Dublin Layover Guide (DUB)
What are you looking for in DUB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money
Dublin Airport (DUB) is an international airport serving Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. The airport is situated 7 km (4.3 mi) in Collinstown, north of Dublin. The airport was opened for civil aviation in 1940. Dublin is a global city with strengths in commerce, finance, research, technology, education, and entertainment. It is known for being a great tourism destination while being a historical and contemporary center for arts, culture, administration, and industry.
Can you leave Dublin Airport (DUB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible for certain travelers to visit Dublin during a layover but others require a short visa depending on nationality. (more info).
Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing
Dublin Organized Tours
From Dublin: Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Northern Ireland on a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway from Dublin. This region is ripe with stories of folklore and history with a few myths and legends. Explore Giant’s Causeway and admire the formation and beauty of the area. Cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge if you are brave enough. Travel down the romantic avenue of beech trees at Dark Hedges. End the tour by spending some time in the friendly city of Belfast. » book this tour
Wicklow, Glendalough and Kilkenny Full-Day Tour from Dublin
Get back to nature in Wicklow National Park and visit the medieval monastery of Glendalough. Meander through country roads and explore the old capital of Ireland at Kilkenny as you see the medieval sights with an expert guide. Explore the monastic settlement of Glendalough. Get to visit the 13th-century Black Abbey, established under the Dominican Order. » book this tour
From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway Full-Day Tour
Enjoy the freedom of nature and experience the scenic landscapes of Ireland on a day trip to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. Visit the city of Galway and enjoy its vibrance, journey through the lunar landscapes of The Burren, and marvel at the ruins of historic Kilmacduagh Monastery. » book this tour
Dublin Things to do / Sightseeing
Guinness Storehouse Factory
Consistently hailed as Ireland’s most visited tourist sites and a must-visit once in Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse is a 7-floor span with each floor displaying exhibits about the Guinness family, history of origin, and other vital information about how the brew is crafted. Inside is a giant glass atrium built in a semblance of a pint of Guinness, the largest in the world that is reported will take 14.3 million pints to fill. On the 7th floor is the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a pint of the brew which has an amazing 360 view of the city as well. Visitor numbers soar annually, reporting as many as 1.6 million visitors. Cheers!
Time required: 2 hours.
Airport to here: 21 minutes via taxi and 41 minutes via public transport.
Ha’penny Bridge
In 1816 when the bridge was built, you had to pay half a penny to cross it and so goes the story behind the name of the famous first bridge built over river Liffey. The elliptical cast iron arch bridge is identified as one of the iconic monuments of Dublin that appears on a lot of memorabilia as a symbol of the city. A reported estimated number of 30,000 people cross the beloved bridge every day.
Time required: 40 minutes.
Airport to here: 18 minutes via taxi and 34 minutes via public transport.
Take A Trip To The Cliffs Of Moher
These awe-striking sea cliffs are nature’s very masterpiece. You might recognize them from some famous films which were filmed at this same location. It’s an ideal site for couples, scenery, walking, and nature which is also populated by a large variety of bird species. The beauty of the view here is always captivating and gives a sense of appreciation for nature. Make sure to get some wonderful landscape pictures of this wonder.
Time required: 2-3 hours.
Airport to here: 3 hours via taxi and 5 hours via public transport.
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Most notable Irish figures from political figures, poets to writers are buried at this site opened in1832. A guide takes you through the history and story of these prominent figures. It also has a museum where you can learn more about the history of Ireland and the people who helped build the country that is buried here. It is the number 1 rated a top place to visit in Dublin on TripAdvisor.
Time required: 1-2 hours.
Airport to here: 14 minutes via taxi and 53 minutes via public transport.
National Museum Of Ireland
To learn more about the history and heritage of Ireland, head to the National Museum for an in-depth historical background of the nation. As one of the best museums of Ireland, they conduct notable exhibitions that feature a collection of bog bodies recovered from all over Ireland, prehistoric Ireland, early gold artifacts, church treasures and exhibits about the Viking and medieval periods. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors to explore.
Time required: 2 hours.
Airport to here: 21 minutes via taxi and 32 minutes via public transport.
The Spire Of Dublin
The history of this giant spire’s existence is as a result of a bombing that left a hole in the heart of the city. In 1966 the Nelson Pillar constructed in 1809, was destroyed by a bombing that left a gaping hole that had to be filled and replaced. It was finally replaced with the 400 feet tall spire in 2003 and has since become a landmark of the city. Construction of the spire was awarded by way of an international competition that saw several architects compete to get the grant with their designs. The London-based firm Ian Ritchie Architects won the competition to build what is now a commemoration of Dublin’s forward-pointing future. The fully stainless steel monument reflects the city life around it and is illuminated by sunlight and LED at the tip which can be seen at night.
Time required: 1 hour.
Airport to here: 16 minutes via taxi and 19 minutes via public transport.
Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is the number one spot to socialize and party like the Irish which is highly frequented by tourists. Its stand out red exterior and history of being part of the nightlife scene in Dublin is the reason for its importance. The popular spot has been in existence since the early 1300s and has not lost its popularity since. Join the fun and have a glass or two of fine Irish whiskey in the iconic bar of Dublin.
Time required: 2-3 hours.
Airport to here: 17 minutes via taxi and 38 minutes via public transport.
Things to Do in Dublin Airport (DUB)
Relaxing and Sleeping
Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The airport has lounges found in each terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online
Hotel and Sleeping
Many hotels are found within a mile of the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
In Terminal 1, there is a rest zone with soft chairs and pods for sleeping near the Starbucks and restaurants.
WIFI/Internet and SIM Card
WIFI/Internet: Connect to the ‘Dublin Airport Free WiFi’ or ‘eircom’ networks for unlimited free internet.
SIM/eSIM Card: Several shops within the airport sell SIM cards » buy a global esim card for Dublin, Ireland that you can use for other countries as well!
Transportation to/from airport
Taxi: Taxis are available from the forecourts directly outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Train: There is no train service from this airport.
Bus: Several buses connect the airport to the city center and other parts of the country. (more info).
Shuttle: Private shuttle services are available
Car rentals: Dublin Airport has a variety of car rental providers onsite and they can also be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online
Parking: There is spacious parking available 24 hours a day throughout the year and can be booked online.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Excess Baggage Company provides storage service and it is located at the Arrivals, Main Concourse in Terminal 1. » book a luggage storage or locker at Dublin Airport (DUB) online (subject to availability).