the city centre, it is a modern, spacious, and well-laid-out airport that satisfies most travellers' needs.
Belfast International Airport is a busy international airport, with flights to over 70 destinations. It is well-connected to Belfast and the major roads, and several bus services to the airport are in operation. The nearest rail station is Antrim, which is six miles away. The airport is also easily accessible by car, with parking facilities available.
For those looking for a more convenient option when travelling to Belfast, George Best Belfast City Airport is a closer alternative, located just 3.8 miles from the city centre. This single-runway airport offers stunning views of the city and is a great choice for those who want to quickly get to their destination.
When flying to Belfast, it is important to remember that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so valid passport details must be submitted in advance for clearance. This applies to both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.
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Derry Airport: 11.2km outside Derry City, with direct flights to the UK
Derry Airport, also known as City of Derry Airport, is located 11.2km outside of Derry City in County Londonderry. It is one of the better-connected airports in Ireland, offering direct flights to several destinations in the UK, including London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. The airport also provides connections to other international locations, such as the UAE, Australia, and America, via Manchester and Glasgow.
The airport is a convenient gateway to explore nearby attractions such as Derry, the Antrim Coast, and Donegal. Derry, also known as Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and is known for its well-preserved city walls, which were built in the 17th century. The walls form a 1-mile loop around the city and offer a unique perspective on the city's history and architecture.
The Antrim Coast, also known as the Causeway Coast, boasts stunning natural scenery and is home to the famous Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal area features dramatic cliffs, picturesque beaches, and quaint villages, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Donegal, located in the northwest of Ireland, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. It offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and surfing to golf and fishing. Donegal Town, with its medieval castle and charming streets, is a highlight for many visitors.
Derry Airport provides easy access to these destinations and more. With its proximity to Derry City and convenient transport options, it serves as a strategic gateway for travellers looking to explore the region.
In terms of facilities, Derry Airport is described as a small airport with basic amenities. It is considered more of a transit area than a place to spend time voluntarily. However, it does offer essential services and connections to facilitate passenger needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The main international airport in Ireland is in Dublin, the country's capital city.
Cork Airport is the second-largest international airport in Ireland, located 6-6.5km from Cork City. Shannon Airport, in County Clare, is another popular airport for transatlantic flights.
Yes, there are three airports in Northern Ireland: Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport, and the City of Derry Airport.
Donegal Airport has been hailed as one of the most picturesque airports in the world, thanks to its location by Carrickfinn Beach.

































