Shannon to Fort Lauderdale (SNN–FLL) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Irish passport holders enter the United States visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for stays up to 90 days. An approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required before boarding. The ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), and covers multiple entries. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure, though most approvals come within minutes.

Passport must be an ePassport (biometric chip, all current Irish passports qualify). No supporting documents are formally required for ESTA approval, but CBP officers at the port of entry may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds. The 90-day VWP stay cannot be extended and does not allow a change of immigration status. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Dublin (MRV fee $185, interview wait times vary from 1 to 6 weeks).

Direct flights from Dublin to the US serve New York (JFK/EWR), Boston, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and several others, running 7 to 10 hours. Shannon also has direct US routes. US Customs and Border Protection preclearance operates at Dublin and Shannon, meaning you clear US immigration before boarding and arrive as a domestic passenger. The US dollar is the only currency. No vaccination requirements for Irish arrivals.

Shared shuttle vans to Miami Beach hotels run $20–30 per person. Ride-shares to Fort Lauderdale downtown cost $15–25; to Miami Beach, expect $35–55.Brightline high-speed rail from FLL station (1.5 miles, free airport shuttle) reaches Miami in 30 minutes ($10–17) and West Palm Beach in 40 minutes. Car rental facilities are in the Rental Car Center accessed via shuttle from the terminals. Taxis are metered.

Tropical climate with year-round warmth (20–32°C). Dry season (November–April) is peak tourism with clear skies and low humidity. Wet season (May–October) brings daily afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane risk. Flights are most disruption-prone June through September.

Temperatures rarely drop below 12°C in winter. Humidity is high in summer. Tropical storms can cause multi-day disruptions when they make landfall nearby. August through October carries the highest storm risk.