
Dublin Airport offers a range of activities to keep travellers entertained during layovers. The airport itself has restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and a small supermarket. There are also lounges with comfortable seating and free food and drink. For those looking to stay active, the nearby Crowne Plaza gym and pool can be accessed with Sanctifly premium membership. Travellers with longer layovers can explore Dublin city centre, visiting Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Guinness Storehouse. The seaside towns of Howth and Malahide are also popular day trip destinations.
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What You'll Learn

Eat and drink at the airport
Dublin Airport has plenty of options for eating and drinking, both before and after security. You can find a variety of cuisine, including traditional Irish food, healthy grab-and-go burgers, Thai food, locally made chocolate, cafes, full-service pubs, and bars. Most of these options are located pre-security in both terminals or within the connected Loop shopping area. If you are looking for a 24-hour eatery, head to the pre-security food court in Terminal 1. Each terminal also has a supermarket for snacks and other goods.
If you are looking for a comfortable place to sit and eat, head to Terminal 2, near Gates 407-408, where the PRM room has couches, and airport staff often hang out. For a quieter dining experience, try The Oaks eatery. If you want to escape the airport, the Crowne Plaza leisure facilities, including a 25-metre pool, a jacuzzi, and a steam room, are available to Sanctifly premium members. You can also access the hotel's gym and shower facilities.
Dublin Airport also has several lounges where you can purchase access to food, drink, and comfortable seating. The 51st & Green Lounge is located after security pre-clear for flights to the USA. The other lounges can be accessed from the secure side of the airport.
If you have a long layover and want to explore outside the airport, Dublin city centre is just a short bus or taxi ride away. You can find various dining options there, including the famous Temple Bar, which offers traditional Irish pub food and drinks, and IKEA, which is a 5-minute taxi ride away and has great food.
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Go to the city centre
If you have a long layover at Dublin Airport, you might want to consider leaving your luggage in the Short Term Car Park Atrium storage area outside Terminal 1 and heading into the city centre. Dublin Airport is located just 14 kilometres north of the city centre, so if you've got at least 6 hours between flights, it's definitely worth checking out.
There are several ways to get into the city. You can take the AirCoach, which leaves the airport every 30 minutes between 09:40 and 16:40, with additional services running between 17:25 and 08:55. This bus will take you right into the city centre, and you can hop off at O'Connell Street to see Dublin's famous Spire. Pre-booking is advised, as these buses can fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can take the Airlink Express, which departs every 15 minutes from 04:45 to 00:30, 7 days a week, and connects with all Dublin transport providers. If you prefer, you can also take a taxi or use the public bus system, Dublin Bus, which offers many routes throughout the city.
Once you're in the city centre, there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some suggestions:
- Head to Trinity College, which dates back to the late 1500s, and explore the green spaces and traditional architecture. While you're there, check out the Book of Kells, a medieval book from the 800s housed in the college library.
- Stroll down Grafton Street, the city's main shopping corridor, and enjoy the buskers and Georgian townhouses.
- Visit St. Stephen's Green, Christ Church Cathedral, and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Sample local exports at the Guinness Storehouse, which offers great 360-degree city views, or the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.
- Cross the River Liffey on the Ha'Penny Bridge to the north side of town.
- Enjoy a meal or a traditional Irish pint in Temple Bar, where you can also listen to live music.
- Take a taxi to the seaside towns of Howth or Malahide for a coastal walk and a pint.
- Check out the Epic Irish Immigration Museum for a unique look at Irish history.
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Visit IKEA
If you're looking for something to do near Dublin Airport, IKEA is only a short journey away. The store is located on St Margaret's Road in Ballymun, just 4 miles from the airport. There are several transport options available to get to IKEA from the airport:
Taxi
The fastest way to get to IKEA from Dublin Airport is by taxi, which takes around 8 minutes and costs between $17 and $21.
Bus
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can take the Line 19 bus from the airport to IKEA Ballymun. The bus departs every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 13 minutes. Tickets cost $4.
Once you arrive at IKEA Dublin, you can explore a wide range of simple, well-designed, and affordable home furnishing solutions. The store also offers a restaurant, bistro, Swedish Food Market, and a Småland play area for children. You can even download the IKEA app to make your shopping experience quicker and easier. So, whether you're looking for some retail therapy or just want to grab a bite to eat, a visit to IKEA is a great option during your time at Dublin Airport.
