Ireland’s best airport? We asked our readers to choose – here’s what they picked (and why)

“Wonderful people, easy to navigate, lovely shops,” said another. “It has everything, well laid out, plenty of food options and Duty Free is brilliant.”

Today it is named 'Ireland's Best Airport’ in the Irish Independent's Reader Travel Awards 2024.

Ireland’s Top 10 airports 2024

1. Dublin Airport
2. Shannon Airport
3. Cork Airport
4. Ireland West (Knock) Airport
5. Kerry Airport
6. Donegal Airport
7. Belfast International Airport
8. Belfast City Airport
9. City of Derry Airport
10. Other

Source: Reader Travel Awards 2024

Rewind to the early summer of 2022 and those comments might have been unthinkable.

Back then, Dublin, like other international airports, was caught on the hop as it transitioned from complete pandemic closedown to a new world of revenge travel, Covid certs, staff shortages and transport headaches.

Chaotic scenes ensued with queues, missed holidays and angry passengers all over the news. At one point, even the Defence Forces were on standby.

Today, as our judges noted, it’s a different story. More than 40 airlines are back to business as usual, passenger numbers are booming at Ireland’s main airport and the experience has been not just revived, but in many ways revamped.

“Buzz” was a word you used several times.

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“While they had their problems on re-opening post-Covid, they have dealt with their issues and it is now very quick and easy to get through the check-in and security process in a very timely manner,” as one reader told us.

Today, Dublin Airport has a new CEO in Kenny Jacobs (formerly of Ryanair), and it says around 99pc of customers pass through security in less than 20 minutes.

There is faster wifi, more seating and charging points, better customer service and a steady improvement of the food and drink options that struggled during our return to travel.

No airport is perfect, of course. But our judges and readers feel the place looks and feels cleaner and cared for. “It works,” you said.

“Easy to navigate” was a note made by several of you in your comments. And you highlighted its “great selection” of shops, lounges, restaurants and bars.

“Even though it is so busy,” one reader said, “the airport seemed very efficient”.

Wait times and long-term parking transfers can be longer than regional airports like Cork, Shannon and Ireland West, but Dublin’s size and status brings a much wider choice of flights, and readers pointed out the benefits of almost 200 destinations.

“Global access” was the phrase used by one. “Connectivity to the world” was another. “Easy to fly into and cheap.”

Travel is not turbulence-free, of course. Flight prices are rising, and the question of how the airport will develop in the near future is a live one. But communication is far better, and sustainability is a key driver as it aims for 40 million passengers a year, the DAA says.

“Dublin Airport features all amenities one could require,” as one passenger put it. “You often feel relaxed before flying, knowing that everything is a quick walk away.”