Not all flights to Ireland are created equal. The departure time, route, and arrival hour can completely shape your first few days – for better or worse. Here’s how to choose flights that work for your itinerary, and how to handle jet lag when you get there.
Whether you’re flying solo, with family, or meeting a tour group, these five booking tips will help you plan flights that set your trip up for success – followed by five easy ways to beat jet lag once you land.
Aer Lingus ...
Not all flights to Ireland are created equal. The departure time, route, and arrival hour can completely shape your first few days – for better or worse. Here’s how to choose flights that work for your itinerary, and how to handle jet lag when you get there.
Whether you’re flying solo, with family, or meeting a tour group, these five booking tips will help you plan flights that set your trip up for success – followed by five easy ways to beat jet lag once you land.
Aer Lingus flight over Ireland
This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 307. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.
How to Choose the Best Flights to Ireland for Your Trip
Finding the right flight to Ireland isn’t just about picking dates and times. It’s about balancing flexibility, convenience, and comfort to make your trip smoother from the start. From knowing when to book to choosing the best airports – and deciphering those “too good to be true” fares – these are the things I keep in mind when booking my own flights or assisting clients in choosing the best options for their trip.
Tip 1: Be Flexible
If you're ready to book flights to Ireland you probably have your dates set, but maintaining a bit of flexibility in your travel dates can sometimes save you money.
Many flight search engines, including Kayak, Google Flights, and even airline websites, allow you to check flight prices for a few days before and after the date you have chosen. Be sure to check those! You may find that a small shift in your plans can save a few hundred dollars.
Another option that could save money is using an airport that isn't your local. For example, tickets to Dublin from my ‘international' airport are at least $500 higher than flights from Chicago O'Hare. After figuring in drive time and parking I may decide that is a good deal if I am traveling solo. But if I am traveling with my family you can bet we're driving to Chicago because it will save at least $1000.
More tips on flying from other airports here.
Tip 2: Finding the Best Flight Deals to Ireland Online
I want to preface this by saying that I am not a ‘flight hacker'. I don't collect credit card points nor do I cobble together flights to get the best price. My goal is to arrive in Ireland on the best flight for me at a fair price and (hopefully) well rested. No offense to people who enjoy flight hacking, it's just not my game.
I always begin searching for tickets to Ireland in Kayak. I set airfare alerts for any route I am considering. Then I watch the rates. Kayak has ‘when to buy' advice and while it isn't always right, I really begin to pay attention to it about 4 months prior to my trip if my flights aren't booked.
Kayak Pro Tip If you have flexibility to travel at any time and you are looking for the best rate, try the Kayak Explore tool! I recommend checking it daily- you can find amazing prices on flights to Ireland (and elsewhere).
I also sign up for fare alerts with AirfareWatchdog. You can set alerts from your chosen airports to any airport in Ireland. One downside to AirfareWatchdog is that you cannot set multi-city routes, so if you want to arrive in Dublin and depart from Shannon this site isn't much help. You also can't set travel dates in AirfareWatchdog so it will send alerts every time it finds a good deal. That said, it is a good resource for monitoring prices and knowing when sales happen.
Flight Booking Pro Tip You can book flights too early -> learn more!
Google Flights works much the same as Kayak, offering a date grid and price graph, as well as price trends, a tool that tells you when prices have historically been lowest, and a price guarantee.
Google Flights Pro Tip Try using Google Flights but leave the destination and dates sections blank. Using the map feature and the filters you can search for flights to Ireland – or nearby European locations to catch a budget flight to Ireland- based on deals for weekends and 1 or 2 week trips in a certain month or over the next 6 months.
You can also do quick fare searches for ‘fly to Ireland from (your airport)' from your favorite search engine to get an idea of Ireland flight prices.
Learn how to set up fare alerts and why I don't recommend booking flights with 3rd party aggregators like Expedia, Travelocity, and CheapOair here.
If Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier, flies from an airport near you be sure to create a profile to receive their promotions and offers.
Flexible Schedule & You Want the Cheapest Flights to Ireland? Watch This!