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Go to a nearby seaside town
Dublin Airport offers plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained, from restaurants, bars, and cafes to shopping and leisure facilities. However, if you're looking to explore the area outside the airport, you can easily visit nearby seaside towns and villages. Dublin has an abundance of charming coastal spots, and here are some suggestions for your trip:
Dalkey
Take a short boat ride to Dalkey Island, where you can spot wild goats, basking seals, and seabirds. Back on the mainland, explore Dalkey's rich literary heritage with a guided tour of Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity residents like Bono, Enya, and Van Morrison! Dalkey also offers a range of dining options and is known for its quaint shops and beautiful scenery.
Howth
Howth is a charming seaside village with a strong connection to sailing. Step off the boat and onto the pier, where you'll find some of the finest seafood restaurants in Dublin. Take a stroll along the pier or hike the stunning Howth Cliff Loop for breathtaking views of Ireland's Eye, Dublin Bay, and Lambay Lighthouse. If you're an angler, try your luck at catching cod and ray, or join a guided tour like Shane's Howth Adventures to explore the scenic landscape.
Malahide
Malahide is a seaside village known for its Georgian architecture, marina, beach, and charming local cafes and pubs. Explore the leafy grounds of Malahide Castle, a stunning counterpoint to the bustling city. With 22 acres to discover, the castle and its surrounding area offer a peaceful escape just north of Dublin's city centre.
Dun Laoghaire
An elegant port town located just 13km from Dublin's city centre, Dun Laoghaire has timeless appeal. Take a dip in the sea, visit museums, try sailing, and don't forget to treat yourself to a traditional 99-ice cream on the pier! On Sundays, you can explore the offerings of the local food and craft market.
Greystones
Easily accessible by train, Greystones is located on the East Coast, south of Bray Head. Greystones Beach offers a mix of pebble and sand, with bars and restaurants lining the shore. Grab a bite and enjoy it on the beach for the full Greystones experience.
Remember, you can reach these seaside towns conveniently by taking the Dart (train) from Grand Canal Dock Dart Station or travelling by bus or taxi.
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Relax in a lounge
Dublin Airport has a variety of lounges where you can relax and unwind before your flight. These lounges offer comfortable seating, refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi, and exclusive services. Here are some of the lounges you can consider:
The T1 Lounge
The T1 Lounge is located on the second floor of Terminal 1, between the security lanes, and can be easily accessed by lift or stairs. It offers a refined and relaxed space with comfortable seating, complimentary drinks and snacks, and high-speed Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy a curated selection of hot and cold cuisine and beverages. The T1 Lounge is perfect for escaping the crowds and relaxing before your journey.
The Liffey Lounge
The Liffey Lounge is a stylish and relaxing getaway located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on Level 1. It offers comfortable seating, a fresh buffet, chilled drinks, and high-speed Wi-Fi. This lounge is perfect for both business and leisure travellers, providing a quiet space to catch up on work or simply unwind.
The 51st & Green Lounge
The 51st & Green Lounge is a premium lounge located in Terminal 2, after US Preclearance, next to the US departure gates. It offers a serene escape from the airport bustle with comfortable seating, panoramic runway views, shower facilities, and a selection of hot and cold buffet options, premium drinks, and hot beverages. This lounge is perfect for travellers looking for a moment of calm before their long-haul flight.
The Martello Lounge
The Martello Lounge is another option for travellers looking to relax and unwind. While the exact location of this lounge is not mentioned, it offers comfortable seating, refreshments, and exclusive services. The cost for the Martello Lounge starts from €35 online booking and €46 at the reception.
In addition to these lounges, Dublin Airport also has various restaurants, coffee shops, and bars where you can relax and spend your time. The airport also offers a plant-based café, a noodle bar, and duty-free shopping options for travellers looking to indulge in some retail therapy during their layover.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of things to do at Dublin Airport during a long layover. You can eat at one of the many restaurants, bars, and cafes, or shop at the duty-free stores. If you want to leave the airport, Dublin city centre is just a short bus ride away, and there you can visit Trinity College, Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and St. Stephen's Green.
Yes, there are a few quiet places at Dublin Airport. The Oaks eatery is known to be quiet at night, and the PRM room in Terminal 2 near Gates 407-408 has comfortable couches. You can also pay for access to one of the airport lounges, where you'll find comfortable seating and free food and drink.
Yes, the Crowne Plaza leisure facilities are located 2.1 miles from Dublin Airport and offer a gym, 25-metre pool, jacuzzi, and steam room. Sanctifly premium members can use points to access these facilities.









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