How to get to Ireland

Ireland is home to over 30,000 castles and castle ruins, iconic landscapes, and a rich history. It is understandably a destination that draws millions of visitors each year from around the globe. If you're wondering how to get to Ireland, you have lots of options. Here is our guide with tips from our Rough Guides local travel experts. 

How to get to Ireland

The quickest and easiest way to get to Ireland is to fly, though you can catch a ferry from the UK or from France if you have a car with you. 

You’ll find flights from Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta, United, Ryanair, British Airways and more. 

Where to fly into Ireland?

For its size, Ireland has quite a few international airports that you can fly into. Dublin is the largest and busiest airport, and where you’re likely to find the cheapest flights. Shannon is conveniently located if you’re planning on exploring the west of Ireland. 

Ireland’s international airports include:

• Dublin Airport (DUB)
• Shannon Airport (SNN)
• Cork Airport (ORK)
• Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
• Kerry Airport (KIR)
• Donegal Airport (CFN)
• Waterford Airport (WAT)

The cheapest time to travel to Ireland is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).  If you want to save money, you’ll want to avoid the peak summer season and the busy period around St. Patrick's Day (mid-March).

How to get to Ireland from the US?

The best way to travel to Ireland from the US is to fly directly to Dublin. Major airlines such as Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta, and United offer direct flights from cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. 

Other options include flying to Shannon or Cork, though this often will mean a layover. 

• Generally prices range from $500 to $900 or more.
• A direct flight from the East Coast will take 6-7 hours, while flights from the West Coast will take 10-11 hours.
• Mid-week flights (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. 

How to get to Ireland from Canada

If you’re flying from Canada, in most cases you can fly directly to Dublin. Airlines such as Air Canada and Aer Lingus offer direct flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to Dublin. 

Alternatively, you can connect through major European hubs like London, Paris, or Amsterdam before flying to Dublin, Shannon, or Cork. This option may take longer due to layovers but can save you a lot of money.

• The flight duration from Toronto or Montreal is approximately 6-7 hours, while flights from Vancouver can take around 9-10 hours.
• Ticket prices for direct flights from Canada to Ireland typically range from CAD 800 to CAD 1,500 round-trip.

How to get to Ireland from the UK or Ireland?

You can catch a flight to Ireland from most major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The flight will typically take around one hour, and will cost between  £20 to £100.

Driving to Ireland from UK

Driving to Ireland from the UK involves taking a ferry from either Irish Ferries or Stena Line. You can drive to ports like Holyhead, Liverpool, or Cairnryan and take a ferry to Dublin, Belfast, or Larne, and bring your car on board.

The ferry journey takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the route. 

• The overall drive, including the ferry, can take approximately 8-12 hours, depending on your starting point.
• A ticket that allows you to bring a car will usually cost from £100 to £200 for a one-way ticket, including the driver.

Travel to Ireland from UK by train

Travelling by train will also mean taking a ferry from either Irish Ferries or Stena Line.

The train ride to Holyhead from London takes about 3.5 hours. After the ferry journey, which takes about 2-4 hours, you can take a train from Dublin to your final destination in Ireland. 

• The total journey time can be around 6-8 hours, depending on connections.
• A ferry ticket for a passenger on foot typically costs £30 to £60 for a one-way ticket.

How to get to Ireland from other parts of Europe

Flights to Ireland from Europe are generally affordable, with prices typically ranging from €50 to €150 for a one-way ticket, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Common airlines serving these routes include Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France.

• From West Europe: Direct flights available from cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels to Dublin, Shannon, and Cork. Flight duration ranges from 1 to 2 hours.
• From East Europe: Connecting flights available through major European hubs (e.g., Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna) to Dublin, Shannon, and Cork.
• From Northern Europe: Direct flights available from cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo to Dublin. Flight duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours.
• From Southern Europe: Direct flights available from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon to Dublin, Shannon, and Cork. Flight duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the departure city.

Ferries from France

Traveling by ferry from France to Ireland is a scenic and practical option if you’re exploring Europe by road or seeking an alternative to flying. Direct ferry services operate between Rosslare Europort on the southeast coast of Ireland and Cherbourg and Roscoff in France.

• Rosslare Europort and Cherbourg ferries are operated by Irish Ferries. The crossing typically takes around 17 hours, offering overnight sailings. Tickets cost around €110 one-way, with additional costs for vehicles.
• Rosslare Europort to Roscoff ferries are run by Brittany Ferries. They take around 18-20 hours, and cost around €130 for foot passengers one-way, with similar additional charges for vehicles.

Do you need a visa?

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or any European Union member state, you do not need a visa to visit Ireland for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or family visits. This applies to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

However, if you are a citizen of a country outside of these regions, you may need a visa to enter Ireland.