Cheap Flights to Ireland: Compare Airlines, Baggage Fees and Travel Dates

Looking for cheap flights to Ireland from the UK? Direct services connect several UK airports with Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK) and Shannon (SNN), and most flights take between one hour and 1 hour 35 minutes. Whether you are planning a weekend in Dublin, visiting family in Cork or exploring Ireland's west coast, comparing departure airports, baggage allowances and travel dates can help you find a flight that suits your budget.

Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate many UK to Ireland routes, while British Airways also serves Dublin from London. However, the lowest advertised fare is not always the cheapest option once you add cabin bags, checked luggage, seat selection and other extras.

This guide explains how to compare airlines, choose an Irish airport, understand travel document requirements and look for better fares. TravelApp UK, a travel agency based in Burnley, can also help you compare suitable flights and request a quote for your trip.

Ready to compare flights to Ireland-UK? Share your departure airport, travel dates and baggage requirements with TravelApp.

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Which UK Airports Have Direct Flights to Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland's three main airports for UK holidaymakers are Dublin Airport (DUB), Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN). Each offers different route options, so the best airport depends on where you want to stay and which UK airport is convenient for you.

Services, airlines and operating days can change between summer and winter schedules, so confirm availability for your dates before booking.

This is a route-planning guide, not a live timetable. Airline schedules and operating dates may change. Check the airline or airport's published schedule before relying on a particular service.

Heading to the capital? See our dedicated guide to flights to Dublin.

Flights to Ireland from London

London offers a wide choice of departure airports and airlines. Heathrow is useful for travellers considering Aer Lingus or British Airways, while Stansted, Gatwick and Luton provide options for Ryanair services.

London City may suit travellers who prefer a smaller airport and need a direct flight to Dublin. Remember to compare the cost of getting to the airport as well as the flight itself. A lower fare from an airport farther away may not save money once train tickets, parking or transfers are included.

Explore our flights from London to compare your departure options.

Flights to Ireland from Manchester

Manchester is a useful starting point for travellers in the North West and surrounding areas. Direct services to Dublin, Cork and Shannon provide options for city breaks, family visits and trips around Ireland.

Compare departure times, baggage allowances and return-flight prices before choosing an airline. If you are visiting Dublin for a short break, a flight that arrives early and returns late may give you more time at your destination, provided the overall fare still represents good value.

Explore flights from Manchester.

Flights to Ireland from Birmingham

Birmingham offers direct options to Dublin and Cork, with route availability to other Irish destinations depending on the schedule. It can be a practical departure point for travellers across the Midlands.

Check both the outbound and return flights. A convenient outbound service may have a less suitable return time, and choosing different travel dates can sometimes improve the overall price.

Browse flights from Birmingham.

Flights to Ireland from Edinburgh and Glasgow

Edinburgh and Glasgow connect Scotland with Dublin, while additional services to Cork and other destinations depend on the airport and season.

If you are travelling to Ireland for a short break, compare flight times against the cost and convenience of getting to the airport. For a longer visit, consider whether Cork or Shannon would bring you closer to your final destination.

Compare flights from Edinburgh and flights from Glasgow.

Flights to Ireland from Bristol

Bristol provides direct options to Dublin and Cork on published schedules. It may suit travellers from the South West and parts of South Wales who want to avoid travelling to a London airport.

Check the operating days carefully, particularly for regional services. If your preferred route does not operate on your chosen date, compare nearby dates before deciding whether to travel from another UK airport.

Browse flights from Bristol.

Need help comparing routes? Tell TravelApp where you want to fly from and which Irish airport you prefer. Our team can help you explore suitable options for your dates.

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Ryanair vs Aer Lingus: Which Airline Is Better for Flights to Ireland?

Ryanair often competes on low headline fares, while Aer Lingus offers different fare options and baggage arrangements. British Airways is another option on selected London to Dublin services.

The best choice depends on your route, baggage needs, travel times and the total cost of the journey.

Ryanair

Ryanair can be a practical choice for travellers who want a short, low-cost flight and can pack light.

Its standard fare includes one small personal bag measuring up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you. A larger 10kg cabin bag generally requires the appropriate Priority or baggage option, while checked luggage and reserved seats may cost extra.

Before booking, check the current allowance and any additional charges on the official Ryanair baggage and travel information pages.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus operates flights between the UK and Ireland, including services from Heathrow to Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Some regional routes operate as Aer Lingus Regional, using aircraft operated by Emerald Airlines.

From 3 March 2026, Aer Lingus Regional adopted the airline's 10kg baggage policy across its network. Every fare type includes a 10kg bag as standard. On Saver fares, you can check this bag into the hold free of charge or pay to take it into the cabin. Plus and Advantage fares include the 10kg bag in the cabin. A small personal item is also permitted, subject to the applicable rules.

Check the official Aer Lingus baggage information for the precise allowance on your ticket.

British Airways

British Airways serves Dublin from London Heathrow and London City. It may suit travellers who prefer its departure times, collect Avios or are connecting to another flight.

Baggage allowances depend on the ticket and itinerary. Check what is included in your specific fare before comparing it with a low-cost airline's advertised price. You can review the British Airways baggage allowance before booking.

Which airline suits your trip?

Tip: Compare like for like. A £30 flight that needs a paid cabin bag and seat selection may cost more than a higher-priced fare that includes the extras you need.

TravelApp can help you compare suitable flight options based on your departure airport, dates and baggage requirements.

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Do You Need a Passport to Fly to Ireland from the UK?

British and Irish citizens do not legally need a passport to enter Ireland under the Common Travel Area (CTA). However, airlines can set their own identification requirements, and some require a passport even when the law does not.

The safest approach is to check the rules for your airline before travelling.

