Dreaming of an Irish adventure? From Dublin’s lively pubs to the stunning cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland is a must-visit destination. Having visited Ireland 3 times, I know that with the right planning, you can reach the Emerald Isle without overspending.
For this guide, I’ve analyzed 200+ flight routes from the US to find the 8 cheapest airports to fly into in Ireland in 2025. These airports offer great deals and put you within easy reach of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and vibrant cities. Whether you’re planning to drive the coastal roads, explore ancient castles, or soak up the charm of small villages, here’s where to land to save big on your Irish adventure!
#1 tip to find cheap flights to Ireland
For the past 4+ years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $457 roundtrip fare from Boston to Dublin.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Ireland flights in 2025.
1. Dublin Airport (DUB)
- 🏠 Location: 6 miles north of Dublin city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Ireland’s main hub with tons of direct flights and airline competition
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Aer Lingus, Delta, United
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into Dublin and take a budget airline or train to other Irish cities as it’s often cheaper than flying direct elsewhere.
Dublin Airport is the cheapest and most accessible airport for travelers flying into Ireland from the US. Roundtrip fares from cities like New York, Boston, or Chicago often fall between $400–$650, especially during April, May, or late September. With Aer Lingus and major US carriers running regular promotions, Dublin is usually where the best deals land.
Once you’re through customs, you’re only 30 minutes from the heart of the capital. Explore historic pubs, street musicians along Grafton Street, and the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Dublin also makes a great travel base since Galway, Cork, and Kilkenny are all reachable in under 2.5 hours by train.
Fun fact: Dublin Airport has US preclearance, so you’ll clear US customs before even boarding your return flight.
- Read next: Cheap Flights from Dublin
- You may also like: Top Historic Sites Around the World
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
2. Cork Airport (ORK)
- 🏠 Location: 4 miles south of Cork city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller crowds and often overlooked by tourists, but well-served by budget airlines
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, Aer Lingus, KLM
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into Cork, rent a car, and drive the Wild Atlantic Way for cheaper and more scenic travel.
Flights into Cork Airport from major US cities often range between $480–$720 roundtrip, especially during the winter low season or early spring months like February and March. While it doesn’t have as many direct transatlantic routes as Dublin, prices drop fast when connecting through major hubs like Amsterdam or London.
Cork is a great alternative if you want fewer crowds and easy access to Ireland’s south. From the airport, it’s only 1.5 hours to Killarney National Park and about 2 hours to Waterford’s Viking Triangle. You’ll also be just minutes away from exploring Cork’s historic English Market and the colorful harbor town of Cobh.
Fun fact: Cork Airport is Ireland’s second busiest, but it’s still small enough to get through security in under 20 minutes on most days.
- Read next: Fun Things to Do in Cork, Ireland
- You may also like: West Ireland Travel Guide
3. Shannon Airport (SNN)
- 🏠 Location: 15 miles west of Limerick
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Less traveler traffic and strong competition on US routes
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Aer Lingus, United, Delta
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look out for Aer Lingus flash sales from East Coast cities like Boston or JFK. March and November usually bring the lowest fares to Shannon.
Shannon Airport is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly airports to fly into if you’re visiting Ireland’s west coast. Flights from the US often fall between $450–$700 roundtrip, especially in early spring or late fall. United and Delta also frequently run deals on East Coast departures.
It’s a smart base if you want to explore the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and even Galway without spending hours on cross-country transfers. Limerick is just 25 minutes away, and Galway is reachable in under 90 minutes by car. Shannon’s compact size also makes it quicker to navigate than Ireland’s larger airports.
Fun fact: Shannon was home to the world’s first duty-free airport store, opening in 1947 and kicking off a global trend in airport shopping.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
- Read next: Top Experiences in Ireland
- You may also like: Best Things to Do in Galway
4. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
- 🏠 Location: 12 miles from Knock, County Mayo
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Regional airport with limited traffic and budget airline deals
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Lauda
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fares are often lower when flying into Knock from London or other UK cities. Booking a separate Europe–Ireland leg can cut costs.
Flying into the Ireland West Airport Knock can be surprisingly cheap, especially if you’re already in Europe. Roundtrip tickets from the UK often land between $40–$100, and one-stop US routes through London or Dublin can fall under $500 in late winter or early spring.
Knock is ideal if you’re heading to western Ireland without the crowds. From the airport, it’s just 90 minutes to Sligo’s surf beaches or the colorful streets of Galway. The area around County Mayo is full of scenic driving routes, including the Nephin Beg mountain range and Achill Island’s dramatic coastline.
