Kerry County Airport

Kerry Airport (Farranfore) is not just a transport hub, but a cosy gateway to one of the most picturesque counties on the Emerald Isle, known for its intimate atmosphere. Forget endless corridors and the noise of megacities; here you will be greeted by tranquility, where the journey from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes just a few minutes. Located in the very heart of the "Kingdom of Kerry", this airport gives travellers a sense of home even before they leave the terminal, serving as the perfect starting point for exploring the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Kerry Airport is valued by tourists for its exceptional compactness and efficiency. Unlike major hubs, there are practically no long queues for security screening here, and baggage claim is incredibly fast. This allows you to start your holiday almost immediately after landing, without wasting precious time on logistics inside the terminal.

Another important advantage is its strategic location. The airport is situated literally on the doorstep of the famous "Ring of Kerry" tourist route and Killarney National Park. For travellers renting a car, this means breathtaking views open up just 15 minutes after leaving the parking lot. Incidentally, the car park itself is located within walking distance of the terminal entrance and offers very reasonable rates compared to capital city airports.

Finally, the friendly service is worth noting. Thanks to the small flow of passengers, airport staff pay attention to every guest, creating that famous Irish atmosphere of hospitality. There is no fuss here, and navigation is intuitive, making Kerry an excellent choice for families with children and elderly travellers.

If you need to contact representatives of Kerry Airport (KIR), please use the following contact information:

• Official Website: kerryairport.ie
• Information Desk Phone: +353 66 976 4644
• Address: Farranfore, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
• Email: info@kerryairport.ie
• Social Media: You can follow airport news and updates on its official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding luggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the airport grounds, please contact the information service via the main phone number.
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance or consultation, please use the main airport phone number or visit the information desk in the terminal building.

Kerry Airport (KIR) is conveniently located in the heart of County Kerry, approximately halfway between the towns of Tralee and Killarney. You can get there in several ways, and the choice depends on your budget and travel plans across Ireland. Overall, the airport's transport accessibility is at a good level.

The most economical way to get to or from the airport is to use the scheduled buses of the national company Bus Éireann. Routes connecting Limerick, Tralee, Killarney, and Cork make a stop right at the terminal. Key routes are No. 40 (Tralee – Cork) and No. 14 (Limerick – Killarney). The trip from Killarney or Tralee will take about 20-30 minutes. We recommend checking the current schedule on the carrier's website in advance, as flight frequency may change. Please note that there is no direct rail link to the airport.

For those who value comfort and are travelling with large luggage, the best choice would be a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals area. A trip to Killarney or Tralee will cost approximately 30-40 Euros and take about 20 minutes. Pre-booking a transfer can be slightly more cost-effective and guarantees that a driver will meet you at the airport, even if your flight is delayed.

Car rental is an ideal option for travellers wishing to explore the picturesque routes of the county, such as the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, at their own pace. Counters for several major rental companies are located within the airport terminal. To get the best price and guarantee the availability of a car of the desired class, especially during the tourist season, it is worth booking online in advance. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided, located just a few minutes' walk from the terminal entrance.

If your plans are flexible or you haven't found suitable flights to Kerry, it is worth considering airports in neighbouring cities. The nearest alternatives are Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN), each of which is approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive away. The country's main airport, Dublin Airport (DUB), is located significantly further away but offers the largest number of international flights.

Kerry Airport (KIR) is a small and convenient regional airport characterised by a simple and clear structure. All flights, both domestic and international, are serviced in a single passenger terminal, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The terminal building has a logical layout. The ground floor houses the main areas for passengers: airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the information service. Offices of car rental companies, ATMs, and a small café are also located here. The Arrivals Hall is also on the ground floor and includes the baggage reclaim belt and customs control.

After completing check-in and baggage drop, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the Departures Hall is located. To access it, one must pass through security control. The waiting lounge after screening offers passengers comfortable seating, a refreshment area, and a shop where you can buy souvenirs and travel essentials. Boarding takes place through several gates located in this same hall.

Thanks to the airport's compactness, all procedures take place quite quickly. On average, check-in and security screening take about 20-30 minutes. However, during peak seasons or before popular flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure to avoid rushing. There is no need to travel between departure and arrival zones as everything is in one building, and navigation is simplified by clear signs in English and Irish.

The history of Kerry Airport (KIR) is a vivid example of how local initiative can transform an entire region. The idea of creating an air gateway to the picturesque county of Kerry was born in the late 1960s. The construction company was founded in 1968, and the airport officially opened as early as 1969. Initially, it was a modest airfield with a single grass runway, intended mainly for light private aircraft. Notably, the project was financed through public subscriptions and investments by local residents, highlighting its immense importance to the community of Ireland.