What does the Common Travel Area mean?

The Common Travel Area is an arrangement between the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. It gives British and Irish citizens rights to travel and reside within the area, subject to the applicable rules. The UK Government explains these rights in its Common Travel Area guidance.

Under the arrangement, British citizens do not need a visa to visit Ireland, and they do not legally need to show a passport to enter the country. However, you may need to prove your identity or nationality, and your airline may require specific documents before allowing you to board.

Read the latest GOV.UK entry requirements for Ireland before departure.

What identification do the airlines accept?

Ryanair: Ryanair requires a valid passport for travel between the UK and Ireland. It does not accept a driving licence as travel identification on these routes. Check the airline's current requirements for your nationality and route.

Aer Lingus: Since 25 February 2026, Aer Lingus has required a valid passport or Irish passport card for passengers travelling between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, including British and Irish citizens. Other forms of photo ID are no longer accepted on these routes, subject to the airline's stated exceptions.

British Airways: Check the current identification requirements for your specific journey directly with British Airways. Do not assume that the airline will accept a driving licence or other photo ID simply because a passport is not legally required to enter Ireland.

What if you are travelling with children?

Check the travel document requirements for every passenger, including babies and children. Do not assume that a child can board without identification because an adult is travelling with them.

Aer Lingus requires a passport or Irish passport card for children travelling on UK to Ireland routes under its updated policy. Check your chosen airline's rules before booking and again before departure.

What if you are not a British or Irish citizen?

The Common Travel Area's special rights do not automatically apply to every nationality. Your passport, immigration status and nationality may affect whether you need an Irish visa or other permission to enter Ireland, so check Irish Immigration before booking.

If you are travelling back to the UK, you may also need to meet UK entry requirements, such as an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Check the official guidance for both countries before booking.

Our advice: Carry a valid passport whenever possible, and confirm your airline's document rules before travelling. If you need a new passport, allow enough time to apply through GOV.UK.

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When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Ireland?

There is no single cheapest month for every route. Airfares change according to demand, airline capacity, departure airport, booking date and travel dates.

However, comparing different dates can help you find better-value flights.

When flights may cost more

• St Patrick's Day: Flights around 17 March can be in high demand, particularly for travel to Dublin.

• Christmas and New Year: Family visits and holiday travel can increase demand.

• Easter and school holidays: Families often have less flexibility, which can push up fares.

• Summer: July and August can be busy periods for holidays and visits to family.

• Major events: Rugby internationals, concerts and other popular events may increase demand on particular routes.

When you may find lower fares

• November: Some dates outside major events and holiday periods may offer better value.

• January and February: Demand can be lower after the Christmas and New Year period, although school holidays and special events still matter.

• Midweek departures: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday flights can be worth checking against Friday and Sunday services.

• Flexible return dates: Moving your return by a day or two may change the total fare.

• Alternative airports: Compare nearby departure airports if the additional journey is practical and does not cancel out the saving.

These are general patterns, not guarantees. A popular midweek flight can cost more than a quieter weekend service, depending on demand.

How to compare flights for better value

1. Start with your destination. Decide whether Dublin, Cork or Shannon is most convenient for your plans.

2. Compare nearby dates. Check a few outbound and return combinations if your schedule allows.

3. Add baggage costs. Include the bags you actually need, rather than comparing headline fares alone.

4. Check the full journey. Consider airport transfers, parking, public transport and arrival times.

5. Review the return flight. Compare the total return cost and the time you will have at your destination.

6. Confirm the final price. Check the fare, baggage, passenger details and terms before paying.

If you are visiting family, a slightly higher fare with a more convenient arrival time may be better value than a cheaper flight that requires an expensive transfer or an additional night's accommodation.

How Much Should You Budget for a Flight to Ireland?

Flight prices vary considerably, so it is better to compare live fares for your specific dates than rely on a fixed advertised price.

Your total budget may include:

For a fair comparison, calculate the cost for everyone travelling, including the baggage and seats you need. This is particularly important for families, where small additional charges can add up across several passengers.

Book Flights to Ireland with TravelApp UK

TravelApp UK can help you compare suitable flights to Ireland based on your travel dates, preferred airport and budget. Our team can review available options and explain the differences between fares, including baggage allowances and other costs that affect the final price.

If you are planning a longer visit, we can also discuss accommodation and suitable Ireland holiday package options.

What to include in your flight enquiry

To help us assess your options, please provide:

• Your preferred departure airport, or alternative airports you can use.

• Your destination: Dublin, Cork or Shannon.

• Your outbound and return dates, including any flexibility.

• The number of adults and children travelling.

• Your cabin and checked baggage requirements.

• Whether you need a hotel or other travel arrangements.

CTA: Compare Flights with TravelApp UK

Want a hotel as well?

If you need accommodation, ask TravelApp about a flight-and-hotel package. Eligible packages may offer payment options such as Klarna or TravelApp UK's in-house payment plan, subject to eligibility and our payment policy.

Standalone flights may require full payment at booking, depending on the airline and fare conditions. Instalment arrangements change how payments are made, not the total price of your trip.

For eligible flight-inclusive package bookings, ask TravelApp which financial protection applies and review the relevant ATOL Certificate and booking documents where applicable. ATOL protection does not automatically apply to every standalone flight or every holiday arrangement. The UK Civil Aviation Authority explains how ATOL protection works, and our full terms are in our booking conditions.

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Ready to plan your trip to Ireland from UK?

Compare flight options to Dublin, Cork or Shannon with TravelApp UK. Tell us where you want to fly from, when you want to travel and what baggage you need.

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Prefer to speak to someone? Call +44 20 3137 0990 or email info@travelapp.co.uk.