Best Airports For Exploring Ireland's West Coast

which airport to access west ireland

Ireland has several international airports, including Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Cork Airport, and Ireland West Airport Knock, commonly known as Knock Airport. Located 5.6 km southwest of Charlestown, County Mayo, Ireland West Airport is a great option for those looking to explore the west coast. It is easily accessible by road, with over 1,500 parking spaces available, and can also be reached via licensed hackney services or rental cars. The airport offers flights to various destinations across the UK and Europe, including London, Berlin, and Frankfurt.

Characteristics Values
Name Ireland West Airport Knock
Official Website https://www.irelandwestairport.com/
Location 5.6 km (3.48-3.5 mi) southwest of Charlestown, County Mayo, Ireland
Distance from Nearest Villages 20 km (12-12.43 mi) from Knock
Distance from Nearest Large Towns 38 km (24 mi) from Castlebar and Ballina
Distance from Other Towns 54 km (34 mi) from Sligo; 89 km (55 mi) from Galway; 220 km (140 mi) from Dublin
Airlines Aer Lingus, Ryanair, MyTravelLite, Bmibaby, Aer Arann, Flybe, Lufthansa, EasyJet, Flyglobespan
Parking Spaces 1500+
Transport Services Licensed hackneys, rental cars (Budget, Avis, Europcar, Hertz)
Yearly Passengers 818,000 in 2023; 722,000 in 2022; 654,553 in 2011
Awards Ireland's best regional airport in 2006 and 2009

shunhotel

Ireland West Airport Knock

The airport offers a range of facilities for travellers, including an executive lounge with refreshments. International car rental companies such as Budget, Avis, Europcar, and Hertz also provide rental facilities at the airport. Additionally, the airport is serviced by specially licensed hackney taxis, which must be pre-booked according to the laws set by the National Transport Authority in Ireland.

The airport has also undergone several development projects. In 2009, a €5.5 million extension to the terminal building was completed, along with the installation of the Category II Instrument Landing System to improve reliability in low-visibility conditions. In 2017, it was announced that €15 million would be invested in upgrading the airport, including improvements to car parks, passenger facilities, and the terminal, as well as resurfacing the runway.

shunhotel

Shannon Airport

Due to its strategic location on the west coast of Ireland, Shannon Airport has played a crucial role in transatlantic aviation. In 1945, the airport witnessed a milestone in aviation history as it welcomed the first transatlantic proving flight, a Pan Am DC-4. Subsequently, in 1946, Trans World Airlines initiated service between New York and Paris via Gander and Shannon, further cementing the airport's importance in international travel. Shannon Airport also holds the distinction of being the world's first duty-free airport, a status it achieved in 1947 with the implementation of the "Customs Free Airport Act".

Over the years, Shannon Airport has undergone expansions and improvements to accommodate growing passenger numbers and evolving aviation technology. A notable expansion occurred in the early 1970s with the introduction of the Boeing 747, leading to the construction of a new, enlarged terminal. The airport has also faced challenges, such as the temporary ban on Aeroflot's operations in 1983 following the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007. However, Shannon Airport rebounded in the late 1990s, benefiting from a thriving Irish economy and an increase in American tourism.

Today, Shannon Airport continues to be a vital gateway to the west of Ireland, offering convenient access to Limerick and other western destinations. With its rich history, modern facilities, and strategic location, Shannon Airport remains a preferred choice for travellers visiting the region.

shunhotel

Kerry Airport

The first aircraft to land at Kerry Airport was on 25 August 1969, piloted by Captain Milo Carr of the Department of Transport and Power. For several years, light private aircraft, the occasional charter or cargo flight, and extensive parachuting took place at the airport. The first scheduled service was inaugurated in July 1979, using an Islander aircraft operated by Aer Arann.

Passenger services are operated by Ryanair and, more recently, the French airline Chalair. In 2024, the airport handled 417,409 passengers. Direct flights are available to Dublin, London, Frankfurt, Faro, and Alicante.

shunhotel

Belfast Airport

To access the west of Ireland, you can fly into Ireland West Airport Knock, formerly known as Horan International Airport and commonly referred to as Knock Airport. It is located 5.6 km (3.5 mi) south-west of Charlestown, County Mayo, with the village of Knock 20 km (12 mi) away. It is also close to the N5 Westport-Longford road and the N17 road, about halfway between Galway and Sligo.

Alternatively, you could fly into Belfast Airport, officially called Belfast International Airport, which is located 21.3 km (13.2 mi) northwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland. This airport is the main airport for the city of Belfast and offers flights to several European destinations.

Belfast International Airport was formerly known as Aldergrove Airport, as it is near the village of Aldergrove, County Antrim. It replaced Nutts Corner Airport as Northern Ireland's civil airport in 1946, as the previous airport, Belfast Harbour Airport (now George Best Belfast City Airport), was considered unsuitable. Belfast International Airport has undergone significant upgrades over the years, including improvements to runways, taxiways, and parking aprons, and the construction of a new International Pier and lounge facilities.

The airport serves as a base for several airlines, including easyJet, Northern Ireland's largest airline, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and Norwegian Air Shuttle. In 2014, there were discussions with Turkish Airlines about a potential service linking Belfast to their worldwide network, but this did not come to fruition. The airport has seen steady growth, with over 6.7 million passengers travelling through in 2024, a 13% increase from the previous year.

shunhotel

Transport options to/from the airport

Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock are two of the airports that provide access to the West of Ireland.

Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport is the third-busiest airport in Ireland. It is served by Bus Éireann, which runs the highest frequency of direct services to and from the airport. All services on the Galway/Limerick/Cork corridor pass through Shannon Airport, and Bus Éireann also provides frequent direct coach services between Shannon Airport and Limerick City, and between Shannon Airport and Ennis. By changing coaches at Cork, Ennis, Galway, or Limerick, you can connect to most places on Bus Éireann's nationwide network of long-distance and local bus services.

Shannon Airport is also served by taxi and shuttle services, as well as private car hire companies such as Occasion Cars Transport.

Ireland West Airport Knock

Ireland West Airport Knock, commonly known as Knock Airport, is the fourth-busiest airport in Ireland. It is located near the N17 road, about halfway between Galway and Sligo, and is also close to the N5 Westport-Longford road. The airport provides over 1,500 short-term and long-term parking spaces. The nearest large towns, Castlebar and Ballina, are both 38 km (24 mi) away, while Sligo is 54 km (34 mi) from the airport. Galway is 89 km (55 mi) away, and Dublin is 220 km (140 mi) from the airport.

Ireland West Airport Knock is serviced by specially licensed hackney carriages, which must be pre-booked according to the laws set down by the National Transport Authority in Ireland. A number of international car rental companies offer rental facilities at the airport, including Budget, Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

Frequently asked questions

Ireland West Airport, also known as Knock Airport, is located in County Mayo in the North West of Ireland. The village of Knock is 20 km (12 mi) away.

Airlines that fly to Ireland West Airport include Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Flybe, Lufthansa, and EasyJet.

Ireland West Airport is located near the N17 road, about halfway between Galway and Sligo. It is also close to the N5 Westport to Longford road. The nearest large towns, Castlebar and Ballina, are both 38 kilometres (24 mi) away. The airport can be accessed by car, taxi, or shuttle bus.

Other airports in the West of Ireland include Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport, and Connemara Airport.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment