Dublin Airport

Airport Information

Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport officially opened at 9:00am on January 19, 1940. It was a cold Friday morning when the inaugural flight – an Aer Lingus Lockheed 14 bound for Liverpool – departed from Collinstown Airport, as it was then known.

In the late 1930s, development had begun on a terminal building and grass runways at the Collinstown site. The architect of the new terminal building was Desmond FitzGerald, an elder brother of the former Taoiseach, Dr. Garret FitzGerald.

The curved building with its tiered floors was designed to echo the lines of a great ocean liner and won many architectural awards for its design. This original terminal building was designed to cater for just 100,000 passengers a year.

The airport opened with just one flight a day to Liverpool and Collinstown was effectively mothballed during the Second World War, as Aer Lingus operated a twice-weekly service to Liverpool. Aer Lingus resumed its London service to Croydon in November 1945.

By 1947, flights departing from Dublin had ventured as far as Continental Europe, with Dutch airline KLM beginning the first European service to Dublin. New concrete runways were completed in 1948, and in 1950 – after ten years in operation – the airport had been used by a total of 920,000 passengers.

By the late 1950s, the original terminal was incapable of handling growing passenger numbers, so the new North Terminal was opened in June 1959. Originally it had been planned that this building would handle all US and European flights, but instead it became the arrivals area for all passengers.

By the 1960s, new departure gate piers were added adjacent to the old terminal to cope with larger aircraft. However it soon it became apparent that the original terminal building could no longer cope with passenger demand. Work began in 1971 on a new terminal building designed to cater for an expected six million passengers per year. The new £10 million terminal opened in June 1972.

The airport has greatly expanded since then with the addition of a new terminal, new departure gate piers, an extension to the 1971 terminal building, a new runway and taxiways.

In November 2010, Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 and its connected boarding gate pier were opened. The award-winning new terminal will allow the airport to handle more than 30 million passengers per year. It will ensure that Dublin Airport continues to be what Desmond FitzGerald had originally envisaged – a modern European airport that is Ireland’s premier aviation gateway.

More than 400 million passengers have travelled through Dublin Airport since that first flight took off in 1940. The old terminal, which is a listed building, is still partially used for daily passenger operations and many of the internal design features of the building have been retained as a reminder of those early days of aviation.

Airport Profile

  • Luggage Facilities

    Left Luggage and Baggage Storage Facility
    Baggage storage is now available from the Excess Baggage Group in the Terminal 1 arrivals hall. The facility also provides travel accessories, luggage for purchase, printing services, worldwide and local shipping, SIM cards and a variety of onward travel and tour tickets.

    Opening hours:

    Bag Wrapping Machines
    Bag wrapping with bag wrap machines are now available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 departures. The facilities also provide travel accessories and luggage for purchase.

    Terminal 1 Departures
    Bag wrap and retail: 04:00-21:00
    Contact Number: +353 86 777 8186
    Opening hours: 04:00 – 20:00

    Terminal 2 Departures
    Bag wrap and retail: 04:00-20:00
    Contact Number: +353 86 142 6993
    Opening hours: 04:00-20:00

    Luggage Trolleys
    For passenger convenience, baggage trolleys are available to use free of charge. They are located in 50 trolley bays throughout the airport complex

    Trolley guidelines 

    • Please don’t overload trolleys
    • Please return trolleys to the nearest trolley bay
    • Never block walkways, exits, or roads
    • Trolleys cannot be used on escalators
  • Check-In

    Terminal 1
    The check-in desks in Terminal 1 are located on the first floor of the building. Find airlines leaving from this terminal here.

    Terminal 2
    The check-in desks in Terminal 2 are located on the ground floor of the building. Find airlines leaving from this terminal here.

    Preparation for check-in and security screening
    To save time, have your tickets and passport ready, and ensure your hand luggage contains only the items you may need during your journey.

    Prepare your liquids, gels or pastes in a single, sized -maximum 1 litre’s worth of contents and sealed plastic bag that is presented separately to your hand luggage.

    Check-in times
    As a general guide:

    • Dublin Airport would advise passengers to arrive at check-in at least 90 minutes prior to European flights and 3 hours for long-haul flights and to factor in a further 30 minutes if parking a car.
    • Please consult with your airline for check-in times for your flight as times vary.
    • Some airlines also offer an evening-before bag drop service .

    Self-service online check-in and bag drop

    • A number of scheduled airlines offer self-service check-in kiosks and internet check-in technologies in order to facilitate their passengers with early check-in, seat selection and issue of boarding passes.
    • Airline employees should be on hand if you require any assistance with the self-service kiosks.
    • Passengers can check in their check-in luggage at the check in area – either with an airline customer bag drop desk, or at the self-service bag drop kiosks.

