Key Highlights
- Ireland has a few important international airports. These include Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, and Shannon Airport.
- Dublin Airport is the busiest international airport in the country. It is also the main hub for Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
- If you want to reach the west coast, you can fly to Shannon Airport or Ireland West Airport (Knock).
- There is a network of smaller regional airports. These help people get to places like County Donegal and County Kerry.
- Belfast International Airport is the biggest airport in Northern Ireland. It has many international flights.
- This guide will help you learn about the top international and regional airports. It will help you plan your 2026 trip.
Introduction
Are you planning a trip to the island of Ireland? If you know what international airport to fly into, it will make your get away easy and smooth. There are many irish airports, from big international airports to small airfields. This network helps you get to any side of ireland. It does not matter if you want the busy dublin city or the wild west coast, you will find an international airport that matches your needs. Here, we will talk about the top irish airports for your 2026 travel plans.
Top Airports in Ireland for 2026 Travel
Ireland has the few major airports that take care of most of the flights and passenger traffic. Dublin Airport is the busiest airport in Ireland. It is the main gateway for people coming from Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
There is also Shannon Airport and Cork Airport. Shannon Airport serves the west area, and Cork Airport looks after the south. In Northern Ireland, Belfast International Airport is the top entry point. Ireland West Airport is another good choice if you want to see the west coast.
We’ll now look closer at these major airports.
1. Dublin Airport – Ireland’s Main International Gateway
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the largest international airport in Ireland. It is the main hub for Aer Lingus, and a big base for Ryanair. The airport is about 7 km north of Dublin city. You can get direct flights to many places in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The airport saw 36.4 million passengers in 2025. This shows it is important as a global travel hub.
There is something special at Dublin Airport. The United States border preclearance lets you clear customs and immigration before you leave. This service is good for people going to the United States. You save time when you arrive in America.
Dublin Airport gives you many things to use. There is parking, lounges, shops, and places to eat. Whether you are on a holiday in Ireland, or just passing by, Dublin Airport is ready to make sure your trip is easy and comfortable.
2. Shannon Airport – Serving the West and Mid-West Regions
Shannon Airport (SNN) is in County Clare, close to the Shannon Estuary. It is an international airport many people use when they come to the west of Ireland. The airport’s location makes it simple to get to top spots such as Limerick, Ennis, and the famous Wild Atlantic Way. If you plan to see the west coast, Shannon is a good airport to pick.
This international airport also has a long past with flights going over the Atlantic, and it is still important for going between Ireland and North America. Like Dublin, Shannon Airport has U.S. preclearance services. This means you can clear U.S. customs before you fly. There are only two airports in Europe with this service. It helps anyone who is going to the United States to travel with less trouble.
Shannon Airport is less busy than Dublin. People can have a more relaxed trip but still have all the main international links. If you want to see the west or mid-west of Ireland, flying into Shannon can help you save time on travel after your flight.
3. Cork Airport – Key Southern Hub
Cork Airport (ORK) is the second busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland. It is the main international airport for the south of the country. You can find it not far from Cork city centre. The airport is in a good spot for visiting both Cork and Kerry. It is a great place to start your journey if you want to see the south coast’s beautiful views and lively culture.
There are many direct flights from Cork Airport. These flights mostly go to different places across Europe. Many people think it is a good and easy place to use when they want to travel for work or a holiday. If you are going to the south of Ireland, you do not need to go through Dublin, which makes things much easier.
Cork Airport has a big role in Irish travel. The terminal is new and people will find the staff friendly. The airport is not too big. Most people can get around it quickly and easily, so you can start your trip in the south of Ireland without waiting around.
4. Belfast International Airport – Northern Ireland’s Largest Airport
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the main international airport in Northern Ireland. It is also the second busiest airport on the island of Ireland, after Dublin. The airport is about 21 km to the northwest of Belfast city centre. It handles many international flights and connects Northern Ireland with lots of cities in the United Kingdom and Europe.
This international airport is a big hub in the UK’s aviation network. There are frequent flights to London airports, Glasgow, and other major cities. This makes the airport a key entry point for people wanting to visit Belfast and other top places in Northern Ireland, such as the Giant’s Causeway and Antrim coast.
The international airport is easy for people to use. It offers many passenger facilities and good transport links to Belfast city centre and other parts of Northern Ireland. If you are planning to travel around Northern Ireland, flying to Belfast International Airport can save you time and be more convenient for your trip. Belfast International Airport, like most major airports, has an official website where you can get flight information and other services.