Tip 3: Beware Cheap Flights to Ireland
Before you book that ‘can't believe it's so cheap' ticket check a couple things!
How many layovers will you have – and are they long enough, or too long? Generally speaking, you need a 2-hour layover before boarding an international flight. So if the layover before your connection flight is less you may want to rethink it.
Another layover question to consider is where the connection is. If I have a flight connection I want it to be in the US, before the longest portion of the flight. I can tell you, from experience, that dealing with a connection in Europe after an overnight flight is exhausting – and it gets you into Ireland later in the day and ready to check into a hotel and sleep!
airport layover
Also understand the seating class. Know what your ticket includes- and what it doesn't. Often basic economy seats don't include the ability to select your seat or checked baggage. They are also usually 100% nonrefundable.
Tip 4: Choosing Your Ireland Airport
Ireland has multiple airports you can arrive into, but only two have direct flights from the US & Canada: Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport.
Dublin and Shannon also allow US travelers (with direct flights to the US) to complete customs in Ireland as opposed to doing it on arrival in the United States.
check-in crowds at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport
Dublin has the most US flight arrivals and departures, which means it also has the best prices. It is also the busiest airport in the country and not as large as you might imagine, so you can expect crowds, long queues, and waits at Immigration, especially during the busy travel seasons.
If your trip begins or ends in Dublin, or you just want a great deal, this is the airport to choose. Dublin Airport tips for arrival & departure are here.
Because Shannon Airport doesn't serve as many flights as Dublin, the departures area feels almost relaxed.
Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport is directly across the country from Dublin in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. A much smaller airport with far fewer US flights, Shannon is an easy airport to arrive into and depart from. Smaller planes and fewer flights mean waits are short.
If your trip is mainly along Ireland's western coast be sure to check flights into Shannon. Shannon Airport tips for arrival & departure are here.
Cork Airport
Cork Airport in Ireland's ‘sunny southeast' is a busier airport than Shannon, highly utilized by people arriving from mainland Europe and the UK. There are currently no direct flights into Cork Airport from the US or Canada.
If your Ireland itinerary does not include Dublin but does include the counties of Cork, Kerry & Clare, this airport may be a great choice for you. Cork Airport does not offer US customs clearance, so that would need to be completed in the US.
Belfast Airports
Belfast has two airports, Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.
Belfast City airport is best described as a regional airport with flights mainly into the UK and Scotland.
There are currently no direct flights between the US and Belfast and airports in Belfast do not offer US customs clearance.
You might consider an airport in Belfast if your Ireland itinerary is mainly in Ulster (the 6 counties of Northern Ireland + Donegal).
Ireland West Knock, Donegal, and Kerry Airports
These small, regional airports offer quick hops to and from Dublin, as well as direct flights to a few European destinations. Visitors to Ireland usually arrive into these airports from Dublin as a quick way to reach the area.
Tip 5: Flights to Ireland are Overnight
Love it or hate it, you're taking a ‘red eye' flight. Take this into account as you plan your itinerary, knowing that your flight will leave in the evening with direct flights usually arriving early in the morning.
Because most flights from North America to Ireland are overnight, jet lag is almost inevitable. The good news? A few small adjustments can help you rest on the flight and enjoy your first day. And if you must have a nap? I've got tips for that, too.
How to Beat Jet Lag After an Overnight Flight
Depending on where you board your flight to Ireland (from North America), you’ll spend anywhere from 5 to 11 hours in the air. Within an hour of takeoff, beverage service begins. About 60 to 90 minutes later comes the meal service, followed by coffee or tea. By the time trays are cleared, your flight could be halfway over and the lights are dimmed to encourage rest. Roughly 90 minutes before landing, the cabin brightens again and a light breakfast is served.
Simple math shows you have only two to five hours to try and rest before landing – and that’s if you can sleep on planes.
If you’re traveling with kids, take heart: children can usually sleep anywhere. They’ll be far more rested than the adults, which is great for their moods… if not for yours.
