It is possible to take your bike on holidays on most airlines from Ireland but there are a few key rules.
Aer Lingus can take up to 10 bicycles per flight except to some airports in Europe when it is limited to six bicycles. They are Prague, Budapest, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Warsaw, Zurich and Vienna.
On regional services operated by Stobart Air, which includes UK provincial airports, it is only one per flight. It costs €50 each way for a bicycle and reservations can only be made by telephone to the nearest reservation centre. Ryanair charges € 60/£60 and takes up to 15 bikes per aircraft; you can book it online.
Some airlines do not charge for bicycles, but will consider them part of your free baggage allowance, generally up to 23kg. Over that, they may charge an excess baggage charge and the maximum weight is 32kg.
Generally, bicycles must be packed in a bike bag or box with handlebars and wheels taken off and pedals removed or inverted. Fragile parts must be insulated with packing material and cable ties are useful for securing loose pieces.
Always check in early for your flight when bringing a bicycle. They usually have to be checked in at the oversize luggage area. Generally, most carriers will not transport e-bikes, so check in advance. Taking a bicycle to the United States on a US carrier will cost about € 125 each way.
If you are a foot passenger, taking your bike by ferry is much cheaper. Irish Ferries charges € 10 each way for taking your bike to Wales or France – you can book in advance, irishferries.com. Stena Line charges € 12 each way on both Wales and France routes, stenaline.ie.
If travelling as a group it might be worthwhile considering taking your bicycles by ferry in a van or truck. That will reduce the weight considerations and also makes it possible to take spare parts and tools.