Cork, Ireland Flights from UK Review

How can I get to Cork from the UK?

Just a short flight from the UK and well-located for exploring Ireland's famous green hills, Cork remains a hugely popular short-haul destination among British holidaymakers.

This popularity is helped in no small measure by a wealth of cheap flights from most parts of the country, with e-tickets often costing less than a trip to the airport of departure.

From London, it's possible to fly to Cork from Gatwick, Heathrow or Stansted airports, while the south of England is also served by regular services from Bristol, Newquay, Plymouth and Southampton.

Alongside flights from Birmingham, it's also possible to get to Cork directly from Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle, while passengers in Wales and Scotland have the option of flying from Cardiff or Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, regular cheap flights to Cork also leave from Belfast International and Jersey airports.

Airlines flying to Cork from the UK

At present, Aer Arran offers the greatest number of cheap flights between the UK and Cork, though its services from Jersey and Southampton depart only on a regional basis.

Ireland's flagship carrier Aer Lingus also operates a number of international routes out of Cork, as does Ryanair.

Three other low-cost airlines fly between Cork and the UK, namely Air Southwest, bmibaby and Jet2.com.

Where is Cork in Ireland?

The second-largest city in the whole of the Republic of Ireland, the centre of Cork is located on an island in the Lee River, in the south of the country.

As with the rest of the country, Cork receives a high level of rainfall most of the year round and it is also known for its heavy fog.

At the same time, however, it is also Ireland's sunniest city, making it the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

Flights between the UK and Cork are often just an hour in duration, making stop-overs unnecessary.

Many holidaymakers, however, opt to fly into Cork and then take a cheap flight out of another airport, for example Shannon, in order to see more of Ireland.

Things to see and do in Cork

As a major port for centuries, Cork is blessed with an abundance of history, with old buildings sitting comfortably alongside contemporary designs.

Among the highlights of historic Cork are the church of Shandon, whose tower is often used as a symbol of the city, City Hall and the majestic St Finbarre's Cathedral.

Aside from old buildings, Cork offers some of the best shopping in Ireland, with dozens of big names and small boutiques located on St Patrick's Street, while the indoor English Market bustles every weekend.

For culture vultures, Cork also offers a leading opera house, an annual jazz festival and top arts venues such as the Everyman Palace Theatre, the Munster Literature Centre and the Glucksman Gallery of the city's university.

In the evening, dozens of traditional Irish pubs, as well as chic modern bars, are within walking distance of most Cork hotels, with riverside venues particularly busy during the summer months.