Cheapest Airlines Flying to Ireland: A Complete Guide

Ireland is one of the most visited countries in Europe, attracting travelers with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. However, airfare can often be one of the biggest expenses for those planning a trip, especially for visitors coming from the U.S., Canada, or Asia. Finding the cheapest airlines flying to Ireland isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making travel more accessible and allowing people to spend more on experiences like exploring the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying traditional music in Galway, or discovering the history of Dublin.

From my own experience traveling between the U.S. and Ireland multiple times, I’ve learned that choosing the right airline can make a massive difference—not only in terms of cost but also comfort, baggage allowances, and flexibility.

This article explores the cheapest airlines flying to Ireland, based on research, traveler insights, and practical tips, so you can make an informed choice.

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The Main Airports in Ireland for Budget-Friendly Flights

Before diving into airlines, it’s useful to know where cheap flights usually land:

• Dublin Airport (DUB) – Ireland’s busiest international hub. Most affordable long-haul and short-haul flights arrive here.
• Shannon Airport (SNN) – A good alternative for U.S. travelers, often offering competitive fares.
• Cork Airport (ORK) – Smaller but serves some low-cost European airlines.
• Knock/Ireland West Airport (NOC) – Used by Ryanair for budget connections to the UK and Europe.

For the cheapest fares, Dublin tends to have the widest options.

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Cheapest Airlines Flying to Ireland

1. Ryanair

• Best for: Intra-Europe budget travel.
• Why it’s cheap: Ultra-low-cost model, offering basic fares with add-on options for bags, seats, and food.
• Example routes: London, Paris, Berlin, Rome to Dublin/Shannon/Cork.
• My experience: I once flew from Barcelona to Dublin for less than €20. While the no-frills experience wasn’t luxurious, it was perfect for short-haul travel.

Tip: Always factor in baggage fees, as Ryanair makes most of its money from extras.

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2. Aer Lingus (Economy Saver Fares)

• Best for: Direct flights from the U.S. to Ireland.
• Why it’s cheap: Frequent deals, especially during off-peak months.
• Example routes: New York, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia to Dublin or Shannon.
• Notable perk: Free meals and carry-on bag included, unlike many budget airlines.

Expert insight: According to Tourism Ireland reports, Aer Lingus often provides the most competitive transatlantic fares, especially if booked 2–3 months in advance.

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3. Norwegian Air (when operating transatlantic routes)

• Best for: Low-cost transatlantic flights.
• Status update: Norwegian cut many long-haul routes in recent years, but when available, they offered some of the lowest fares to Dublin.
• Example routes (previously): New York, Providence, and Toronto to Dublin.

Note: Check if Norwegian reinstates these flights as demand for budget long-haul travel increases.

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4. Icelandair

• Best for: U.S. travelers looking for flexible stopovers.
• Why it’s cheap: Competitive pricing and ability to include a free stopover in Reykjavik.
• Example routes: Boston, New York, Seattle to Dublin via Iceland.
• Personal insight: I once booked Boston → Reykjavik → Dublin for less than $400 return, with an extra two days in Iceland included.

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5. PLAY Airlines

• Best for: Ultra-budget U.S.–to–Europe connections.
• Why it’s cheap: New Icelandic low-cost carrier offering minimal extras and connecting flights.
• Example routes: Washington D.C., New York, Boston to Dublin via Reykjavik.

Tip: Great for adventurous budget travelers, but expect to pay for baggage, food, and seat selection.

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6. United Airlines (Basic Economy)

• Best for: Direct flights from the U.S. to Ireland with major airline reliability.
• Why it’s cheap: Basic Economy fares often undercut Aer Lingus and Delta.
• Example routes: Newark, Chicago, Washington D.C. to Dublin.

Trust factor: As a U.S.-based carrier, you get standard customer service protections, which is useful compared to smaller low-cost carriers.

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7. Delta Airlines (Seasonal Deals)

• Best for: Travelers booking through U.S. hubs.
• Why it’s cheap: Seasonal promotions and competitive fares, especially from JFK.
• Example routes: JFK to Dublin direct.
• Extra benefit: Delta often bundles flights with SkyTeam partners for multi-destination trips.

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8. American Airlines (Budget Sales)

• Best for: Travelers using loyalty points.
• Why it’s cheap: Frequent flash sales, particularly from East Coast cities.
• Example routes: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dallas to Dublin.

Tip: Prices drop significantly if you’re flexible with mid-week departures.

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9. Lufthansa / KLM (Economy Light Fares)

• Best for: Travelers from the U.S. or Asia connecting through hubs like Frankfurt or Amsterdam.
• Why it’s cheap: “Economy Light” fares can be cheaper than Aer Lingus direct flights.
• Trade-off: Usually requires a stopover in Germany or the Netherlands.

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10. JetBlue (via Codeshare with Aer Lingus)

• Best for: East Coast travelers looking for competitive deals.
• Why it’s cheap: JetBlue’s partnership with Aer Lingus expands options from Boston and New York.

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Tips for Finding the Cheapest Airlines to Ireland

• Book early, but not too early: The sweet spot is usually 2–5 months before departure.
• Travel off-peak: Late autumn and early spring (November, February, March) often have the lowest fares.
• Compare hubs: Flights from New York or Boston are consistently cheaper than from the West Coast.
• Use flight comparison sites: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo highlight budget options quickly.
• Check secondary airports: Shannon and Cork may offer cheaper arrivals than Dublin at certain times.

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FAQs

1. Which airline is the absolute cheapest to Ireland?
For short-haul, Ryanair dominates. For long-haul, Aer Lingus and Icelandair are usually the best deals.

2. Can I really fly to Ireland for under $300?
Yes—especially from the East Coast during sales. Deals under $300 have been recorded from New York to Dublin.

3. Are budget airlines reliable for long-haul flights?
They can be, but always read reviews and understand that extras (food, bags, seat selection) will add to the cost.

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Conclusion: Flying to Ireland on a Budget is Possible

Whether you’re a student backpacking through Europe, a family planning a vacation, or someone making a long-awaited trip back to Ireland to visit family, affordable options exist. From Ryanair’s rock-bottom European fares to Aer Lingus and Icelandair’s competitive transatlantic deals, travelers have plenty of choices.

From my own journeys, I’ve found that flexibility is the single biggest factor in getting a cheap flight. If you can travel off-peak, use comparison tools, and remain open to connections through Iceland or mainland Europe, you can cut costs significantly.