If you're flying to Ireland from North America, chances are you're looking at round-trip tickets into and out of Dublin. It's the most popular route for good reason—direct flights, solid availability, and yes, it’s usually cheaper.

But if your Irish adventure follows a classic path—landing in Dublin, heading down to Killarney or Dingle, touring the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, and working your way up the west coast toward the Cliffs of Moher and Galway—there’s another way to plan your flights.

Here’s a pro tip: fly into Dublin, but fly out of Shannon.

Aer Lingus flight over Ireland

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 265. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Why Try this Dublin In – Shannon Out Itinerary?

Shannon Airport sits on the west coast of Ireland, in a town that was essentially built around the airport. It’s ideally located if you’re wrapping up your trip in the west, and there are a few good reasons to consider it over looping all the way back to Dublin.

1. More Time to Explore the West
Sure, technically you have the same number of days in Ireland no matter how you fly. But if you’re finishing in Galway or the Burren and need to get back to Dublin for your flight, you’re looking at a three-hour drive—minimum. That’s half a touring day lost to driving a motorway with few worthwhile stops unless you go out of your way. If you fly out of Shannon instead, you could spend that time enjoying more of Ireland’s west coast instead of rushing to get to your gate.

2. A Far More Relaxed Departure
Dublin Airport is busy. Very busy. You’re told to arrive three hours ahead of your flight, and while sometimes you might breeze through in under an hour, other times you won’t. A random security check, a baggage issue, or just plain volume can all throw a wrench in your departure. It’s crowded, chaotic, and kind of stressful.

Shannon Airport, by contrast, is a dream. It’s small, quiet, and efficient. One time, I got from the rental car drop-off to my gate—via security and U.S. customs—in 27 minutes. I don’t recommend cutting it that close, but even with a 90-minute to two-hour cushion, it’s a much smoother experience. Fewer people, shorter lines, and far less tension.

Ireland Travel Tips

Frequently asked Ireland travel questions – and the answers you seek!

What’s the Catch?

Of course, there’s a tradeoff. Flying into Dublin and out of Shannon (known as a multi-city ticket) is often more expensive. And depending on when you’re traveling—especially late fall or winter—it may not even be available, as airlines sometimes cut the Shannon route due to low demand.

Because Shannon Airport doesn't serve as many flights as Dublin, the departures area feels almost relaxed.

So, is it worth it? That depends on a few things:
– What could you do with the time you'd save by not driving back to Dublin? If you’d rather spend it exploring a quiet village, hiking a cliffside trail, or lingering over a pint in a cozy pub, that might be worth something to you.
– What are you paying to stay near Dublin Airport vs. the west coast? Accommodations near Dublin often cost more—sometimes €150–€200 more per night—than a similar stay in the west.

For me, if the flight out of Shannon costs no more than $200 more per person than a round-trip out of Dublin, it’s worth it. The extra time on the ground and the calm departure experience balance out the added cost. Of course, your priorities and budget may differ.

The post Arrive in Dublin, Depart from Shannon: Why to Consider this Itinerary Tweak appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.