Pro Tips for overseas flights with toddlers & babies
Resting During Your Flight to Ireland
Sleeping on a flight is a skill that not everyone has. Still, a few smart habits can help you arrive in Ireland feeling at least somewhat rested.
Rest up before you fly. Aim for eight hours of sleep for at least three nights before your trip. You can’t technically “store” sleep, but being well-rested before departure definitely helps.
Skip the caffeine. Put down the coffee and sodas and reach for water instead. Staying hydrated not only helps fight jet lag, it also makes it easier to sleep when you have the chance.
Adjust your mindset. Set your watch and phone to Ireland’s local time before takeoff. It helps your brain start adjusting – even if your body protests.
Eat light. Heavy or fatty foods can keep you awake, while carbs (like pasta or bread) may help you relax. I usually skip the in-flight dinner altogether (unless you're in business class it really isn't that good).
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink at least 16 ounces of water before boarding, and another 8 ounces for every hour in the air.
Select Your Seat Wisely Opt for a window seat if possible. This not only gives you a wall to lean on but also prevents disturbance when co-passengers need to use the restroom. Aisle seats, on the other hand, may provide a bit more legroom.
Stay comfortable. Wear soft, loose clothing and slip-off shoes; your feet may swell during the flight. Bring earplugs or headphones and a sleep mask to block out light and noise.
Limit Screen Time Turn off the seatback entertainment and put away your screens. The light will keep you awake and if you are focused on a movie your mind won't relax.
Try to rest, even if you can’t sleep. A short 45-minute nap or quiet downtime is better than nothing. Personally, I haven’t found a traditional travel pillow that works well – but the trtl neck support is worth the investment in your comfort.
Tips for Waking Up Before You Land
When the flight attendants start serving breakfast, it’s your cue to wake up and move. Get up, stretch (eve if it's just in your seat), walk the aisle, and drink some water. Moving a bit helps your body remember it’s morning – even if your brain isn’t convinced yet.
Once you land, take your time. There’s no need to rush off the plane with everyone else. Let the crowd hurry to immigration, baggage claim, and the car rental counter. You’ll all end up in the same lines anyway.
Use those few extra minutes to breathe, stretch again, and ease into the relaxed pace of Ireland right from the start.
Tips for Adjusting to Ireland Time & Fighting Jet Lag
Get moving. The best way to reset your internal clock is to stay active. Go for a walk, explore a nearby park, or just keep yourself busy instead of giving in to the urge to nap.
Eat well. Your body needs fuel to recover. Since you can’t replace lost sleep right away, give yourself steady energy with a solid meal – and don’t skimp on breakfast the next morning.
Drive smart. If you’re renting a car, limit your first drive to about 90 minutes. Drowsy driving is dangerous, and even seasoned travelers can underestimate how tired they are after an overnight flight.
Time your rest. Try not to crawl into bed too early, or you’ll be wide awake at 2 a.m. Aim for a normal local bedtime – but don’t push it too late either.
Set an alarm. Getting up at a reasonable hour the next morning helps your body adjust more quickly to local time, even if you’re still tired.
Landed very early in Dublin? Here's what to do!
If You Must Nap
If you absolutely need a nap after landing, plan for it. You can request early check-in at your first hotel, but it’s never guaranteed. The only way to be sure your room is ready when you arrive between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. is to book it for the night before – and let the hotel know you’ll be checking in late.
But don’t nap too long – that’s what really throws off your internal clock. Keep it under two hours, then hop in the shower and go through your usual morning routine to kickstart your body and mind.
After that, head out for a good meal, enjoy your afternoon, and aim for a normal bedtime. A solid eight hours of sleep and a hearty Irish breakfast will have you refreshed and ready for day 2.
On Your Return to North America
Prepare for a long travel day. The eastern U.S. is five hours behind Ireland, while the west coast is eight. You’ll gain time on the clock but lose energy along the way.
If you can, plan for a buffer day after you return – a chance to rest, unpack, and re-acclimate before diving back into work, school, or daily life. It makes all the difference after an amazing trip abroad.
The post Book the Right Flight to Ireland & Beat Jet Lag Like a Pro appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.
