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
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the premier international gateway to Ireland and serves as a major European aviation hub, facilitating millions of passengers annually. Located just north of Dublin city center, the airport is the primary base for the national carrier Aer Lingus and the leading low-cost airline Ryanair. Its strategic position on the edge of Europe makes it a critical node for transatlantic travel, offering extensive connections between North America, the UK, and continental Europe.
The airport infrastructure is organized into two primary passenger terminals, T1 and T2, which are conveniently connected both landside and airside. Terminal 1 is the older of the two and primarily handles short-haul flights and low-cost carriers, featuring a high-volume departures area and a diverse range of retail and dining options. Terminal 2, which opened in 2010, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as the main hub for Aer Lingus and handles the majority of long-haul and international traffic. The transition between terminals is well-signposted and manageable by foot, ensuring a streamlined experience for connecting passengers.
A standout feature of Dublin Airport is its world-class U.S. Preclearance facility located in Terminal 2. This allows passengers bound for the United States to complete all U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure, enabling them to arrive in the U.S. as domestic passengers and avoid long queues upon arrival. The airport also offers a high-end passenger experience through "The Loop" retail zone and several premium lounges, including the unique 51st&Green lounge specifically for U.S.-bound travelers. With frequent bus and coach links to the city center and other major Irish cities, DUB remains an exceptionally accessible and efficient entry point to the Emerald Isle.
๐ Connection Tips
For US-bound flights via Preclearance, allow extra time. T1โT2 transfers are short and well signed.
โ Back to Kilkenny Airport