Dublin Airport Terminals

Dublin Airport has two passenger terminals to host both domestic and international flights, and also for short and long distance flights (including transoceanic). 

Terminal 1

Opened in 1972, this terminal was originally designed to handle five million passengers per year. It has been expanded and upgraded several times. Currently, it is home to most airlines, except Aer Lingus and a few others operating long-haul flights. Ryanair is one of the major airlines operating from this terminal.

Terminal 1 opened in 1972, originally designed to handle five million passengers per year. Over the decades, it has undergone several expansions and improvements to adapt to growing passenger traffic. A new pier was incorporated in the last upgrading in 2007.

Airlines and Destinations

This terminal is the base of operations for several major airlines:

• Ryanair (main operator)
• Lufthansa
• British Airways
• Iberia
• Norwegian
• Turkish Airlines

Levels

Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport has three main levels:

1. Ground Floor (Arrivals Level):
• Baggage claim area
• Customs
• Car rental offices
• Arrivals hall with cafes and shops
• Public transport and taxi stands
2. First Floor (Departures Level):
• Check-in counters
• Security screening
• Duty-free shops
• Departure gates
• Restaurants and cafes
3. Mezzanine:
• Additional shopping area
• Restaurants and bars
• The T1 Lounge (pay-per-use VIP lounge)

Additionally, there is a basement level (Floor -1) which includes Check-in Area 14.

The terminal is designed to facilitate passenger flow, with escalators and elevators connecting the different levels.

Distance inside the terminal

Distances in that terminal can be huge. Please, check walking times here: 

Accessibility

The terminal is equipped with facilities for people with disabilities, including adapted bathrooms and elevators, and special services such as wheelchair rental.

Transport between terminals

If you need to change terminals, be aware that there are no direct connections between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However, they are close to each other and you can walk between them in a few minutes

Services

- Wheelchair renting service
- Disabled access
- Lost & found
- Baggage claim
- Baggage wrapping 
- Free Wi-Fi connection
- Strollers
- Parents rooms
- E-tolling
- Duty-free shops and retail stores
- Restaurants and cafes
- Currency exchange services and ATMs
- Boots pharmacy (open from 4:00 to 20:00)
- Luggage storage (open from 5:00 to 22:00 in arrivals and 5:00 to 20:00 in departures)

See more Services

Lounges

T1 Lounge: Terminal 1. Open from 04:30 am to 09:00 pm. Services: Snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, TV, Internet Terminals, printers and copiers, telephones. 

The East Lounge: Terminal 1 and 2. Open from first departure until last departure. Services: Premium food, Wi-Fi, snacks, showers, TV, among others.

Terminal 2

Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for transatlantic flights and long-haul destinations. Opened on November 19, 2010, the terminal was designed to enhance passenger experience and expand connectivity between Europe and North America. With its modern architecture and advanced amenities, T2 has become a key gateway for international travel.

Historical Background

The origins of Dublin Airport date back to 1940, when the first terminal was built at Collinstown. Designed by Desmond FitzGerald, the building reflected the elegance of ocean liners and won architectural accolades. Over time, as passenger numbers grew, the need for additional infrastructure became apparent. Construction of Terminal 2 began in October 2007 during Ireland’s economic downturn. Despite initial skepticism, T2 quickly proved its value by facilitating significant growth in passenger traffic and connectivity.

Terminal Design and Layout

Terminal 2 spans 75,000 square meters and features modern facilities capable of handling up to 15 million passengers annually. It includes:

• Ground Floor: Check-in areas with spacious counters and self-service kiosks.
• First Floor: Arrivals area equipped with immigration desks and baggage claim facilities.
• Second Floor: Departures area with security screening, boarding gates, and lounges.

Shopping and Dining

Terminal 2 offers a diverse range of retail and dining options:

• Shopping: Duty-free outlets are located in "The Street," offering cosmetics, electronics, Irish gifts, and more. Brands include Butlers Chocolate Café and Caviar House.
• Dining: Highlights include Fitzgerald’s Restaurant & Bar (serving gourmet sandwiches), Craft Speciality Coffee (hand-crafted brews), Burger King, Harvest Market, and The Slaney Bar.