Fun fact: The airport was originally built to serve Catholic pilgrims visiting the Knock Shrine, which now draws over a million visitors a year.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Ireland
- You may also like: Weekend Guide to Westport, Ireland
- For more reading: Things to Do in County Mayo
- Keep reading: Galway Experiences for Young Adults
5. George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
- 🏠 Location: Just 3 miles from central Belfast
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Handles mostly short-haul budget flights from UK and Europe
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into BHD if you plan to stay in Belfast without a rental car. It’s one of the few airports in Ireland with public bus service right outside the terminal.
George Best Belfast City Airport is a great choice if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe or planning a multi-stop itinerary. While direct flights from the US are rare, fares from major UK cities often fall between $40–$80 one-way, and combined trips from the US can total $450–$650 roundtrip when timed right.
The airport’s central location puts you just 10 minutes from the action in Belfast. Visit Titanic Belfast, stroll the Peace Walls, or catch a show at the Grand Opera House. It’s also a great base for affordable road trips, with Dublin just two hours away and the scenic Antrim Coast even closer.
Fun fact: BHD is named after legendary footballer George Best, who was born just minutes from the airport. You’ll even spot tributes to him inside the terminal, making it a hit with sports fans.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
- Read more: 15 Best Airbnbs in Ireland
6. City of Derry Airport (LDY)
- 🏠 Location: 7 miles northeast of Derry (Londonderry) city center
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Low-traffic airport with budget flights from the U
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, Loganair
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Derry tends to have the lowest rental car rates in Northern Ireland, making it a smart place to begin a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way or Causeway Coast.
City of Derry Airport is one of the most affordable entry points for travelers visiting the northwestern part of Ireland. Fares from the UK often sit between $30–$70 one-way, and with the right pairing, a full roundtrip from the US can stay under $500 in February, March, or November. Accommodations and restaurants in Derry also tend to be cheaper than those in Dublin or Belfast, helping your travel budget stretch further.
After landing, you’re less than 20 minutes from the historic walled city of Derry. The famous Peace Bridge, Bogside murals, and Tower Museum are all within walking distance. For nature lovers, County Donegal’s wild coastline and Glenveagh National Park are just over an hour away by car.
Fun fact: The runway at City of Derry Airport is built on reclaimed land beside the River Foyle, so your landing comes with serious waterfront views.
- Read next: Unique Experiences in Northern Ireland
7. Kerry Airport (KIR)
- 🏠 Location: Between Killarney and Tralee in County Kerry
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Underrated regional airport with seasonal flight deals from the UK and Europe
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Ryanair, Aer Lingus
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into Kerry and use Killarney as your base. Accommodations and tours there are often cheaper than in Dublin or Galway.
Kerry Airport offers a low-stress, budget-friendly way to access Ireland’s scenic southwest. Flights from London or Manchester often range between $40–$90 one-way, and a full roundtrip from the US with a UK layover can stay under $520 if booked in the spring or early fall.
After you land, you’re just 20 minutes from Killarney National Park and less than two hours from the Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry. The region is packed with postcard-worthy drives, glacial lakes, and local pubs that are friendlier on the wallet than those in bigger cities. Rental car costs in Kerry are also among the lowest in Ireland.
Fun fact: Kerry Airport is so small that you can go from plane to car rental in under 15 minutes, making it one of Ireland’s most efficient arrivals for road-trippers.
- Read next: Exotic Airbnb Locations
- You may also like: Epic Places to Visit in Ireland
8. Waterford Airport (WAT)
- 🏠 Location: About 6 miles southeast of Waterford city
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller regional airport with limited but affordable connections
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Emerald Airlines, Aer Lingus (seasonal)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Combine a budget flight to Waterford with a rail pass. Trains from the city connect to Cork and Dublin for much less than airport transfers
Waterford Airport is a lesser-known option, but it’s ideal for travelers wanting to explore Ireland’s southeast without spending a fortune. While transatlantic flights don’t land here, budget-friendly one-stop routes through Dublin or London can total under $500 roundtrip during off-peak seasons like March or October.
You’ll land close to Ireland’s oldest city, home to the Viking Triangle, Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, and the medieval Reginald’s Tower. The surrounding region also offers access to the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark filled with cliffside walks and hidden coves. Prices for food, lodging, and transit here are noticeably lower than in tourist-heavy zones.
Fun fact: Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, dating back over 1,100 years. It’s one of the few places where you can actually explore Viking ruins just a short ride from the airport.
- Read Next: 12 Magical Spa Hotels in Ireland
