Lois Larson
Dublin Airport is located about 30 minutes outside of Dublin, and many travellers opt to spend the night there, especially if they have an early morning flight. The airport is open 24 hours, 364 days a year, and there are various spots where you can get some rest. If you're looking for a comfortable sleep, you can book a hotel either in the airport or nearby with an airport shuttle. However, if you're on a budget, there are several places in the airport where you can sleep for free, such as the designated rest zones, the multi-faith prayer room, cushioned benches, and various cafes and lounges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | About 30 minutes outside of Dublin |
| Sleeping options | Airport hotel, sleep pods, cushioned benches, couches, comfortable chairs, prayer room, designated rest zones, sleeping in a sleeping bag |
| Pros | Saves money, free WiFi, security staff tolerates sleepers |
| Cons | Noisy, lit, security concerns, uncomfortable, potential safety concerns |
| Nearby hotels | Maldron Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Carlton Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport, Airport Hotel |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods in Terminal 1
Dublin Airport has designated rest zones, especially in Terminal 1, where travellers can find a quiet place to rest. These areas are equipped with comfortable seating and are perfect for those looking to catch some sleep without booking a hotel or sleep pod. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, Dublin Airport Authorities installed super-futuristic sleep pods in Terminal 1 (located after you pass through security). These seating and sleeping pods were partly inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie 'Up', as it recreates the colourful balloons in the movie. The pods are only accessible if you are flying out of Dublin Airport, so they are perfect for a quick nap before an early morning flight. The sleep pods can be booked on the spot or in advance for a reasonable price.
Dublin Airport is open 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, only closing for one 24-hour period on Christmas Day. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops close in the evening and reopen around 6 or 7 am. There are a few 24-hour food options available, such as Marqette Café (Terminal 1, Airside) and Wrights Food Fayre (Car Park Atrium). If you're looking for a more comfortable place to sleep, there are also airport hotels nearby that provide airport shuttles, such as the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport and the Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport.
If you're planning to sleep in the airport, it's important to consider your safety and comfort. It can be quite cold, so bring a sleeping bag or a jacket. To manage noise and light, consider using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask to block out the terminal lighting. It's also important to stay near other travellers or security personnel and to secure your belongings.
Additionally, security checkpoints begin to open around 3:30 am to 4:00 am, so guards may wake you up. While staff and security generally tolerate airport sleepers, they may question travellers who are loud or disruptive and ask for their travel plans. They may also wake you up if you're sleeping in the multi-faith prayer room, as some travellers have reported being kicked out by security guards.
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24-hour eateries
Sleeping in an airport is never ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. If you're spending the night in Dublin Airport, you'll be glad to know there are 24-hour eateries in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. While options are limited, you can grab a bite to eat any time of day or night.
Dublin Airport has close to 50 food and beverage spots across its two terminals. Food service is available on two levels, with a concourse downstairs and a junction that splits into various directions for boarding gates. Upstairs, you'll find Burger King and The Garden Terrace, a bar/restaurant with Dublin Airport's only outdoor smoking terrace. Most of the food options in Terminal 1 are downstairs, including San Marco, an Italian-style restaurant with table service and a menu featuring pizza, pasta, and breakfast options.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, head to The Mezz in Terminal 2. This spacious food hall offers a variety of options, including burgers, fish and chips, chicken katsu, mac and cheese, and sausage and mash. Breakfast is also available, with a full Irish breakfast costing €18, and smaller options available for €13-€16.
While you're waiting for your flight, take advantage of the airport's free WiFi to pass the time. If you're looking for a more comfortable place to sleep, consider booking a room at one of the nearby airport hotels, some of which offer free 24-hour airport shuttles. These include the Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport, Carlton Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport.
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Multi-faith prayer room
Dublin Airport consists of two interconnected and walkable terminals, with Terminal 1 servicing mainly short-haul regional flights and Terminal 2 handling most of the longer-haul international flights.
The Multi-Faith Prayer Room is located in Terminal 2 Departures, just before the boarding card area. All faiths and spiritualities are welcome, but travellers should remember that they may be sharing the space with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The airport's other prayer room, the Dublin Airport Church, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, is located just a short walk from Terminal 1's Arrivals Hall through the short-term car park atrium.
