Ireland is one of the shortest transatlantic trips from the US East Coast, with green countryside, coastal drives such as the Wild Atlantic Way, and lively cities like Dublin, Galway and Cork. Dublin has the most flights; Shannon in the west is handy for Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and County Clare.
Airports
| DUB | Dublin Airport |
|---|---|
| SNN | Shannon Airport |
| ORK | Cork Airport |
Best time to go
May to September has the longest days and mildest weather, with July and August the busiest. Rain is possible in any month, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Getting there
Nonstop flights from Boston take about 6 hours and from New York about 6½ to 7 hours. Dublin and Shannon both have US pre-clearance, so on the way home you clear US immigration before boarding.
Tips before you book
- Ireland is not in the Schengen Area and has its own entry rules.
- Allow extra time at Dublin or Shannon on the return trip for US pre-clearance.
- Driving is on the left; rental cars with automatic transmission sell out early in summer.
Flight times are typical nonstop times and vary by airline, aircraft and season. Entry rules and airport information can change; check official sources before you travel.