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BRS â ORK
Which side of the plane to sit from Bristol Airport (Bristol) to Cork Airport (Cork)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (Port) provides the most iconic views, including a clear perspective of the Severn Estuary and the historic Cork Harbour entrance, featuring Cobh and Spike Island during the final approach.
Severn Estuary & Bristol Docks
Witness the massive industrial docks of Portbury and the swirling silty waters of the Severn immediately after takeoff from BRS.
South Wales Coastline
A panoramic view of the Cardiff skyline, the Principality Stadium, and the scenic Vale of Glamorgan as you cross the Bristol Channel.
Cork Harbour
One of the largest natural harbours in the world. Look for Roche's Point Lighthouse marking the entrance to the Lee river.
Cobh & St. Colman's Cathedral
Spot the brightly colored 'Deck of Cards' houses and the towering cathedral in the town that was the Titanic's last port of call.
Spike Island
The star-shaped fortress sitting in the middle of Cork Harbour, formerly a monastery and a notorious prison.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. On the final descent into Cork (usually Runway 16), keep your camera ready for the dense architecture of Cobh. Check the tide times; the Severn Estuary looks most dramatic at low tide when the sandbanks are exposed.
North Somerset Coast
Views of Weston-super-Mare and its famous Grand Pier shortly after departure from Bristol.
Exmoor National Park
In the distance to the south, the rolling hills and high cliffs of the North Devon coastline are visible on clear days.
Lundy Island
A small, rugged granite outcrop sitting in the Bristol Channel, home to puffins and unique wildlife.
Old Head of Kinsale
The most dramatic landmark on the approach to Cork; a narrow peninsula with a world-class golf course and lighthouse.
Kinsale Harbour
The picturesque yacht-filled harbour of Ireland's gourmet capital is often visible just before the final turn to land.
The right side (Starboard) is spectacular for sunset flights, as you'll see the sun dipping into the Atlantic over the West Cork horizon. This side is also better for spotting the Old Head of Kinsale if the aircraft performs a standard approach from the south.
Distance: 402 km (250 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: BRS (51.382702, -2.71909)
Arrival: ORK (51.84130096435547, -8.491109848022461)
Route Type: International
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