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BRS destination photo
ORK destination photo

BRS → ORK

Which side of the plane to sit from Bristol Airport (Bristol) to Cork Airport (Cork)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🚢

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏖️

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.

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Lundy Island

A small, rugged granite outcrop sitting in the Bristol Channel, home to puffins and unique wildlife.

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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.

Top Activities in Cork
Route Information

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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