A complete guide to Dublin Airport (DUB) (2024)

When you have a layover at Dublin Airport or your flight is delayed, knowing what amenities, dining, and shopping are available can help ease your travel.

by staff writers / May 31, 2019

Most visitors to Ireland enter through Dublin Airport, the largest airport in the country. Dublin Airport also serves as a hub for travelers bound for Europe, Asia, and North America. Check out our comprehensive guide to Dublin Airport to make your stay more enjoyable.

Airlines at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Most flights out of Terminal 1 are shorter flights, while long-haul flights tend to originate out of Terminal 2.

Passengers heading to the U.S can actually go through U.S. customs and border control at Dublin Airport. When you do that, you’re considered a domestic arrival when your plane lands and you can skip the customs lines. Arrive three hours before your flight if you want to take advantage of this convenience.

Terminal 1

If you’re flying on one of these airlines, you’re likely to arrive at or depart from Dublin Airport Terminal 1:

Terminal 2

Head to Dublin Airport Terminal 2 if you’re flying on one of these airlines:

• Aer Lingus
• American Airlines
• Delta
• Emirates
• Norwegian
• United Airlines

Dublin Airport lounges – a place to relax

Dublin Airport doesn’t host a lot of airport lounges compared to many other international airports — but the good news is that everyone has access to a lounge since the airport itself sponsors a couple of lounges.

Dublin Airport’s public lounges

If you’d like a quiet place to sit and enjoy free snacks and drinks, head to the two public lounges operated by Dublin Airport itself. These lounges are accessible to any passenger for a small fee, with a discount for those 60 and older. At each lounge, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, free magazines and newspapers, and a dedicated business center with access to computers.

The Terminal 1 lounge is on the second floor, between the security lanes. If you’re looking for the Terminal 2 lounge, take the elevator to the 400 gates and follow the signs.

51st and Green – the U.S. preclearance lounge

If you’re flying to the U.S., you have an additional Dublin Airport lounge available to you right after you go through preclearance in Terminal 2. Business-class passengers can take advantage of the lounge for free, while other passengers can relax there for a small fee.

At the 51st & Green lounge, you’ll enjoy Irish dishes, co*cktails, and barista-supplied coffee. Prep for your flight by downloading in-flight entertainment to your tablet or laptop, or charge up all your devices in the quiet work space provided. Showers are also available to help you freshen up before you fly.

Aer Lingus lounge

This Terminal 2 lounge is open for a fee to all passengers flying on Aer Lingus. Book your lounge access when you book your flight or while checking in online. Those going through U.S. Immigration preclearance may only use this lounge before they enter the preclearance area.

Inside the Aer Lingus lounge, you’ll enjoy drinks, snacks, reading material, Wi-Fi, and computer access, all within a tranquil environment that helps you to de-stress before your flight. Lounge staff will keep you informed of boarding times and any flight changes.

Etihad lounge

While this lounge is on the small side, it’s only open to premium passengers on the two Etihad Airways flights leaving Dublin daily, so it’s unlikely you’ll ever find it crowded.

Friendly staff are ready to greet you with warm towels and Champagne as you enter, and the lounge exudes a sense of tranquility thanks to its array of comfortable seating and amenities. Shower suites are available to let you freshen up, and a children’s play area is well-stocked with toys. You can dine at the buffet, choose from an a la carte menu if you prefer made-to-order meals, or have a drink at the bar.

If you would prefer more options and information on the lounges available, we have created a comprehensive guide to Dublin Airport (DUB) lounges to help make the most of your time at the airport.

Hotels near Dublin Airport – convenient overnight stays

If your stay in Dublin is long enough that you want to get out of the airport and book a hotel in Dublin, you can find several highly-rated hotels with easy airport access:

The Radisson Blu Hotel

This high-end hotel, located on the airport grounds, offers a sizeable spa and fitness facility as well as discounts on golf course greens fees, making it ideal for a longer stay. If you need to come and go quickly, take advantage of the hotel’s three-hour laundry service.

Hilton Dublin Airport

This airport hotel welcomes you with a comfortably furnished room that features floor-to-ceiling windows, friendly staff, and breakfast each morning to get you ready for your day, whether you have business to conduct or are headed back into the air.

The Clarion Hotel

If you’re traveling with your family, this hotel is a good choice, since it features family rooms and two restaurants with kid-friendly meal options. Its proximity to the airport helps you make your flight on time.

The Maldron Hotel

This convenient hotel is right within the airport loop. Friendly staff help meet all your needs, and the rooms are comfortable and practical.

Malahide Castle and Gardens

If you expect to stay more than a single night, consider booking a room at this stunning castle. Beautiful gardens feature exotic plantings from all around the world and are designed to stay in bloom all year.

Carlton Dublin Airport Hotel

Indulge yourself with the large, modern bathrooms in this newer hotel which also has a fitness center to let you work out the kinks after a long flight.

The shops in Dublin Airport focus on practical items as well as souvenirs to help you remember your stay or provide welcome gifts for your family back home. Each terminal has a satisfying array of shops to choose from.

