Why You Should Take a Flight to Ireland

Whether it’s the ‘craic’ of Dublin, the coastal cliffs of Moher, the castle at Bunratty or the lakes at Killarney that draws you to look for Cheap Flights to Ireland, there’s always something for everyone on the Emerald Isle.

Lush green hills, rugged countryside, some of the best beaches in Europe, lively nightlife and solitary walks are all not far from Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Donegal – and regular flights from all over the UK land at these, and more, Irish airports.

When to Book Cheap Flights to Ireland

The days are at their longest, the weather at its warmest and, with kids on holiday from school too, it’s no surprise that the summer months see the most visitors to Ireland. Nevertheless, throughout the year you can still find Cheap Flights to Ireland, thanks to the number of flights available for the short hop.

The only real exception to this is over the Christmas period an around St. Patrick’s Day.

The temperatures do certainly drop significantly winter and Ireland’s lush, green hills are watered by regular downpours. This means that you may not be able to enjoy many of the outdoor activities that Ireland is famous for, such as horse riding, hiking and golf. But, this is also when the real bargain-bucket flights are definitely on offer for those planning to relax by a log fire.

How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Ireland

Expedia makes it easy for you to find the cheapest flights. Here are some tips on how to find them when you search.

By using our ‘Show flexible dates’ feature you can immediately see if there are cheaper days to book your flight on. Due to the way flights are booked there are often days close to your suggested flight that are much, much cheaper. And you can see them at a glance when you search with us.

You can also check if ‘Nearby airports’ offer more convenient flight times or a cheaper airfare. If you are not set on where you visit in Ireland you can use this to check other Irish airports for a better deal. After all, it’s a relatively small country so nothing is too far away if you a hire a car in Ireland.

Similarly, you can use this feature to find other UK airports close to you that may offer a much cheaper flight over the waters.

UK Departures to Ireland

Here are some sample flight times from London airports to Ireland:

• London to Dublin – 1 hour 20 minutes
• London to Galway – 1 hour 25 minutes
• London to Cork – 1 hour 30 minutes
• London to Athlone – 1 hour 25 minutes

Flights to Ireland are available not just from London’s many airports, but also from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster Sheffield, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Inverness, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Newquay, Nottingham East Midlands and Southampton.

Main Airports in Ireland

Capital city Dublin offers the main gateway into Ireland, followed by Cork, but these are far from your only choice. Regular UK flights can also be found to Donegal, Ireland West Airport Knock, Kerry, Shannon and Waterford.

Dublin Airport is located around six miles north of the city. There are nearly 1,000 buses and coaches making the trip to and from the airport each day, so it shouldn’t be too taxing to get into the heart of the action or out into the country. Taxis and car hires are widely available too.

Buses are your best option from Cork Airport as well. The services from Cork are plentiful and cheap – and offer easy access to much of Ireland. If you’re in a rush there are taxis and car hire options available from the terminal.

Which Airlines Fly to Ireland?

The carriers offering Cheap Flights to Ireland include:

• Ryanair
• Aer Lingus
• British Airways
• Cityjet
• Flybe
• Jet2

How to Get Around in Ireland

With glorious scenery demanding you make plenty of pit stops hiring a car in Ireland is undoubtedly your best option to pack in as much as possible.

Ireland’s train network offers less than comprehensive coverage, although it can be helpful to visit the major towns and cities. Booking online is recommended, as fares are cheaper when purchased in advance.

Dublin’s light-rail train makes getting around the city easy, covering its southern areas and centre. And the DART — Dublin Area Rapid Transit — service can take you further if required.

Traveling by bus is probably the most convenient public transport option. It’s affordable, reliable and offers very good coverage over all of Ireland.

What Are the Must-Sees in Ireland?

If you want to really get away from it all the Connemara National Park, located just next to Kylemore Abbey, is a beautiful area to drive around or walk through. The area is quite remote on the absolute west of Ireland, but that just makes it all the more special.

On the other hand, if you want to throw yourself headfirst into the bustle and party of Ireland, then its capital of Dublin is the place to be. Alive with music, pubs and a great street culture, Dublin offers the serene delights of St Stephen’s Green, the liquid delights of the Guinness Storehouse and the shopping delights of Grafton street.