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Shannon/Dublin

We are doing the following:

  • Fly to Dublin from Chicago
  • 4 nights in Dublin
  • Pick up rental car and drive to Westport for 3 nights
  • Last 3 nights in Killarney

We are trying to decide if it is better to fly back to Chicago via Shannon, which is a 2 hour drive from Killarney (downside is connection in Boston) or drive 4 hours back to Dublin for a direct flight back to Chicago.

Or would we be better to do 2 nights in Killarney and the last night closer to Dublin? If so, any recommendations?

Any advice? The Shannon option is about $300 higher - not a big price difference. Thanks in advance!

Posted by
2267 posts

For me it might depend on what time the flight from Dublin leaves. If I could make the 4 hour drive in the same day before flying, the non-stop might be worth the effort to me.

Posted by
2980 posts

There are two cheap flights per day on RyanAir from the Kerry airport near Killarney back to Dublin - taking less than an hour. If either of those would mesh with your return flight home to Chicago you could book the car as a one-way rental and drop it off at Kerry on your way back.
One-way drop charges in Ireland typically aren't too bad so that option might be cost-effective. You'd also need to give yourselves plenty of cushion if trying to do this on the same day as your homeward flight since you'll require extra time at Dublin airport to clear US customs & immigration.

Posted by
1585 posts

Could you spend your last night at a town near the Dublin airport, thereby avoiding completely doubling back? Maybe Malahide, Howth or Trim? In order to avoid changing planes in Boston (and paying $300 more) I would either look into the RyanAir suggestion or see about staying in a town close to the Dublin airport. A third alternative would be to fly into Shannon and reverse your itinerary.