Kerry Airport, located in Farranfore, 13 kilometres from Killarney and 15 kilometres from Tralee, offers a compact and traveller-friendly experience for those flying to Dublin, London, Alicante, and other European destinations. Serving as a gateway to County Kerry’s scenic landscapes, the airport handles over 400,000 passengers annually with Ryanair and Chalair, ensuring a smooth journey through its small but well-organised facilities. Its focus on efficiency and accessibility makes it a practical choice for holidaymakers and business travellers alike.
Reaching the airport is straightforward, with good road connections via the N23, linking to the N22 for easy access to Killarney and Tralee. Driving from either town takes about 15 to 20 minutes, though rural road conditions or peak-hour traffic may cause minor delays. Bus ةireann services connect the airport to Tralee, Killarney, and Limerick, with tickets available onboard and journey times of 20 to 40 minutes, though schedules may not always align with flights, requiring advance planning.
Taxis, operated by licensed providers like Sean Casey, are available outside the terminal, with fares to Killarney or Tralee around €20 to €30, and pre-booking is advised for reliability. Car hire desks from Avis, Budget, and Payless, located in the long-term car park a one-minute walk away, offer convenient options for exploring the region.
The single-terminal, single-level layout is easy to navigate, with check-in, security, and departures all housed in a compact main concourse. Passengers can move from entrance to gate in under 15 minutes, with security screening often taking just two to five minutes thanks to efficient processes.
During peak summer months, particularly July and August, queues may extend due to increased tourist traffic, so arriving two hours early for flights is recommended. Weather, especially fog or strong winds, can occasionally disrupt flights, potentially leading to diversions, so checking live flight status via the airport’s website or Flightradar24 is advised.
Dining and retail options are modest but cater to essential needs. The Gateway Restaurant and Bar, located in the main concourse, serves hot and cold meals, from breakfast to sandwiches, with a fully licensed bar for drinks. Airside, a small gift shop in the departure lounge offers perfumes, spirits, chocolates, and Irish souvenirs like pottery and jewellery, ideal for last-minute purchases. Passengers seeking more dining variety may need to eat before arriving, as nearby options in Farranfore are limited. The lounge, accessible for a fee, provides a quiet space with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and flight information screens.
Facilities are practical and passenger-focused. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, with public telephones and charging points conveniently placed. Accessibility is prioritised, with 10 disabled parking spaces in the short-term car park, ramps, accessible toilets, and special assistance services bookable through airlines for passengers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities.
The customer service desk in the main concourse assists with transport, accommodation, and tourist queries, while a bureau de change accepts major currencies. Parking is hassle-free, with short- and long-term car parks directly outside the terminal, offering competitive rates when pre-booked and free parking for Blue Badge holders for up to 24 hours at long-term rates.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport’s small scale and focus on short-haul routes contributing to punctual schedules. Recent passenger numbers, exceeding 417,000 in 2024, reflect steady operations, though weather-related issues or air traffic control challenges can cause delays.
For connections, transfers via Dublin are not single ticket as the PSO has been operated by Ryanair since 2021 bu tpassengers remain airside making them more manageable, with minimum connection times of 45 minutes for domestic-to-international flights. Inbound self-transferring passengers should allow extra time for baggage rechecking and customs, particularly at Dublin’s Terminal 1, where clear signage directs to onward gates.
