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- Posted: 02/06/2025
Dublin Airport Guide 2026
Courtney Gallagher
Dublin Airport Guide: Everything you need to know
Dublin Airport, the largest on the island of Ireland, had more than 33 million travellers pass through last year. It’s no surprise with flights arriving and departing to destinations all over the world each day!
Terminal 1 is where you will find most of the short-haul, European and UK flights. Airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet and TUI will typically depart from Terminal 1.
Newer Terminal 2 is typically for long-haul and transatlantic flights. If you are flying to the United States from Terminal 2 you can take advantage of the Pre-clearance Facility, which means you will go through US immigration before boarding your flight. When you arrive into the US your flight is treated as domestic which means no long queues, just grab your bags and get exploring.
Arriving at Dublin Airport
Once in the airport, you’ll find lots of signs for easy navigation. Signage is bilingual – Irish and English. English is the second official language, but is the dominant language spoken by the majority of the population. The Irish language is having a real revival and you may even hear a dia duit (hello) or slan (goodbye)!
Fast Track security can be purchased, but from personal experience security queues run quickly. If you visit the Dublin airport website or download the app it will give you live queue times which can help you decide if you need it. Fast track can be purchased at the airport if you haven’t already booked in advance.
At security you will also find accessible gates which is great if you are travelling with a pram. I have always found the staff helpful when travelling with kids often ushering us to the accessible gates where someone can help scan your boarding cards when your hands are too full!
Airport lounges can also be found in both terminals – Check out lounge prices here.
Getting to Dublin Airport
Drive & Park
There are many car parks located near the airport, and most will offer a free shuttle to the airport. Transfer times can vary between 5- 20 minutes depending on the distance of the car park.
Be sure to check out our friends at Looking4Parking and use our code TRAVELMUML4P for a special discounted rate. We recently used Park2Travel, which was easy to find-just down the road from the airport. It’s a 6 minute shuttle to the airport and shuttles run every 12 minutes.
Bus
There are several bus operators with routes from across the Island to Dublin Airport.
Aircoach: Comfortable, with free Wi-Fi and USB charging. Connects to Dublin City Centre and major cities like Cork and Belfast.
Dublin Express: Frequent service to/from city centre (including Heuston Station and Connolly Station) and Belfast.
Bus Éireann: operates several routes to and from Dublin Airport, connecting it with various towns and cities across Ireland. These services are provided through both Bus Éireann and its premium coach division, Expressway.
Frequency: Every 10–30 minutes.
Cost: €7–€10 (one-way into the city), varies for intercity.
Travel time: ~30–40 minutes to city centre (depending on traffic). Longer journeys will vary.
Taxi
Taxis are usually best for convenience, groups and late night arrivals.
They are available 24/7 outside both terminals. Official taxis are metered and regulated. A taxi to the city centre is estimated to be €25–€35, and will take 20-30 minutes (may be more during peak times)
Dublin Airport Hotels
Maldron Airport Hotel
You can’t get any closer than Maldron Airport Hotel. A Modern hotel with a variety of room types, including family rooms. It’s located just a 5 minute walk to the terminal, or you can avail of the free shuttle bus.
Premier Inn Dublin Airport
The Premier Inn Dublin Airport also offers a variety of rooms at a budget price. A shuttle bus to the airport from the hotel is available for €3.00.
Things to do in Dublin
Temple Bar
A visit to bustling Temple Bar to soak up some live music is a must. During the day the pubs are welcoming of kids. We spent a Saturday afternoon here with our two boys who loved dancing to the live Irish music and we got to enjoy a Guinness. There is the main ‘Temple Bar’ pub but the area is full of unique pubs many playing live music during the day (and late into the night if your kid free).
Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction, and a day out for all ages. Located at the historic St. James’s Gate Brewery, the Storehouse offers a seven-story immersive journey through the story of Guinness. Under 18’s need to be visiting with a parent/guardian, but there is plenty to be enjoyed by the those not having a pint. Learn how to pour a pint, and enjoy the 360° views of Dublin from Gravity Bar on the seventh floor. It’s one of the best city vistas around.
Parks in Dublin
Who doesn’t love finding a great park when travelling with kids? A place to run, play and everyone can take a well earned break. I know when planning trips I am always checking where the parks are first!
In the heart of Dublin, not far from Trinity College is St. Stephen’s Green. An oasis in the middle of the city with a lake. Watch the ducks while enjoying a picnic lunch, or take a walk around the gardens. If you are already in Dublin city centre it’s an easy walk to St. Stephens green.
Just west of the city you will find the massive Phoenix Park, also home to Dublin Zoo. This park is huge, so you probably won’t explore it all in one visit, but there is so much space for little ones to run and play, and maybe even spot a deer! It is slightly outside the city, but worth the trek if you have time. You can take Luas Tram on the Red Line from central stops like Busáras or Abbey Street to Heuston Station. From Heuston, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to the Parkgate Street entrance of Phoenix Park.Tram tickets are €2.10 (€0.90 child) for a single journey or €4.00 (€1.80 child) return. Children under 5 travel free.
Dublin airport is an accessible travel hub connecting Ireland to the rest of the world.
Whether you’re arriving, departing, or just passing through, Dublin Airport offers a convenient and welcoming experience that captures the charm and warmth Ireland is known for.
*Some links in this post are affiliate links
Looking for cheap airport parking?
This post has some great tips!
Written by: Courtney Gallagher
Originally from Canada, I now call Northern Ireland home. A keen traveller and mummy to two adventurous boys, we’re always on the lookout for new places to explore, whether it’s across the world or right here at home.
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