Cork families urged to check passports ahead of travel

As Cork Airport braces for its busiest August Bank Holiday weekend on record, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has issued a timely reminder for travellers to check their passport expiry dates before finalising holiday plans.

So far in 2025, 35,665 passports have been issued to Cork residents - part of more than 600,000 processed nationwide. 

With peak travel season in full swing, Mr O’Shea is urging people to avoid last-minute complications by confirming their passport’s validity now.

He said: “Anyone planning on travelling over the next few weeks should apply for their passport online well in advance of their holiday departure date”.

“To renew or apply for a new passport use Passport Online - It’s the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective way to apply”.

For those facing urgent travel needs, O’Shea also reminded the public that the Urgent Appointment Service remains available at passport offices in Cork and Dublin.

Earlier this month, Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed that Cork’s passport office will relocate to a larger facility at Navigation Square by autumn 2026. 

The new office will accommodate 140 staff, up from the current 115, and is expected to significantly improve processing capacity and turnaround times.

The announcement comes as Cork Airport continues its record-breaking year, having welcomed its two millionth passenger of 2025 on Monday - a milestone reached a full month earlier than in 2024.

Looking ahead to the August Bank Holiday weekend, Cork Airport is preparing to handle 74,000 passengers, a 14% increase on last year, with Sunday, August 3 expected to be the busiest travel day.

Tens of thousands of international visitors are also set to arrive for major festivals and events taking place across Cork and the South of Ireland.

With passenger traffic up 15%, Cork Airport is on track to exceed 3.4 million travellers by year’s end, making 2025 the busiest year in the airports 64-year history.

For those travelling this August Bank Holiday weekend, Cork Airport has set out some helpful travel tips to ensure passengers have a smooth and hassle-free airport experience:

• Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled flight departure time.
• Allow ample time if you are checking-in at the airport or checking in a bag. For Aer Lingus and Ryanair passengers, convenient self-service bag drop kiosks are available for passengers’ use.
• If you have liquids/gels/pastes in your hand luggage, make sure they are less than 100ml and are contained in a single, clear, plastic bag.
• At security screening, remove any liquids/gels/pastes and any large electronic items (laptops, tablets, games consoles etc.) from your hand luggage and place in a tray provided.