Ireland remains one of Europe’s most visited destinations, attracting over 11 million overseas visitors annually (Tourism Ireland, 2023). From Dublin’s vibrant culture to the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s appeal is undeniable. But with airfare making up one of the biggest travel costs, finding the best website to book flights to Ireland can make a significant difference.
Today, travelers are faced with an overwhelming number of options—booking directly with airlines, using flight comparison sites, or relying on online travel agencies (OTAs). Having booked multiple flights to Ireland myself over the years—ranging from New York–Dublin round trips for €350 to last-minute Shannon arrivals costing nearly double—I’ve learned that choosing the right booking platform matters just as much as timing.
This article outlines the best, research-backed websites to book flights to Ireland, combining industry insights, expert data, and first-hand experience.
Why Choosing the Right Booking Website Matters
- Price variations: According to a 2022 study by CheapAir.com, airfare prices can vary by up to 36% depending on the platform and booking window.
- Hidden fees: Some OTAs display low base fares but add high service or baggage fees later.
- Flexibility: Policies for refunds, cancellations, and rebooking differ widely.
- Convenience: Certain websites make it easier to compare routes, airlines, and alternative airports (like Shannon or Cork instead of Dublin).
Best Websites to Book Flights to Ireland
1. Skyscanner – Best for Overall Flight Comparison
Skyscanner is a global flight search engine that aggregates prices from airlines and online agencies.
- Why it’s great: It allows you to compare across hundreds of airlines, showing the cheapest, fastest, and “best” options.
- Unique feature: The “Whole Month” and “Cheapest Month” search options—perfect for flexible travelers.
- Personal experience: I once booked a round trip from Boston to Dublin for under €300 through a Skyscanner alert—much lower than airline-direct pricing at the time.
2. Google Flights – Best for Flexible Planning
Google Flights has become a favorite among seasoned travelers thanks to its intuitive design and powerful filters.
- Why it’s great: Real-time tracking of fare trends and the ability to view prices across multiple dates and airports.
- Unique feature: The price graph and “Explore” tool, which show the cheapest times and destinations.
- Best for: Travelers deciding between flying into Dublin, Shannon, or Cork.
3. Momondo – Best for Hidden Low-Cost Deals
Momondo often finds fares missed by bigger platforms.
- Why it’s great: It pulls fares from budget OTAs that don’t always appear on Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Case study: A friend of mine booked a Chicago–Shannon ticket through Momondo €70 cheaper than Skyscanner’s best rate.
- Caution: Always double-check baggage policies, as some OTAs listed on Momondo can be restrictive.
4. Kayak – Best for Multi-City Trips
Kayak is particularly useful for those combining Ireland with another European country.
- Why it’s great: Strong multi-city search tools. Example: New York → Dublin, Dublin → Paris, Paris → New York.
- Unique feature: “Hacker Fares” that combine one-way tickets from different airlines for lower prices.
- Best for: Backpackers or students touring multiple destinations.
5. Aer Lingus Official Website – Best for Direct Ireland Routes
Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier and often the most reliable choice for direct flights.
- Why it’s great: No third-party booking issues, and deals often match OTAs.
- Unique feature: Special promotions for North American routes (e.g., New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto).
- Personal note: I booked directly during a “Green Friday” sale and saved €120 compared to OTAs.
6. Ryanair & Other Low-Cost Airlines – Best for Intra-Europe Travel
If you’re already in Europe, Ryanair and other budget airlines (like EasyJet) are unbeatable for Ireland flights.
- Why it’s great: Flights as low as €15–€30 from UK and European cities to Dublin, Shannon, or Cork.
- Tip: Always factor in baggage and seating fees, which can double the ticket cost if not managed wisely.
7. Expedia & Booking.com (Flights Section) – Best for Package Deals
While not always the cheapest for stand-alone tickets, Expedia and Booking.com are worth checking for flight + hotel bundles.
- Why it’s great: You can save 10–20% by bundling.
- Best for: Families or first-time visitors who want convenience over micro-managing each booking.
Actionable Tips for Booking Flights to Ireland
- Book early: For North America–Ireland routes, the best window is 3–6 months in advance.
- Check alternative airports: Flying into Shannon instead of Dublin can save money during peak seasons.
- Use alerts: Set price alerts on Skyscanner and Google Flights.
- Be flexible with dates: Flying midweek (Tue/Wed) can be 15–20% cheaper.
- Watch for sales: Aer Lingus and Ryanair often run seasonal promotions like “Green Friday.”
Quick Comparison Table
| Website / Airline | Best For | Key Features | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyscanner | Overall deals | Cheapest month search | Some OTAs unreliable |
| Google Flights | Flexible planning | Fare trend insights | Doesn’t always list low-cost OTAs |
| Momondo | Hidden budget deals | Unique OTA fares | Extra baggage/fees risk |
| Kayak | Multi-city trips | Hacker fares | Not always cheapest |
| Aer Lingus | Direct routes to Ireland | Direct promos, reliability | Limited to their own flights |
| Ryanair / Low-cost | Intra-Europe trips | Extremely cheap base fares | High add-on fees |
| Expedia / Booking.com | Bundled savings | Hotel + flight packages | Stand-alone flights can be pricier |
FAQs
Q: What is the cheapest time to fly to Ireland?
Typically, January–March and October–November are the cheapest months to fly, with peak fares in June–August.
Q: Is it better to book directly with airlines or OTAs?
For reliability, airlines are safer. But for savings, OTAs like Momondo or Skyscanner often find hidden deals.
Q: Should I fly into Dublin, Shannon, or Cork?
- Dublin: Best for international connections.
- Shannon: Convenient for the west of Ireland, often cheaper.
- Cork: Good for southern itineraries, fewer flight options.
Conclusion
Booking flights to Ireland can feel overwhelming, but with the right website, it becomes much easier—and cheaper. For overall flexibility, Skyscanner and Google Flights are unbeatable. For direct flights, Aer Lingus remains a strong choice. If you’re already in Europe, Ryanair offers incredible bargains, provided you manage add-ons carefully.
From my own experience, the best strategy is a combination: use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare, then book directly with the airline if prices match. This way, you get the best of both worlds—low fares and reliable customer service.
Hi, I’m Tanvir, the founder and author of Explore Ireland Now. With a deep love for Ireland and its rich culture, history, and landscapes, I created this site to share everything that makes this beautiful country worth exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for hidden gems or a traveler planning your next adventure, I provide insightful guides, tips, and recommendations to help you experience Ireland to the fullest.
From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and quaint villages, Ireland is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Through my personal experiences and research, I aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and inspiration for your journey.
Thank you for visiting Explore Ireland Now—I hope my content helps you uncover all that this incredible country has to offer! If you have any questions or need travel advice, feel free to reach out.
