From Florida (MIA, MCO, TPA): Direct flights to Dublin are seasonal (mostly from Orlando and Miami via Aer Lingus). Otherwise, you'll likely stop in NYC, Boston, Chicago or Philly depending on the airline.

From California (LAX, SFO):
Direct to Dublin via Aer Lingus or United (seasonal and limited). Otherwise, stop in East Coast hubs.

Pro Tip: Flights with layovers in Europe (like via Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle) can be cheaper but come with longer travel times and airport chaos. Worth it only if you're padding your trip.

AIRLINES

**flights don't open until 11 months before travel...

🍀 Irish Airline

Aer Lingus — Ireland’s national airline. Direct flights from many U.S. cities. Great service, decent legroom.
🌐 www.aerlingus.com

U.S. Legacy Airlines

Delta Air Lines — Direct from ATL, JFK, BOS, and seasonally from others.
🌐 www.delta.com
American Airlines — Direct from PHL, DFW, CLT, ORD (seasonal).
🌐 www.aa.com
United Airlines — Direct from EWR, IAD, ORD, SFO (seasonal).
🌐 www.united.com

European Airlines with U.S. Connections

These often require a layover but still get you to Ireland.

British Airways — Connects via London Heathrow (LHR).
🌐 www.britishairways.com
Lufthansa — Connects via Frankfurt or Munich.
🌐 www.lufthansa.com
Air France — Connects via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
🌐 www.airfrance.com
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines — Connects via Amsterdam (AMS).
🌐 www.klm.com
Swiss International Air Lines — Connects via Zurich.
🌐 www.swiss.com
Iberia — Connects via Madrid.
🌐 www.iberia.com

Low(er)-Cost Carriers (Seasonal, Limited Routes)

Norse Atlantic Airways — Occasionally flies cheap routes from East Coast to Europe, sometimes Ireland.
🌐 www.flynorse.com
PLAY Airlines — Icelandic budget carrier, flies U.S. to Dublin via Reykjavik.
🌐 www.flyplay.com
Icelandair — U.S. to Dublin with a scenic stop in Iceland.
🌐 www.icelandair.com

Golden window: Book 3–6 months in advance. Set those fare alerts on flights.google.com and let the algorithms work in your favor.

Time Zones + Jet Lag

Ireland is 5 hours ahead of the East Coast and 8 ahead of the West Coast.
Red-eye flight trick: East Coast travelers should take an overnight flight and arrive in the morning—Ireland time. Stay awake ‘til 9 p.m. local time, and you’ll beat the jet lag like a champ.

Luggage Tips

Aer Lingus and other European carriers can be sneaky with bag fees—check the fare class! Sometimes a “great deal” doesn’t include carry-on.
Pack layers! Ireland is a diva of a climate: sunny, rainy, chilly—all before noon.
Umbrella? No. Waterproof jacket? Always.

Customs & Immigration

On your way to Ireland: Easy. Fill out the arrival form on the plane or online.
On the way back to the U.S.:
You pre-clear U.S. Customs in Dublin before you board. That’s a blessing and a curse—plan extra time at the Dublin airport (2.5–3 hours recommended).
Also save receipts to claim your VAT (Tax on large purchases) back at the airport

Airport Vibes

Dublin (DUB) is the main entry point. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s efficient. They do love a good queue.
Irish airport security is usually faster and friendlier than the U.S., but don’t test it—take your liquids seriously or they'll take them from you... trust me! (yes, that is bitter you read in my words!!)

What People Forget

Plug adapter for Ireland/UK style plugs (Type G).
Euros, not pounds. (Yes, people still mess that up!)
Phones: Make sure your international roaming is ON or grab a cheap eSIM like Airalo or a Vodafone SIM when you land or check with your cell company - AT&T has a $12 per day deal that works great - t-mobile is free, but super slow!
Download entertainment! WiFi in the sky is still hit-or-miss.
Bring snacks... Somehow Irish flights always run out of the good stuff, if you know what I mean....

Hotel Information

Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

Flight & Travel Information

Flight & Travel
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