Hi All!
I am planning a trip this summer -end of July into August. First we have a family wedding to attend in Cork. Which airport should we arrive into Shannon or Dublin & what transportation would be the easiest to get to Cork? Our family went to Ireland summer of 2017 & I drove for 2 weeks - I'd like to be a passenger this time while we are in Ireland. After the wedding we plan to go on to maybe France & Italy-- still mulling it over. TIA
Dee

I think it depends where you are flying from. We fly nonstop on Aer Lingus from MCO to DUB. If we went into Shannon we have to change planes and it is a charter, not Aer Lingus. We take the train from Dub to Cork. Easy trip.

In principle, I see no major difference.
Both airports have direct coach services from the terminals to Cork city.
Either one per hour from Shannon with Bus Eireann, or more often from Dublin airport with different companies.
The ride from Shannon is somewhat shorter and appr. 30 minutes faster, but with more stops on the way.
The express services from Dublin may stop only once in Dublin city center but otherwise use the motorway and go nonstop to Cork.
It's 2 1/2 hours from Shannon, and 3 or 3 1/2 hours from Dublin.

I think I would focus on finding the flight connection of my choice first.
And then jump on the next bus at either airport.

When going elsewhere after the wedding: Cork airport has many low-cost connections to the Continent.
Just check if the bags (cabin and checked) meet the requirements of the intra-European carriers with regard to size and weight.

Where are you departing from? I ask because TF Green in Providence RI offers a non-stop to Cork.

Bette, that is great to know. Thank you for that tip.

Hi Dee.

Ireland is pretty small as you well know and public transport between major cities is pretty cheap, comfortable and fast. Dublin being the Capital will probably offer more options though to get to Cork so I would suggest either Dublin or Cork as an arrival airport. Dublin will more than likely also mean that you have more options when it comes to carriers as I don't know if many fly to Cork.

Last time we were there for a 10 day vacation, we flew into Dublin, stayed 2 nights and took a 7 day tour from there. I agree about the driving, the previous time we visited I drove and it was more stress than it was worth, plus I couldn't drink Guinness with my lunch

It really is a spectacular country, I feel so at home there.

Best,
Mike.