Planning a trip to Ireland and eager to make the most of your budget? Navigating the world of airfare prices can be overwhelming, but fear not! Our comprehensive cheapest time to fly to Ireland in 2024 dives into the nuances of finding the cheapest time to fly to the Emerald Isle.
From seasonal trends to insider tips, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to snag the best deals on airfare. If you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Dublin, the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, or the historic charm of Galway, savvy planning can make your Irish adventure both memorable and affordable.
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Ireland in 2024 & Why?
There are two schools of thought on this one. Some sources indicate that February is the cheapest month to fly to Ireland, while others say shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are the most budget-friendly.
February: This is the low season for tourism in Ireland, so flight prices tend to be at their lowest. However, it’s important to remember that many seasonal businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, may be closed during this time.
Shoulder seasons (Spring & Fall): Spring (from March to May, excluding peak St. Patrick’s Day) and fall (particularly September and October) offer a good compromise between price and weather. The crowds are smaller than in the summer, and the weather is usually mild.
Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Ireland
The cheapest day of the week to fly to Ireland is generally Tuesday or Wednesday. Midweek flights are less expensive because demand is lower than on weekends.
Booking on these days often results in better deals and lower fares. However, prices can fluctuate depending on the season, airline, and how far in advance you book your flight.
Pros & Cons of the Cheapest Time to Fly to Ireland
February (Low Season) Pros
- Rock-bottom flight prices: Flights are typically at their cheapest during this time.
- Fewer crowds: Popular tourist destinations will be less crowded.
February (Low Season) Cons
- Limited options: Many tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants may be closed during this time.
- Unpredictable weather: February weather in Ireland can be cold, wet, and windy.
Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall) Pros
- There is a good balance of price and weather: Flights are generally cheaper than during peak season, and the weather is usually mild.
- Pleasant outdoor activities: Spring and fall offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities without the summer crowds.
- Some attractions may be open: During shoulder seasons, some tourist businesses operate with fewer hours than in peak summer months.
Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall) Cons
- More expensive than February: Flights will be pricier than the low season.
- Variable weather: Spring and fall weather, with occasional rain showers, can be unpredictable.
- Limited availability: Popular accommodations and tours may fill up faster as these seasons become more popular for travel.
Cheapest Airlines That Fly to Ireland in 2024
Here are eight airlines that fly to Ireland with an estimate on average round-trip coach ticket prices (based on searches in April 2024, and can vary depending on your departure location and travel dates):
1. Aer Lingus (Irish National Carrier)
Average cost: $500 – $1000
Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier, offering a hybrid business model of low-cost and traditional carriers. This means they offer a mix of fare options on their European routes and full-service, two-class flights on transatlantic routes. They also have codeshare agreements with several other airlines, including British Airways and United Airlines, which means you can book a flight on Aer Lingus that is operated by another airline.
2. Ryanair (Irish Low-Cost Carrier)
Average cost: $100 – $400 (known for their budget-friendly fares but may include extra fees for checked baggage or seat selection).
Ryanair is a major Irish low-cost carrier offering a large network of routes across Europe and beyond. It is known for its cheap fares, but be aware that it may charge extra fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and other amenities.
3. British Airways
Average cost: $400 – $800
British Airways is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom and a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. They offer a vast network of routes worldwide, including several destinations in Ireland.
4. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Average cost: $500 – $900
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the Netherlands’ flag carrier and a founding SkyTeam alliance member. They offer a global network of routes, including flights to Ireland.
5. Air France
Average cost: $600 – $1200
Air France is the flag carrier of France and a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance. They offer a broad network of routes worldwide, including several destinations in Ireland.
6. Lufthansa
Average cost: $600 – $1100
Lufthansa is Germany’s flag carrier and a founding member of the Star Alliance. It offers an extensive network of routes worldwide, including flights to Ireland.
7. American Airlines
Average cost: $700 – $1300
American Airlines is a major American airline and a founding Oneworld alliance member. They offer many routes across the United States and internationally, including flights to Ireland.
8. United Airlines
Average cost: $650 – $1200
United Airlines is a major American airline and a founding member of the Star Alliance. They offer a broad network of routes across the United States and internationally, including flights to Ireland.
Cheapest Airports in Ireland to Fly
- Dublin Airport (DUB): As Ireland’s largest and busiest airport, Dublin offers the most flight options, including many from low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Aer Lingus. Its high volume of traffic helps keep prices competitive, making it a cost-effective option for travelers.
- Shannon Airport (SNN): Located on Ireland’s west coast in County Clare, Shannon Airport is less congested than Dublin but still offers a good range of international flights. It’s particularly attractive for those flying from the U.S. due to its direct routes and often lower fares.
- Cork Airport (ORK): Serving the southern region of Ireland, Cork Airport is the second busiest in the country. It provides a variety of international connections at competitive prices, partly due to its role as a hub for budget airlines catering to both tourists and locals.
- Knock Airport (NOC): Officially known as Ireland West Airport Knock, this smaller airport in County Mayo is a great option for travelers looking for affordable flights to the west of Ireland. It’s favored by budget carriers, which helps keep costs down for passengers.
- Kerry Airport (KIR): Located in County Kerry, this small airport offers flights mainly to the UK and a few European destinations. It’s an affordable choice due to the presence of low-cost airlines and its proximity to popular tourist attractions like the Ring of Kerry.
- Waterford Airport (WAT): Though smaller and with fewer flight options, Waterford Airport provides a cost-effective gateway to the southeast of Ireland. Its limited but affordable services make it an option worth considering for budget-conscious travelers.
7 Additional Tips to Find the Best Flight Prices to Ireland in 2024/2025
- Even a day or two shift in your departure or return flight can significantly affect the price. Flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner & Kayak often show a calendar view showing the cheapest flying days.
- Don’t just focus on flying into Dublin. Look at smaller airports around Ireland that might have cheaper fares, especially if you’re flexible with your destination within the country.
- Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that notify you when prices for your desired route change. This way, you can be the first to know about any price drops.
- Websites sometimes track your searches and raise prices if you keep looking at the same flights. Try clearing your browsing history and cookies or using incognito mode to avoid potential price hikes.
- While airlines like Ryanair are known for their budget-friendly fares, be mindful of additional fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and meals. Factor these in when comparing prices with full-service airlines.
- Occasionally, airlines publish fares with mistakes that lead to incredibly low prices. Websites like Secret Flying track and report these error fares, but be aware that these deals can disappear quickly and may come with restrictions.
- Sometimes, combining your flight with accommodation in a package deal can be cheaper than booking them separately. Travel websites and tour operators often offer package deals, so it’s worth comparing prices before booking everything individually.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the cheapest time to fly to Ireland and book the best flight prices.
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
The cheapest time to fly to Ireland from the U.S. is typically during the off-season, which runs from November to mid-December and January to February, when airfare is lower due to colder weather and fewer tourists. The shoulder seasons of March to April and September to October also offer reduced prices compared to the peak summer months, with a good balance of better weather and lower costs. Booking well in advance and being flexible with travel dates, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can help secure the best fares.
Yes, usually mid-week flights, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper compared to weekends.
Aim to book your flight to Ireland around 1 to 3 months in advance to secure the best prices, balancing availability and affordability.
Consider being flexible with your travel dates, utilizing fare comparison websites, and signing up for airline newsletters for exclusive deals.
Yes, flight prices can vary significantly depending on your departure city. It's worth comparing prices from nearby airports or using flight search engines to find the best deals.
