Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Connaught. Ireland West Knock Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave NOC:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Ireland. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Connaught takes about 60 minutes by Bus Ãireann. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Connaught from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Connaught is the Bus Ãireann, which takes about 60 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 80 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Bus Ãireann is usually the smarter call.
Storing Your Luggage at Ireland West Knock Airport
Traveling light makes a layover outing much easier. At NOC, you’ll find bag storage at No dedicated luggage lockers or storage facilities are available at the airport. Travelers should plan accordingly or check with their airline for very limited, non-guaranteed options..
Tip: store your bags as soon as you clear arrivals to maximize your free time. If the airport options don’t work for you, check online luggage storage platforms for alternatives near the city center.
What to Budget for Your Connaught Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Connaught:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $22 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $43 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Connaught, we’d suggest City Center Walk and Local Market. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at NOC, check out Airport Lounge or Duty Free Shopping to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Connaught, local travelers recommend Local Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Popular Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at NOC, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NOC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Connaught itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Ireland that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at NOC
Long overnight layover? Your options at NOC include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Ireland also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Connaught count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave NOC. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.