Layover in Dublin

Layovers are not the most pleasant element of travelling, but sometimes, it’s inevitable. Moreover, longer layovers allow you to visit an unplanned location and thus enrich your travel experience. Fliers passing the Atlantic Ocean often have to do a layover at Dublin Airport. Luckily, it’s situated just 14 km from the city of Dublin! If you’ve got at least 4 hours, there’s a chance for you to spend the waiting time wisely by exploring the heart of Ireland.

Some travellers ask, can you leave Dublin airport during a layover? Let’s answer the question by using the Immigration Act Order 2014 as leverage. It comes out that the citizens of the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc., are not required to be in possession of a valid Irish visa. See the full list of countries under the link: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving-country/visas-for-ireland/visa-requirements-for-entering-ireland/.

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What if you’ve got a short-term layover (i.e., under 4 hours)? Stay calm; there are plenty of things to do at Dublin airport. Though they may seem pretty obvious, let’s take a gander at them anyway.

- Spend time at a lounge

Even if you don’t fly First Class, you can get access to a couple of lounges by paying a fee. Some of them even feature a shower and a gym!

- Go duty-free shopping

The main thoroughfare of Dublin airport is the Loop – the street lined with various shops, including some of Ireland’s specialities, like whiskey or sweaters.

- Grab a bite

The airport offers a variety of cuisines to every preference: you could even try traditional Irish food. 24-hour eateries are located in the pre-security food court in Terminal 1. Apart from cafes, each terminal features a supermarket.

- Catch some z’s

More comfortable sleep options are placed in pre-security areas, Gates 407-408 in Terminal 2, and the Oaks eatery. Sometimes, security may wake you up, so keep your tickets ready. If you don’t feel like sleeping in the airport, there are a number of stays within walking distance or a short ride in a free airport shuttle.

Still, the best thing you can do in Dublin airport is leave the place and go see the sights! What are the fastest ways to get to Dublin?

Transportation

- Buses to the city centre depart from both terminals and make their way in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the stop. Some of the companies you may find are Dublin Express (faster but more expensive) and Aircoach (slower but cheaper). There are also public buses – you’ll find them in Dublin Airport Bus Park, Zone 15.

- Airlink Express, departing every 15 minutes, 7 days a week, from 04:45 to 00:30.

Taxis may be a nice option if you travel with family or friends. They are parked at the forecourts outside the terminals.

Useful Tips

The next step is to drop off your luggage: utilise ExcessBaggage, a luggage storage service situated in the Arrivals area of Terminal 1 on the main concourse. It’s open daily from 05:00 to 23:00; costs range from €7 (up to 4 hours) to €25 (up to 72 hours).

Another piece of advice to stretch your bucks is purchasing a LEAP card. With this card, you get unlimited transportation on buses and trams for 24 hours – very convenient for your short foray into the city, isn’t it? To make a purchase, go to the information centre in Terminal A; for €10, you’ll be given the card itself and a map of bus stops in Dublin.

So, you’ve finally arrived in the city, and the question is: what to do in Dublin in a few hours? Let’s review some worthy variants.

If your layover is short, the best way to observe the most iconic landmarks in Dublin is to ride a hop-on hop-off bus that makes several stops at popular spots; rates start from €30.

Observe the Trinity College and Marvel at the Book of Kells

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The oldest university in Ireland is a treasure trove of over 200,000 books, one of which is truly special. The Long Room, lined with marble busts of renowned authors and endless bookshelves, ends with its greatest exhibit – the oldest book in the world: the Book of Kells is believed to date back to the 9th century. After cultural enrichment, you are free to relax in the college’s green spaces.

Take a Walk in Temple Bar

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Do we suggest taking a walk in the… bar? No – it’s the name applied not just to the oldest and most famous drinking establishment around Dublin; it’s also the name of the neighbourhood in the downtown. The colourful surroundings dotted with various shops and eateries will make your stroll an exciting experience. When you’re done with people-watching and shopping, head to the charming Ha’penny Bridge and admire the view of the Liffey River.

Have a Pint at Guinness Storehouse

For 90 minutes, you’ll manage to observe the home of the legendary stout, learn about the life of Arthur Guinness, the creator of the drink, visit the tasting room, admire the city view from the terrace, and, of course, enjoy a refreshing beer.

Touch the History at Dublin Castle

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Ireland is well-known as the country of many ancient castles, and while you can’t manage to see the ones scattered across the countryside, Dublin Castle is at your disposal. Once a fortress and then a royal residence, the building is now a government complex. The 13th-century castle impresses with its stately architecture, which can be observed as part of a guided tour (duration is 1 hour) or independently (30 mins).

Have an Insight into Irish Culture

• Take a look at street performers on Grafton Street;

• Have a hearty meal at a traditional pub (the Brazen Head, the Old Storehouse, the Wollen Mills, Gallagher’s Boxty House, to name a few);

• Pay a visit to EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum – a breathtakingly immersive experience with an array of thoughtful exhibits;

• And certainly enjoy the incredible Irish music and dance performances, available at many pubs.

Closing Up

No matter how long your layover in Dublin airport lasts, chances are good that you will manage many things to do near Dublin airport. If time and your energy levels allow, escape to the enchanting city of Dublin – the capital of Ireland holds such an amount of exciting places and activities! However, if you’re too tired to explore a new city, you probably need to find a place to stay and wait out the layover. No worries: hotelin.com has got you covered on that. Our hotel price aggregator offers a wide selection of accommodations, including those next to the airport. Have an amazing layover in Dublin!