Terminal 1 shops

If you need to pick up any health or beauty items for your travels, Boots can supply all your needs. Electronic devices and gadgets ranging from headphones and smartphones to travel devices and tablets are available at Dixon’s Travel. At Rolling Luggage, you can pick up that travel pillow or electrical adapter you need to make your trip flow smoothly. And if you’ve already run through your reading material, you’ll find WHSmith shops on both sides of security to make sure you have the latest bestseller in your carry-on.

When you’re looking for gifts or mementos of your trip, stop at House of Ireland to choose elegant jewelry and crystal pieces that carry a rich Irish heritage. Wrights of Howth sells fine Irish smoked salmon packed for travel to give as a gift or save for yourself as a special treat. At The Loop, you can pick up perfumes, cosmetics, and whiskeys. Jewelry is available at Pandora, or stop at Hour Passion to choose a special timepiece. You’ll find clothing and accessories at Parfois, Superdry, and Sunglass Hut.

Terminal 2 shops

Don’t feel you have to make a special trip to Terminal 1 to pick up gifts at The Loop, books and magazines at WHSmith, or practical electronics at Dixon’s Travel, as all these shops are duplicated in Terminal 2.

In Terminal 2, you’ll also find several intriguing options for picking up gifts and souvenirs. Avoca features stunning Irish-made throws, ceramics, and hand-crafted apparel items that you or your loved ones will treasure, while the Guinness Export House treats you to one of Ireland’s most famous exports.

If you’re looking for fashion accessories, pick up high-end leather goods at Coach, or stop at Gem & I for jewelry and watches. Designer sunglasses await you at Spectrum, and PURE Pharmacy can fill both your prescription and skincare needs.

Dublin Airport restaurants – dining on both sides of airport security

You won’t go hungry at Dublin Airport, where restaurants in each terminal go out of their way to make sure they can meet the needs of passengers with special diets, including gluten-free. As an added convenience, Dublin Airport hosts eateries on both sides of airport security, so you can meet business colleagues at the airport or buy a thank-you meal for the friends who came to the airport with you.

Terminal 1 Dining

Outside security, consider meeting business contacts and friends at the following restaurants:

• Pulse: This restaurant in the mezzanine food court features ultra-fresh, healthy food made with local ingredients. Choose from sandwiches, juices, salads and more.
• Upper Crust: In the Arrivals area, this spot bakes fresh baguettes daily, then fills them with good-quality ingredients.
• AMT: Also in the Arrivals area, this coffee shop is open 24/7 to feed you baked goods, sandwiches and panini as well as milkshakes and smoothies.

Once you’ve gone through security, more pleasant spots await you to keep you well-fed or give you grab-and-go options before your flight, including:

• Jump Juice Bar: Near the 100 gates, you can pick up healthy, delicious juices and smoothies, as well as crepes and frozen yogurt, at this popular juice bar.
• Marquette: Pick up grab-and-go meals for the plane at this convenient food market located in Terminal 1’s shopping street. An on-site bakery turns out fresh baked goods all day.
• The Garden Terrace: Located on the upper-level food court, this table-service restaurant features a full bar and a rooftop terrace that lets you look out over the airport. Stop here for breakfast before your flight.
• SoMa: Artisan burgers are at the heart of the menu at this casual spot near the 300 gates. Almost all the ingredients used are Irish in origin.
• Butler’s Chocolate Cafe: Sure, there are sandwiches at this cafe on the shopping street — but why would you choose anything but chocolate? Even the coffee comes with complimentary chocolates.

Terminal 2 dining

If you’re getting on a long-haul flight to North America, you still have plenty of dining options in Terminal 2. Again, you can meet colleagues outside security at a variety of eateries:

• Gourmet Burger Kitchen: Check out this spot’s claim to have the best burgers in Dublin, thanks to the fresh ingredients and creative recipes.
• Caffe Nero: When what you really need is that cup of coffee, this cafe in the Arrivals area fits the bill.
• Wrights Food Fayre: Pick up freshly made sandwiches and salads in a convenience store setting that also lets you grab necessities for the flight.

On the other side of security, you can still find many satisfying choices for pre-flight dining:

• Chocolate Lounge: A sushi-style conveyor belt brings chocolate treats right to you at this lounge in The Loop. Wines, beers, teas, and coffees are also available, as are (of course) chocolate drinks.
• Java Republic: At the 400 gates, take advantage of your last chance to grab a cup of great coffee or tea.
• Irish Meadows: If you’re still hungry after going through U.S. preclearance, stop at this cafe to pick up a sandwich or cup of coffee.
• The Slaney: This sit-down restaurant in The Loop serves sophisticated fare while giving you a chance to enjoy magnificent views over the tarmac.
• Flutes Champagne Bar: Toast your traveling companions with Champagne or other sparkling wines at this intimate bar in The Loop.

The relatively small size of the Dublin Airport makes it easy to navigate, whether you’re making a connection or arriving at your final destination. Keep every leg of your journey just as easy when you book a reliable Blacklane airport transfer in Dublin so you can complete your journey in comfort and style.