    Online check-in passenger information

    • Online check-in passengers must proceed through security screening areas as normal.
    • Please allow plenty of time to proceed through security screening.
    • Please refer to the flight information screens located after security screening throughout the shopping and boarding areas.
    • These screens list flight departures for your destination, boarding time and gate number.
  • Lounges

    We have four Lounges for you to enjoy before your flight, Lounges in Terminal 1 and 2, 51st&Green, a Lounge located after US Preclearance and near the US Departures Gates and The East Lounge located beyond the passenger security screening area between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

    Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 Lounges
    Lounge access includes:

    • Tranquil setting, comfortable, air-conditioned Lounges
    • Complimentary drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines
    • A dedicated Business Centre providing computer access
    • Free Wi-Fi access throughout the Lounge

    Locations

    • Terminal 1 – Lounge is located between the Security lanes, on the second floor and is accessible via the lift or the stairs.
    • Terminal 2 – Lounge is on the same level as the 400 gates, access from the lift brings you direct to the Lounges corridor and is sign-posted.
    • Please note, access to the Lounges in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not available after US Preclearance.

    Opening hours

    • Terminal 1: From 04.00 to 21.30
    • Terminal 2: From 05.00 to 19.00

     

    51st&Green US Preclearance Lounge
    Located in Terminal 2 after US Preclearance and beside the US departure gates, this Lounge is the perfect retreat away from the bustling Terminal and somewhere to enjoy a few hours of rest and relaxation before your long-haul flight.

    Lounge access is priced at €35 p/p online or €39 at reception and is complimentary to business class ticket holders.

    Lounge access includes

    • Drinks, snacks & fresh Irish dishes with an American twist
    • Barista coffee and cocktails
    • High speed Wi-Fi to download in-flight entertainment
    • Entertainment screen with live sports
    • Quiet space to work with multiple charging units
    • Shower facilities to freshen up before your flight
    • Breath-taking runway views

     

    The East Lounge
    We look forward to welcoming you to Dublin Airport’s premium lounge for those travelling east, where we aspire to deliver the perfect balance of Irish hospitality with touches of luxury. The East Lounge offers all the luxury the modern traveller expects including freshly prepared food, an extensive choice of refreshments, privacy, tranquillity and space.

    Lounge access is priced at €50 p/p online or €55 at reception and is complimentary for Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad First and Business class passengers travelling east.

    What’s Included

    • Complimentary buffet style and A La Carte table service meals
    • Complimentary premium drinks – cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks
    • Complimentary barista style coffee and world class choice of teas
    • Free unlimited WiFi
    • Private business booths
    • Access to luxury shower rooms to use before your flight
    • Stunning runway views
    • Use of quiet and peaceful prayer rooms.

    Opening hours

    • Summer: 1st April – 31st October: 06:40-22.00
    • Winter: 1st November – 31st March: 05:30 – 20:30 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday), 04:45-20:30 (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
    • Online bookings available between 13.00 – 18.00.

    Location

    • The East Lounge is located after Security on the corridor that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
    • For Terminal 1, it is a short walk to the left once you
      have cleared Security screening.
    • For Terminal 2, after passing Security screening, go through the shopping area and take the lift or stairs that are located behind the Irish Memories shop, and exit on Level 1. The East Lounge is located to the left after a short walk down the corridor.
  • Shopping at The Loop

    The Loop at Dublin Airport is the ultimate luxury shopping destination, showcasing the best of Irish and international brands across beauty, liquor, confectionery and souvenirs at Ireland’s main international gateway.
    Opening hours are as follows, and details of the ranges on offer are below.Terminal 1: Monday – Sunday 04:00 – 00:00, Shop and Collect: Monday-Sunday 06:30 – 22:00Terminal 2: Monday – Sunday 04:00 – 22:00, Shop & Collect: Monday-Sunday 05:00 – 00:00The Loop Beauty Brands
    Featuring over 100 beauty brands, including international favourites Jo Malone, Tom Ford,La Mer, Dior, Estée Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Lancôme, Bobbi Brown,M.A.C and Chanel, The Loop is home to one of Ireland’s largest beauty emporiums. With a saving of at least 15% on beauty favourites compared to downtown prices and up to 40% off selected lines.

    The New T2 Beauty Hall
    Experience the ultimate new beauty destination, the T2 Beauty Hall at The Loop – big on beauty, small on price. The T2 Beauty Hall is bigger and better than ever before, with over 30 new brands and exclusive products, all at least 15% compared to the high street.

    Expert Advice
    Our knowledgeable staff and brand ambassadors throughout The Loop offer expert advice. As well as numerous complimentary tastings and beauty services.

    For shoppers looking for something unique that cannot be purchased downtown/on the high street, there is also an extensive range of attractive airport exclusive products available.

    Irish Whiskey Collection
    This award-winning store is also home to The Irish Whiskey Collection, described as the most diverse collection of iconic and exclusive whiskeys in the world.

    The Irish Whiskey Collection offering an impressive range of local and international whiskeys to suit all tastes, boasting a unique collection of 365 whiskeys – one for every day of the year and is the most diverse collection in the world.  In-store whiskey and gin ambassadors are also on hand to impart extensive expert knowledge.

    Click & Collect
    Buy before you fly. With our Click & Collect service you can purchase online before you travel and collect your purchases at the airport.

    Shop & Collect
    You can buy instore at The Loop before you depart and collect on your return.

Airport News

daa Outlines Support For Metro To Dublin Airport

daa the operator of Dublin Airport, today outlined its support for the MetroLink project, which would provide an efficient transport link between Swords, Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre for staff and passengers. Addressing An Board …

daa Unveils 20-Point Plan To Accelerate Environmental Sustainability Ambitions At Dublin And Cork Airports

daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, has unveiled details of 20 environmental sustainability initiatives being rolled out at Dublin and Cork Airports, which will accelerate both airports’ climate and sustainability related ambitions, including …

New Animal Screening Facility Opens At Dublin Airport

Flying with a pet from Dublin Airport has just got a whole lot easier with the opening of a new pet screening facility, which means animals can once again travel in the hold of an …

Mobile Passport Control Introduced For US-Bound Passengers At Dublin Airport

Travelling to the United States from Dublin Airport just got even easier with the launch of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) at pre-clearance. MPC allows travellers to complete a part of their immigration process before presenting …

TradFest To Arrive At Dublin Airport This Friday

Dublin Airport is teaming up with TradFest, Ireland's largest gathering of trad and folk music which takes place in Fingal and Dublin city from today (Wednesday, January 24) until Sunday (January 28), to bring some …

History Beckons As Dublin Airport Prepares To Welcome Largest Ever Commercial Aircraft

A little bit of history will be made at Dublin Airport on Tuesday evening (January 16) when a 747-8 aircraft will arrive for the first ever time - making it the largest ever commercial aircraft …

Dublin Airport’s Biggest Ever Christmas Entertainment Programme Gets Underway

Almost 1,700 performers from 50 schools, choirs and musical groups across North County Dublin will entertain passengers from today (Monday, December 11) with performances in Terminal 1 and 2 at Dublin Airport daily, right up …

Double Awards Delight For daa’s Communications Team

daa’s Communications team at Dublin Airport has picked up two major honours in an international digital media awards competition. daa’ s Communications team won The Moodie Award for best Brand/In-House Team, as well as the award …

Dublin Airport’s Plan For 40 Million Passengers Unveiled in New Virtual Information Room

daa has launched a new virtual information room to highlight the wide range of improvements planned for Dublin Airport as part of its upcoming planning application to Fingal County Council, which will enable the airport …

Dublin Airport Named Finalist in Three Categories at the 2023 Fingal Business Awards

  Dublin Airport is thrilled to be announced as finalists in three prestigious categories at the 2023 Fingal Business Awards. We are delighted that our Airport Security Unit (ASU)Team has been shortlisted for the esteemed "Team of …

New Fully-Automated "Dublin Town To Go" Store Opens at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is taking convenience to a whole new level for its passengers with the opening of a new concept store, in partnership with SSP, offering a frictionless, checkout-free experience for passengers. The newly opened "Dublin …

daa’s Graduate Programme Open For Applications

daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, has opened up its graduate scheme for applications. daa is seeking applications from ambitious graduates who want to join one of Ireland’s most exciting and progressive graduate …

Dublin Airport Adds Exciting New Food Options In 'The Mezz' In T2

Dublin Airport has announced the highly anticipated opening of 'The Mezz,' an exciting new street food concept situated in Terminal 2, in partnership with SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in …

Dublin Airport Serves Up 6 New Food Options For Passengers

Dublin Airport last week opened "The Mezz", a new street food-style unit in Terminal 2, offering six new exciting food and beverage options to passengers. The six new offerings in The Mezz, developed in partnership with …

daa Issues 300 New Taxi Permits at Dublin Airport

An additional 300 taxi permits to operate at Dublin Airport have been issued to make it easier for passengers to get to and from the airport this summer. The 20% increase in the number of taxi …

Dublin Airport Unveils First of 5 New Food & Drink Outlets

Dublin Airport has commenced the rollout of a number of exciting new additions to its food and beverage options for passengers as the busy summer season gets underway. The launch of new eating and drinking options …

daa Unveils 15-Point Improvement Plan For Dublin Airport Passengers

daa Chief Executive Officer, Kenny Jacobs has unveiled a 15-point plan, which will improve standards for passengers at Dublin Airport over the coming months. This plan will see a whole range of improvements made in …

Dublin Airport’s €10m Community Fund Re-Opens for Applications

Community groups and clubs across Fingal are being invited to apply for Dublin Airport’s Community Fund which has re-opened for applications. Locals have a six week window to submit an application to the Community Fund, …

daa Staff Give 3 Irish Charities 390,000 Reasons to Smile

The fundraising efforts of staff at airport operating company daa, supported by passengers at Dublin Airport, saw cheques presented totalling €390,000 to three charities following a number of successful fundraising activities over the past three …

Contact

Dublin Airport
Collinstown
Fingal
Dublin
Ireland
  • + 353 1 8141111