VIP Lounges

Terminal 2 features premium lounges such as the Anna Livia Lounge. Available for a fee, these lounges provide:

• Comfortable seating
• Complimentary refreshments
• Business facilities
• Quiet spaces for relaxation.

Popular Flights and Airlines

Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Aer Lingus, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Etihad Airways. It primarily handles long-haul and transatlantic flights, connecting Ireland with key destinations across North America, the Middle East, and Europe. Below is an expanded overview of the most popular routes departing from Terminal 2:

• New York (JFK): Aer Lingus and Delta operate direct flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The flight duration is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. This route is one of the busiest and most convenient for passengers traveling between Ireland and the United States. Flights are available daily, with multiple departure times.
• Boston (BOS): Aer Lingus offers direct flights to Boston Logan International Airport, with a flight time of about 6 hours. This route is particularly popular among Irish travelers due to Boston’s strong historical ties with Ireland.
• Chicago (ORD): United Airlines operates direct flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Flights take around 8 hours and cater to both leisure and business travelers heading to the Midwest.
• Dubai (DXB): Emirates provides direct flights to Dubai International Airport, with a flight duration of approximately 7 hours. This route was the first connection between Dublin and the Middle East, launched in 2012, and has since grown into a highly successful service with up to 12 weekly flights.
• Abu Dhabi (AUH): Etihad Airways offers connections to Abu Dhabi, providing passengers access to the UAE’s capital and onward destinations in Asia and Australia.

Transport Between Terminals

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected via a pedestrian corridor for easy access. This makes transferring between terminals quick and convenient.

Services

- Bank branch
- Pharmacy
- Information counters
- Luggage claim
- Wheel-chair renting service
- Smoking allowed areas
- Toilets
- Lost property
- 19 air bridges for aircraft
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Various cafes and restaurants in both departures and arrivals areas
- Duty-free shopping in the area known as "The Street"
- Business facilities, including the Anna Livia Lounge (available for a fee)

See more Services

Lounges

Dublin Airport offers a variety of lounges designed to provide passengers with comfort, relaxation, and premium services before or after their flights. Below is an expanded overview of the key lounges available at the airport:

The East Lounge

• Location: Situated in the corridor connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
• Services: Premium food options, high-speed Wi-Fi, light snacks, showers, TV screens, and other amenities.
• Access: Available for passengers traveling with select airlines or for a fee.

51st & Green Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2, near U.S. Pre-Clearance facilities.
• Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Services: Snacks, showers, high-speed Wi-Fi, TV screens, printers, copiers, and comfortable seating areas.
• Access: Primarily for passengers flying to the United States.

Aer Lingus Revival Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2 arrivals hall near baggage carousel six.
• Hours: Opening hours vary depending on flight schedules.
• Services: Showers with fresh towels, light refreshments (coffee, tea, juice, pastries), steam pressing for clothes, and Wi-Fi access.
• Access: Exclusively for Aer Lingus Business Class passengers arriving on transatlantic flights.

Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2.
• Hours: Opening hours depend on Etihad’s flight schedule.
• Services: Premium food and snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, showers, and luxurious seating areas.
• Access: Reserved for Etihad Airways First and Business Class passengers or eligible frequent flyers.

Aer Lingus Lounge (Departures)

• Location: Terminal 2 departures area.
• Hours: Open daily from 5:15 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Services: Showers, Wi-Fi, hot and cold food options, snacks, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), newspapers, and magazines.
• Access: Available to Aer Lingus Business Class passengers or members of its frequent flyer program.

T2 Lounge (General)

• Location: Terminal 2 departures area.
• Hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Services: Light snacks, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), Wi-Fi access, newspapers, and magazines.

The Martello Lounge (formerly The East Lounge)

This lounge offers similar services as The East Lounge but includes additional features such as hot breakfast until 2 PM and a buffet with soups, sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, salads, pastries, biscuits, premium alcoholic beverages (limited to two per person), barista coffee options, luxury shower rooms, and a quiet prayer room.

Additional Tips for Lounge Access: