How to Find Absurdly Cheap Flights to Ireland
Before we dive into the airlines, here's the #1 hack for securing the best deals: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). This service is a game-changer for nomads. You simply sign up, set your departure airports, and let their team alert you to mistake fares and deep discounts. We've seen deals like Boston to Dublin for $337 roundtrip. The free version is great, but the Premium tier ($49/year) pays for itself with a single discounted flight. For those flying business or first, the Elite version can save you thousands.
The 10 Best Airlines for Flying to Ireland
1. Aer Lingus
The Home Turf Advantage. As Ireland's flag carrier, Aer Lingus offers a reliable and authentic Irish welcome before you even land. It’s the go-to for direct, no-fuss transatlantic travel.
Hubs: Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN)
Best For: Direct flights from the US, competitive pricing, and solid service.
Perks: Offers direct routes from major US cities like NYC, Boston, and Chicago. The pricing often undercuts legacy carriers significantly. Cabins are clean, the crew is friendly, and you'll find decent meals and entertainment even in Economy.
Loyalty Program: AerClub uses Avios, making it compatible with British Airways and the oneworld alliance.
Pro Tip: Book the "Saver" fare which includes a carry-on and personal item. You can then add extras like a checked bag à la carte, often saving money over bundled fares.
2. Ryanair
The Ultra-Efficient European Hopper. For nomads already in Europe, Ryanair is the undisputed king of low-cost, point-to-point travel. It’s a no-frills machine built for efficiency.
Hubs: Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN), and across Europe.
Best For: Absurdly cheap short-haul flights within Europe.
Perks: Unbeatable fares, an extensive network, and impressive on-time performance. They strip away the extras, meaning you only pay for what you need. The non-reclining seats can even be a plus, saving you from a reclined seat in your lap.
Loyalty Program: None. Their loyalty is to low prices.
Pro Tip: Always pay for Priority Boarding. For a small fee ($15-20), you guarantee your carry-on bag travels with you in the cabin, avoiding forced gate-checking. Pack light and check in online.
3. British Airways
The Seamless UK Connector. If your travels include a stop in London, British Airways offers unparalleled connectivity to Ireland with dozens of daily flights and a polished service.
Hubs: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
Best For: Combining a UK and Ireland trip, leveraging Avios points.
Perks: Seamlessly book your entire journey on one ticket. Even on the short hop to Dublin, you get proper service. Heathrow lounges are excellent for productive layovers.
Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios points).
Pro Tip: A London-Dublin flight can be snagged for just 4,500 Avios points plus ~$25 in fees, a massive saving over the typical ~$150 cash price. Transfer points from Chase or Amex to capitalize on this.
4. Delta Air Lines
American Reliability and Reach. For US-based nomads, Delta is a benchmark for consistency and operational excellence. If you value on-time performance and a predictable experience, it's a solid choice.
Hubs: Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS)
Best For: Reliable connections from across the US, especially the southeast via Atlanta.
Perks: Industry-leading on-time performance, a polished onboard product with good entertainment, and the SkyMiles program where points never expire. Their co-branded credit cards can offer free checked bags and priority boarding.
Loyalty Program: SkyMiles.
Pro Tip: Look for their seasonal direct flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Dublin (DUB) during the summer for convenient access from the southern and central US.
5. Etihad Airways
The Value-Packed Luxury Option. Coming from Asia, the Middle East, or just looking for superior comfort? Etihad often has surprisingly competitive fares to Europe with a stop in its efficient Abu Dhabi hub.
Hubs: Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Best For: Long-haul comfort, generous baggage allowance, and a modern fleet.
Perks: Experience Arabian hospitality with a modern twist. The planes are spotless, the entertainment is cutting-edge, and the Abu Dhabi hub is a breeze to navigate. Their standard baggage allowance often includes two free checked bags.
Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest.
Pro Tip: For long-haul flights, upgrading to Economy Space for $50-80 is a worthwhile investment for extra legroom and priority boarding.
6. Emirates
Turn Your Layover into a Mini-Vacation. Emirates elevates the entire travel experience, offering premium service even in Economy and a fantastic stopover program in Dubai.
Hubs: Dubai (DXB)
Best For: A luxurious journey and breaking up long-haul travel with a Dubai stopover.
Perks: Exceptional service, a massive entertainment library (ICE), and complimentary beverages. Two free 50lb checked bags are standard. The Dubai airport is a destination in itself.
Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of their free stopover program. You can book a multi-day stay in Dubai to explore the city without adding significant cost to your flight to Europe.
7. Qatar Airways
The Best Overall Flying Experience. Consistently ranked among the world's best airlines, Qatar delivers an exceptional level of comfort, service, and efficiency from its world-class hub in Doha.
Hubs: Doha (DOH)
Best For: Travelers prioritizing comfort and service on long-haul routes.
Perks: Spacious economy seats, excellent meals, and the legendary Qsuite business class. Hamad International Airport is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. You also get two free checked bags.
Loyalty Program: Privilege Club (oneworld alliance).
Pro Tip: Look for "Business Lite" fares. You get the full Qsuite experience but without lounge access or advanced seat selection, often saving 20-30% off the standard business class price.
8. Air France
European Style and Seamless Connections. Fly with a touch of French flair. Air France provides excellent connectivity to Dublin through its efficient Paris hub, with a level of style that stands out.
Hubs: Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS)
Best For: Easy connections through Paris, leveraging Flying Blue promo awards.
Perks: Complimentary meals and wine even on short European flights. The cabins feature modern French design, and the CDG hub (Terminal 2E) is built for fast, efficient connections.
Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam alliance).
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the monthly Flying Blue Promo Rewards. You can often find one-way flights from the US to Europe for as low as 15,000-20,000 miles.
9. Singapore Airlines
The Gold Standard in Comfort. When the journey is as important as the destination, Singapore Airlines is in a class of its own. Fly them on a long-haul leg (e.g., US to London) before a short hop to Dublin for an unparalleled travel experience.
Hubs: Singapore (SIN)
Best For: Unmatched service and comfort, making layovers enjoyable.
Perks: World-class service, cuisine, and comfort, even in Economy. Their hub at Changi Airport is legendary, with amenities like butterfly gardens and movie theaters. Premium Economy is a significant step up in comfort without the business class price tag.
Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer (Star Alliance).
Pro Tip: If flying Premium Economy or higher, use the "Book the Cook" feature to pre-order restaurant-quality meals for your flight.
10. Air Canada
The Pre-Clearance Pro. Air Canada offers a uniquely efficient way to return to the US. By transiting through their Canadian hubs, you can clear US immigration and customs before your final flight, arriving as a domestic passenger.
Hubs: Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL)
Best For: A faster, hassle-free return journey to the United States.
Perks: Extensive US network connecting through modern, efficient Canadian hubs. The major benefit is US Pre-clearance in Toronto and Montreal, allowing you to skip long immigration lines upon arrival in the US.
Loyalty Program: Aeroplan (Star Alliance).
Pro Tip: Use Aeroplan miles for a cost-effective upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy on the Dublin route. It's one of the best value redemptions for transatlantic comfort.