5. Ireland West Airport Knock – Gateway to the West
Ireland West Airport (NOC), known by many as Knock Airport, sits in County Mayo. It acts as an important airport for the west and northwest part of Ireland. The airport helps people reach counties like Mayo, Galway, Sligo, and Donegal. Its spot is great for those looking to travel along the Wild Atlantic Way.
You can choose from a list of direct flights here, mostly going to the UK and Europe. Knock Airport has seen more people come in recent years, especially those who want to see the Knock Shrine nearby. If you are heading to the west of Ireland, this airport is a good choice instead of bigger airports like Dublin or Shannon.
Ireland West Airport is one of the main regional airports in Ireland. It helps the local economy and brings people to the area for tourism. When you fly here, you get to see the beautiful scenes of the region right away.
Domestic and Regional Airports in Ireland
Beyond the big international airports, the Republic of Ireland has some smaller regional airports. These regional airports help connect more rural areas around Ireland. People in these places and tourists really depend on them. They help you reach spots in Ireland that are not easy to get to by road. Also, they help save a lot of travel time if you don’t want to drive for long hours.
Airports such as Kerry Airport, Donegal Airport, and Sligo Airport show how important these small hubs are. Kerry Airport in Kerry, Donegal Airport in Donegal, and Sligo Airport in Sligo all link their areas to Dublin. Some of them also offer flights to other countries. Now, let’s look at a few of these important regional airports in Ireland.
6. Kerry Airport – Access to South-West Ireland
Kerry Airport (KIR) is in County Kerry, Ireland. It is a small airport, but it gives you great access to the beautiful southwest of the country. You will find it in a good spot if you want to go to Killarney, Tralee, or if you plan to drive around the famous Ring of Kerry.
The airport helps people reach key places. You can fly mostly to Dublin, and to a few cities in Europe. If you get to Kerry Airport, you will save time when going to see the Dingle Peninsula or Killarney National Park. This airport is one of the main regional airports in Kerry. It plays a big part in bringing people to this lovely area.
Key routes and features include:
- Regular flights to Dublin, which makes it easy to travel to other places from there.
- Seasonal flights to some places in Germany and Europe.
- Its handy location puts you right in the middle of one of the most beautiful spots in all of Ireland.
7. Donegal Airport – Serving the North-West Coast
Donegal Airport is in Gweedore, County Donegal. It is known for its lovely coastal views from the air. This regional aerodrome is important to the northwest of Ireland. It links this place with both Dublin and Glasgow. People can get to towns like Letterkenny and Dungloe from here. It also makes it easy to see the wild beauty of Donegal.
The aerodrome is small but gives a trip you will remember. Many people have said it is one of the most beautiful places in the world to land at. Donegal Airport is a lifeline for those who live here. It is also a good place for visitors who want to begin their journey along the top of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Key highlights of Donegal Airport include:
- Flights to Dublin and Glasgow, making travel inside Ireland and outside Ireland easy.
- Its spot in the centre of the Donegal Gaeltacht, where Irish is spoken.
- Close to striking natural places and the stunning Aran Islands.
Conclusion
To sum up, Ireland has many airports. Each one gives you a way in to see the country’s lovely places and busy cities. You have Dublin Airport, the biggest international spot in Ireland. There are also smaller airports, like the regional airports in Kerry and Donegal. So, every person can find a good place to start their trip.
If you know about these airports, your travel can be better. You will make good choices on where to land or take off. It does not matter if you want to travel along the Wild Atlantic Way or spend time in the quiet fields. The airports, including dublin airport and the regional airports in Kerry and Donegal, are ready for you.
If you want advice for your trip, reach out any time. We can help make your journey easy and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports are there in the Republic of Ireland?
In the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Transport looks after a group of airports. This includes big international airports like Dublin, Shannon, and Cork. There are also important regional airports such as Kerry and Donegal. These airports help connect people all over Ireland.
Which airport should I use to visit the west of Ireland?
If you want to go to the west of Ireland, you have good options. Shannon Airport is great for getting to the Mid-West, like Clare and Limerick. If you want to see Mayo or Sligo in the north-west, Ireland West Airport, which people also call Knock Airport, will be the best choice.
What facilities does Dublin Airport offer for travellers?
Dublin Airport, run by daa, has two terminals with many features. The airport has lounges, lots of places to shop and eat, and car hire. There are great bus links for people in and around Dublin.
Dublin Airport also gives U.S. preclearance on many direct flights to the United States. There are lots of flights that connect to Europe as well.