While security staff generally tolerate sleepers in the airport, they may object to people sleeping in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room. Some travellers who tried sleeping in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room at the direction of airport security were later kicked out by other security guards.
If you are looking for a place to sleep in the airport, there are cushioned benches and seats upstairs where the McDonald's is located. Travellers have also been known to sleep on the couches in the cafes that close at night. There are also some very comfortable chairs in the Oak Café Bar in Terminal 2.
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Nearby airport hotels
If you're looking for a more comfortable option than sleeping in the airport, there are several hotels near Dublin Airport that can be easily reached on foot or by shuttle. Here are some options for nearby airport hotels:
Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport
The Maldron Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the airport and offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle service. It is highly recommended by travellers for its clean and comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and convenient location.
Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
The Radisson Blu Hotel is another convenient option, providing a free 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests have praised the comfortable rooms and friendly staff, making it a popular choice for travellers.
Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport
The Carlton Hotel is also located near Dublin Airport and provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle service for its guests.
Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport
This hotel offers a free airport shuttle bus service from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with departures every half hour. It is a popular choice for travellers, offering clean and comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
The Crowne Plaza is another nearby option for travellers looking for a comfortable stay. It is part of the IHG hotel group and is known for its convenient location and amenities.
These hotels provide a great alternative to sleeping in the airport, offering comfort, convenience, and easy access to Dublin Airport. Whether you're looking for a quick rest before an early morning flight or a more extended stay, these nearby airport hotels can accommodate your needs.
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Security and comfort tips
Sleeping in an airport may not be the most comfortable option, but it can be a great way to save some money and time travelling to the airport early in the morning. Here are some tips to help you sleep comfortably and securely in Dublin Airport:
- Location, location, location: Finding a good spot to sleep in the airport can be tricky. Some travellers recommend heading to Terminal 1, upstairs, near Starbucks, as this is a popular overnight spot for travellers. Terminal 2 arrivals also have some seats, and there are rarely any overnight flights, so you may not be disturbed. The Oak Café Bar in Terminal 2 also has some comfortable chairs, perfect if you can grab two together.
- Sleep pods: If you want a little more comfort and privacy, Dublin Airport has installed sleep pods in Terminal 1, located after you pass through security. These are reasonably priced and can be booked in advance or on the spot.
- Prayer room: The multi-faith prayer room in the airport has been recommended as a quiet place to rest. However, some travellers have reported being kicked out by security, so this may be an option to consider but not rely on.
- Cafes and restaurants: Many cafes and restaurants in the airport close at night, so you might be able to snuggle up on a couch for a few hours.
- Noise and light management: The airport can be noisy due to announcements and cleaning crews, and the terminal lighting stays on all night. Bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce noise, and use an eye mask to block out the light.
- Security concerns: While security staff generally tolerate sleepers, they may question travellers who are loud or disruptive. Guards may also wake you up when security checkpoints open around 3:30 am to 4:00 am. Keep your valuables checked in or safely stored, as there have been reports of theft. If you feel uncomfortable or harassed, notify overnight security staff.
- Showers: There are no public showers at the airport. The only showers are located in Terminal 1 inside an Executive Lounge, which requires a Priority Pass or frequent flyer lounge access.
- Airport hotels: If you decide that sleeping in the airport is not for you, there are several nearby airport hotels that provide airport shuttles, such as the Maldron Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dublin Airport is open 24 hours, 364 days a year, and security staff will generally tolerate sleepers. However, be aware that the inner part of the airport, including duty-free shops, closes overnight.
There are various spots in the airport where travellers have been known to sleep. In Terminal 2, you can find comfortable chairs in the Oak Café Bar, and there is a prayer room in the same terminal that some people have been allowed to sleep in. In Terminal 1, there are cushioned benches and seats upstairs by the McDonald's, and there are also designated rest zones.
Yes, Dublin Airport has installed sleep pods in Terminal 1, which can be booked in advance or on the spot for a reasonable price.
Yes, there is an airport hotel in Dublin Airport. There are also several hotels near the airport that provide airport shuttles, such as the Maldron Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express.
Yes, there are several lounges in Dublin Airport that offer additional comforts for a fee, such as the T1 Lounge, the Liffey Lounge, and the 51st & Green Lounge. Some airline lounges, such as the Aer Lingus business lounge, also offer comfortable spots to rest and may have showers.
