By Plane
Ireland is quickly and cheaply accessible by plane from Germany. The flight time is only 2–2.5 hours, and thanks to Ryanair (Europe's largest airline has its headquarters in Dublin!), there are affordable connections all year round.
✈️ Dublin (DUB) — Ireland's Main Airport
By far Ireland's largest airport is only 10 km north of the city center. Excellent connections all year round: Direct flights from Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Vienna, Zurich. Airlines: Ryanair (main base!), Aer Lingus (Irish national airline, part of the IAG group with British Airways), Lufthansa, Eurowings. Two terminals — Ryanair flies from Terminal 1, Aer Lingus from Terminal 2.
Transfer to the center: Airlink Express Bus 747 to the city center (€7, 30 min, every 15 min). Aircoach (€8, various routes). Taxi/Uber €20–30. There is no train connection to the airport — a perpetual annoyance for Dubliners.
✈️ Shannon (SNN) — Gateway to the West
Smaller airport on the west coast, ideal for the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry. Direct flights from Frankfurt and Düsseldorf (seasonal, Aer Lingus). Fewer connections than Dublin, but the location saves long drives. The airport is perfect as a start or endpoint for a Wild Atlantic Way tour.
✈️ Cork (ORK) — Gateway to the South
Southern Ireland's main airport, 8 km south of Cork City. Direct flights from Munich and Frankfurt (Aer Lingus, Ryanair). Ideal for trips to Southern Ireland, Killarney, and the Ring of Kerry. Smaller, uncomplicated airport — from gate to rental car in 20 minutes.
✈️ Belfast (BFS/BHD)
Two airports: Belfast International (BFS) and the city-near George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). Direct flights from Germany are limited — often the detour via Dublin or London is cheaper. For Northern Ireland travelers, Dublin is worth considering as a starting point (Belfast is only 100 min by bus away).
Flight Prices (Guidelines from Germany, one-way)
| Period | Dublin | Shannon/Cork |
|---|---|---|
| Off-season (Nov–Mar) | €20–60 | €40–90 |
| Shoulder (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) | €40–100 | €60–130 |
| Peak season (Jul–Aug) | €70–160 | €100–200 |
Money-saving tips: Ryanair regularly offers flights to Dublin from €15–20 one-way — but note the surcharge for luggage (from €20 per piece)! Aer Lingus is more comfortable and usually includes 10 kg of hand luggage. Open-jaw flights (to Dublin, return from Shannon or Cork) are perfect for road trips and often not more expensive than round trips.
💡 Tipp
The best Ireland flight hack: Book an open-jaw flight — to Dublin, return from Shannon (or Cork). This way, you can drive the Wild Atlantic Way as a one-way road trip without having to return to the starting point. Ryanair and Aer Lingus often offer this at the same price as a round trip.
