Spotting at Cork Airport, Ireland (ORK / EICK)

Cork Airport is a great location for aircraft spotting due to the North / South position of the runway. However, it isn't the best place if you want to see varied traffic as the only airlines that operate out of Cork are, Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus Regional & Ryanair, with the occasional holiday charter flight at the weekends during the months May to September. Below you can find a map of the airport with detailed description of each of the 6 locations.

LOCATION A: This is just behind the RWY17 threshold. It great for flights departing RWY17 and arriving on RWY17 as the depart from right next to you, and land right over your head. There is a small layby here for about 2 cars.

LOCATION B: This is floor 5 of the Short Term Car Park located next to the terminal building. This is great for which ever runway the aircraft are departing or arriving RWY17 or 35 because you are high up on the roof so it doesn't matter. The only disadvantage of this spot is if you plan to drive here it is €2.50 per hour. If your walking, walk up from the terminal as if you were going to your car and get the lift up to the 5th floor. There are over 100 parking spaces on this roof.

LOCATION C: This is just located just 50 metres after the Airport Roundabout coming from the city or just 50 metres before the Airport Roundabout coming from Kinsale. This isn't a great spot as this is looking at RWY25 which is rearly used mainly for the flight school Atlantic Flight Centre or the odd Aer Lingus Regional ATR. There is a very small layby here which is located straight across the road from the grass verge and could hold 2 cars comfortably.

LOCATION D: This is located on the opposite side of Location C next to RWY07 threshold but here there's a view of the main runway because the majority of the RWY07/25 runway is on the terminal side of the airfield. This location has a gate for personnel access to the runway, but 3 cars can be there as long as you don't go for a walk and leave your car here as it will be towed if the Airport Police are around.

LOCATION E: Location E is Atlantic Flight Training. This is a great location for looking onto their ramp and also seeing the runway for commercial traffic. AFT have a fine car park so there's no restrictions here.

LOCATION F: Finally, Location F is Lios Cross the most famous Plane Spotting area at Cork. It is great for all runways especially RWY35 arrivals & departures. There is a layby opposite the grass verge that can park up to 10 cars. There is always someone at this location no matter what time of day it is.