A real breakthrough in the airport's development occurred in the 1980s. With growing tourist interest in the region, the need for modernisation became obvious. A key stage was the construction and opening in 1989 of a new paved runway 1,200 metres long. This event radically changed the airport's capabilities, allowing it to accept larger commercial airliners and laying the foundation for future international flights.

The "Celtic Tiger" era in the 1990s and 2000s was a period of rapid growth. A landmark moment was the arrival of the budget airline Ryanair, which launched popular flights to London and the continent, for example, to Frankfurt. This attracted thousands of new tourists to the region. To meet the growing passenger flow, another large-scale reconstruction was carried out in the mid-2000s: the runway was extended to 2,000 metres, and the terminal building was significantly expanded and modernised to ensure comfort for travellers.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that locals often call the airport by its location — Farranfore. Over its half-century history, Kerry Airport has travelled an impressive path from a small flying club to a modern international gateway playing a key role in the tourism appeal of southwest Ireland. It hasn't set world records for passenger traffic, but its main achievement is sustainable development and an invaluable contribution to the region's economy.

Despite its compact size, Kerry Airport (KIR) offers passengers everything needed for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack at The Gateway Bar & Restaurant, which serves hot meals and refreshments, or enjoy a cup of coffee. The airport also operates a shop where you can purchase Irish souvenirs, newspapers, and essential travel items.

To relax before a flight, passengers can settle in the main departure lounge. Those who value enhanced comfort can use the services of the Boru Lounge, offering a secluded atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting areas. For business travellers, the airport features a business centre with conference rooms for meetings and events.

You can easily resolve financial matters at the airport: ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. In case of need, first aid is available to passengers — simply contact any airport staff member. There are no specialised pharmacy points in the building, so it is worth taking care of necessary medications in advance.

The airport is fully equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided for moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking from the aircraft. Important: this service must be booked in advance through your airline. For travellers with small children, baby care rooms with changing tables are provided.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds itself, however, just a few minutes away by taxi, in the surrounding towns of Farranfore, Killarney, and Tralee, there are many accommodation options for every taste and budget — from cosy guest houses (B&Bs) to comfortable hotels. This makes the airport a convenient starting point for travelling around the southwest of Ireland.

Kerry Airport (KIR), being a compact regional airport, offers passengers cosy and convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Although the selection here is not as wide as in major international hubs, you can easily find quality food and beverages while waiting for your flight.

The main establishment where you can eat at the airport is The Gateway Bar and Restaurant. It is located in the main hall of the terminal, before security control (landside), making it accessible for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. A friendly atmosphere reigns here, conducive to relaxing before a flight.

The restaurant menu features both international dishes and classic Irish treats. For breakfast, you can order the famous full Irish breakfast, and throughout the day — soups, sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes, such as traditional stew or fish and chips. For those in a hurry, there is an excellent selection of fresh pastries, desserts, and coffee. Prices here are average for airports.

Regarding special dietary needs, the menu usually includes vegetarian options. For gluten-free, vegan, or other specific dietary requirements (including Halal inquiries), it is best to check directly with the staff — they will try to assist you. The opening hours of the restaurant and dining area are tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning before the first departures and close after the last aircraft leaves.

After passing security control (airside), the choice of establishments is limited, so if you plan to have a full lunch, it is better to do so at The Gateway Bar and Restaurant. For a quick snack, sandwiches or pastries with coffee are ideal, and for a full meal — hot dishes from the restaurant's main menu.

Travelling through Kerry Airport (KIR), the gateway to one of the most picturesque counties in Ireland, can be easy and pleasant if you know a few nuances. This is a small regional airport, which has its advantages, but preparation is still important. Here are a few tips to help you save time, stress, and money.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Despite the airport's compact size, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before international flights (for example, to the UK or continental Europe). For domestic flights, 90 minutes is sufficient. The most convenient method is online check-in, which allows you to head straight to baggage drop or security control if you are travelling light. Security checkpoints here usually work quickly, but during the peak tourist season (summer), small queues are possible.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: If your flight takes place during daylight hours, choose a window seat — views of the Irish Atlantic coast during takeoff and landing can be stunning. An aisle seat is suitable for those who value the freedom to stand up. Standard rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage apply here: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Transfers and Customs: Kerry Airport is not a major transfer hub. Most passengers begin or end their journey here. If you have a self-transfer, allow enough time, as you will likely have to collect your luggage and go through check-in again. Customs control is standard: for those arriving from non-EU countries, there are green (nothing to declare) and red channels.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations: To save money, book parking and airport transfers online in advance. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security control. In case of flight delay, contact your airline representative. Remember your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004, which provides for the provision of food, drinks, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation during long delays. The airport has a café and free Wi-Fi to help pass the waiting time.