Planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? Don't be fooled by its size! While you can definitely see a lot by car, domestic flights in Ireland can be a real time-saver. Flights connect all the major cities, some of the more remote towns, and can get you right into the heart of the action quickly.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about flying domestically in Ireland. We'll cover which airlines operate these routes, why you might choose to fly over other options, and which airports are the main hubs for domestic travel.
To search for domestic flights within Ireland, simply use our search form at the top of the page.
Ireland, though beautiful, packs a punch in terms of size for an island nation. It may seem small on a map, but don't underestimate the distances between cities. While the scenery is beautiful on a road trip, time is precious. For instance, driving from Dublin to Shannon can take close to 3 hours, whereas an Irish domestic flight clocks in at just 30 minutes.
Irish weather is unpredictable, to say the least! Rain showers can roll in quickly, and even on sunny days, a damp chill can linger. While the cosy charm of a train journey has its merits, it can be less than ideal in damp conditions. Domestic flights in Ireland provide a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
There are currently two major domestic airlines in Ireland. Let’s take a look at both in detail.
Aer Lingus Regional is a brand operated by Emerald Airlines under a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus. This means Emerald Airlines operates the flights, but they use the Aer Lingus Regional branding and flight numbers (EI 3000 – EI 3999) to connect with Aer Lingus' larger network.
Aer Lingus Regional operates a fleet of 18 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. These are perfect for domestic flights within Ireland.
Domestic destinations: Cork, Donegal, & Dublin.
The baggage policy with Aer Lingus Regional depends on your fare type:
Ryanair, a household name in Ireland and Europe, has been a major player in Irish aviation for over three decades. Founded in 1984 with a commitment to providing low-fare travel, Ryanair has grown to become Ireland's largest airline.
If you're planning a quick city break or a weekend getaway to the Irish coast, Ryanair's domestic network offers convenient options to get you there quickly and affordably. The next time you're thinking about a trip within Ireland, consider hopping on a Ryanair flight. They've been keeping us connected for over 30 years, and they're not going anywhere.
Domestic destinations: Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Kerry, & Knock (Ireland West).
Ryanair’s baggage policy is as follows:
Dublin Airport is Ireland's main international airport. It serves Dublin, the capital city, and is the busiest airport in Ireland. Dublin Airport is a hub for Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and offers connections to over 185 destinations worldwide. Dublin Airport is a good choice if you're travelling to Dublin or anywhere else in Ireland.
Shannon Airport is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland and the fifth busiest on the island. It serves as a major gateway to Western Ireland, with connections to major European and North American destinations. We recommend Shannon Airport if you're travelling to Western Ireland and exploring the Wild Atlantic Way or the city of Limerick.
Cork Airport, also known as Cork International Airport, is a major airport serving the southern region of Ireland. It's a key hub for airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair, providing connections to various domestic and international destinations. If you're travelling to southwestern Ireland, Cork Airport is a convenient and well-connected option.
Knock Ireland West Airport (NOC), also known simply as Knock Airport, is the fourth-busiest airport in Ireland. Located in County Mayo, it serves the western region of the country. This airport is a good choice if you're visiting western Ireland, particularly counties Mayo, Sligo, Galway, and Roscommon.
It couldn’t be easier to book domestic Ireland flights with Alternative Airlines. We offer 40+ payment methods, including the Euro.
You can also pay using cryptocurrencies, or choose Buy Now, Pay Later plans, including Klarna, to spread the cost of your flights.
Use our search form at the top of the page and start your search for flights to Ireland.
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No, flights from the UK to Ireland are not technically classified as domestic flights. This is because Ireland is a separate country from the United Kingdom, even though they are close together and share some historical ties.
No, a passport isn't legally required to fly within Ireland for Irish and British citizens. This is because Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). However, some airlines may still require a passport for all passengers even for domestic flights. It's their policy, not an immigration requirement. We recommend checking with your specific airline about their ID requirements before you fly to avoid any issues at check-in.
No, you generally don't go through passport control for domestic flights within Ireland.
