โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kilkenny Airport (KKY), officially identified by its ICAO code EIKK and also known as Kilkenny Airfield, is a significant regional aviation facility located in the Holdensrath district of County Kilkenny, Ireland. Situated approximately 2.5 kilometers west of Kilkenny City, the airport acts as a critical hub for general aviation and is the largest privately licensed airport in the state. The facility sits at an elevation of 210 feet (64 meters) above sea level and provides a vital air link for flight training, recreational flying, and emergency services across the Irish Midlands and the South-East region.
The terminal infrastructure at Kilkenny is minimalist and designed for functional efficiency in a non-towered aviation environment. It consists of a basic, single-story building that houses the airfield administrative offices, a dedicated pilot briefing room, and classrooms for the Irish Flying Club. The layout is straightforward, with all processing functionsโincluding former passenger waiting areas and flight planning zonesโhoused within a single integrated structure. Because the airport handles exclusively light fixed-wing aircraft and private jets, the distance from the terminal building across the grass apron to the aircraft tie-downs is exceptionally short.
Amenities within the Kilkenny terminal area provide essential services while maintaining a professional and community-focused atmosphere. Passengers and pilots have access to clean public restrooms, a dedicated lounge with basic refreshments, and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. The airport is uniquely recognized for its long-standing role in pilot education, offering Private Pilot License (PPL) instruction and aircraft hire through the resident flying club. The infrastructure includes a 930-meter (3,051 ft) grass runway (09/27) that is well-maintained to support STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft typical of regional Irish bush and club operations.
Ground transportation at Kilkenny is informal and primarily limited to local private arrangements and pre-arranged taxi services, as there are no standing bus ranks or public shuttles at the airfield entrance. Travelers can easily coordinate a pick-up through local taxi companies for the 5-to-10 minute journey into the central Kilkenny district. For those seeking independent transport, car rentals are not available directly on-site and should be pre-arranged in town or at the larger Waterford Airport (WAT). The facility provides on-site aviation fuel storage (100LL and Jet A1), making it a reliable link for cross-country general aviation pilots transiting through southern Ireland.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Kilkenny Airport (KKY) is a straightforward process due to its small-scale, integrated design, but it requires careful coordination with local private air operators. Since there are no large-scale scheduled commercial airline services, a 'connection' here typically involves a transition from a private charter flightโoften from Dublin (DUB) or Cork (ORK)โto local ground transport for travel across the historic Medieval Mile of Kilkenny. Since all facilities are housed in a single building, moving from your arrival gate to the transport hub outside can be completed in under 5 minutes. However, it is advisable to allow at least 45 minutes for any transition to account for manual baggage handling.
Ground transportation is the most critical link for any traveler transiting through Kilkenny. While local taxis are available by phone, it is highly recommended to pre-arrange a private vehicle or a hotel shuttle, especially if you are heading to the nearby Kilkenny Castle or local artisanal workshops with significant luggage. If your onward journey involves a connection to an Iarnrรณd รireann train at the MacDonagh Station, ensure you have a minimum buffer of 30 to 45 minutes to account for the short drive and station boarding. Digital information displays at the terminal provide basic updates on local weather and airfield status, but direct communication with your pilot or the Irish Flying Club is the most reliable source of information.
Practical preparation for a KKY connection includes utilizing the airfield's dedicated pilot and student facilities. If you have a short wait between your flight and ground transfer, the Irish Flying Club classrooms offer a quiet environment for work or study. While the terminal offers free Wi-Fi, having physical maps and contact details ready will speed up your transit through the rural road network. There are no ATMs airside at the airport, so having some Euros (EUR) in cash for initial transport and local dining is a wise precaution, although most Irish services accept contactless card payments. Always double-check your departure time with your private carrier, as schedules at regional Irish airfields can occasionally shift due to the specialized Atlantic weather conditions.
During the peak summer months, the terminal area can see high activity from student pilots and specialized missions such as the Garda Air Support Unit or the Irish Air Corps. If your connection is delayed, the waiting areas provide a peaceful environment for a wait. Automated self-service fuel kiosks are available for authorized pilots, allowing for efficient turnarounds for general aviation flights. Always have your digital boarding authorization and identification ready, as security protocols at privately licensed Irish airfields are consistent with national safety regulations. Always stay close to your designated waiting zone, as arrivals can be difficult to hear over the sound of light aircraft engines operating on the grass strip.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) is a specialized regional aviation facility serving the remote Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo, on the rugged Atlantic coast of Ireland. The airfield features a single 450-meter grass runway (07/25) situated at an elevation of approximately 150 feet above sea level. As a licensed civilian aerodrome, it provides a vital link for general aviation, recreational pilots, and specialized flight training missions in one of the most scenic and meteorologically challenging corners of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The 'terminal' at Belmullet is a modest, functional structure that serves as a transition point between the Atlantic landscape and the regional skies. There are no permanent commercial check-in desks or automated security systems; instead, the facility operates as a community-integrated airfield where flight arrivals and departures are typically managed by the local aerodrome committee or private flight schools. The building provides basic shelter and administrative space for pilots, reflecting its role as a secondary aviation node rather than a commercial passenger hub. Access to the airfield for visiting aircraft requires a prior landing permit from the Irish Aviation Authority-licensed operators.
Amenities within the immediate aerodrome area are minimal, focusing on the essential requirements of general aviation pilots and their passengers. The facility offers basic restroom services and a small seating area, though the primary hospitality and retail services are located in the nearby town of Belmullet, just 4 kilometers to the east. Ground transportation is restricted to local private vehicles or pre-arranged taxi services that connect the airstrip to the village center and its historic sea-monster museum and harbor. The airport remains a strategic piece of infrastructure for regional tourism and emergency services, providing a unique arrival experience for adventurous aviators exploring the western fringe of Europe.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) requires travelers to be self-sufficient and coordinated with local ground transport. Because the airfield does not host scheduled commercial transfers, all connections involve transitioning from a private or recreational flight to local logistics to reach the coastal resorts or hiking trails of County Mayo. It is essential to verify your landing permit and ground handling at least 48 hours in advance, as the facility is a small civilian airstrip. To ensure a smooth transition, allow for a flexible arrival window, as operations on the Mullet Peninsula are highly susceptible to volatile Atlantic weather, high winds, and low-hanging sea fog.
There is no automated baggage transfer at BLY; all personal gear must be manually retrieved and personally managed through the transition to your next mode of transport. For pilots making technical stops, note that the airport has limited on-site refueling for large commercial aircraft, and most regional flight loops are pre-coordinated with fuel reserves at larger hubs like Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC). During the peak summer tourism season, the airfield can see increased volume from private aviation enthusiasts, so early coordination for tie-down space is essential.
In the event of an unscheduled delay due to weather, re-booking for commercial travelers typically involves transitioning by road to Knock or Sligo, which are the nearest airports with more robust infrastructure. The lack of traditional commercial desks means having a local contact or a pre-arranged transport provider in Belmullet is a standard practice for regular visitors. Ground transportation is conveniently located near the exit, with local taxis providing the most reliable point-to-point service. The facility serves as a vital asset for the development of tourism in western Ireland, providing the only rapid access to some of the most remote coastal environments in the country.
โ Back to Kilkenny Airport