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Madrid Barajas Airport is the main airport in Spain. It has higher passenger numbers and flight numbers than any other airport in the country.  Barajas Airport currently stands as the tenth busiest airport in the world and fourth busiest airport in Europe.

The airport is situated near Barajas which is fifteen kilometres from Madrid City. Irish tourists wishing to visit Madrid can grab a flight with Aer Lingus or Ryanair from Dublin Airport. Both Airlines use Terminal 1 at Barajas Airport.

Over fifty million passengers used Madrid Airport last year.

There is also the option of hiring a taxi. Most taxis in Madrid will only take up to four people. There are taxi ranks outside each Terminal.

Another option to consider is a shuttle bus service while there are also train services to Madrid City centre. As well as a regular train service there is a metro underground train service which can be boarded at Terminal 2 (first floor) and Terminal 4 (first floor)

There are one hundred plus shops in Barajas Airport as well as over forty food outlets. There is building work constantly taking place in the airport which can mean disruption to the running of some of these outlets.

Left luggage areas are available in Terminal 1,2 and 4. Costs vary on size and time needed but for one day (average bag size) the cost is three euro sixty cent.

Madrid is a city that never ceases to attract tourists all year round. It is situated in the centre of Spain. There are an abundance of things to do such as visiting museums and palaces or soaking up some hard earned sunshine.

Madrid is also an excellent spot for shopping as well as been renowned for its lively nightlife which centers around the Plaza de Santa Ana. Many people say that the night does not really get going in Madrid til after midnight.

For those who prefer a relaxing holiday there are lots of great restaurants in Madrid catering for all food types during the day and late into the night. Tapas bars are everywhere in the city and are a good option whatever your budget is. As always when in a new city I would suggest trying some of the local specialties such as lacón which is a smoked gammon dish and Cocido Madrileño (vegetable stew). It’s also well worth choosing a seafood restaurant for dinner on at least one night of your stay.

In a historical city such as Madrid there are plenty of sites to visit for those with an interest in art and culture. One of the most popular stops is Plaza Mayor which is over two hundred years old. In Museo del Prado you can find work from such famous names as Rubens and Goya.

If you want to get away from the buzzing city life for a while then head for El Retiro which is a nice place for some relaxation time.

Hiring a car in Madrid is something to think about if you are considering exploring areas outside the city such as Toledo which is a splendid spot situated forty five kilometres from Madrid. A car hire Madrid service could also work out well if you intend visiting many different areas in Spain during your holiday.