Passing through Dublin Airport on a layover? While this isn’t a place designed to entertain travellers for hours on end, there are a few practical things to do at Dublin Airport that can help you stay comfortable, fed, and occupied while you wait. The terminals are compact and easy to navigate, making short layovers manageable and longer ones tolerable with a bit of planning.
1. Eat
Food options at Dublin Airport lean practical rather than exciting, but you’ll find a good mix of cafés, pubs, and quick-service counters across both terminals. Irish pub staples such as stews, fish and chips, and full Irish breakfasts are easy to find, alongside familiar international chains. Landside areas generally offer the widest choice, while airside dining thins out once you clear security.
Travellers looking to sample something local can keep an eye out for Irish brands and treats such as Butler’s Chocolates, known for its hot chocolate and boxed confections, or locally roasted coffee from Irish cafés scattered throughout the terminals. Brown bread sandwiches, sausage rolls, and baked goods are common grab-and-go options and travel well. For packaged snacks and basics, Spar and WHSmith are reliable stops for crisps, sweets, bottled drinks, and meal deals.
Late at night and early in the morning, food choices become limited. A small number of landside outlets in Terminal 1 operate extended hours, but overnight travellers should expect mostly convenience-store fare rather than hot meals.
2. Lounge
Dublin Airport has a small number of lounges that accept pay-in guests or common lounge membership programs, offering a quieter place to sit, WiFi, drinks, and light food. Access rules, crowding, and amenities vary by lounge and time of day, and availability is not guaranteed during peak travel periods. Some lounges advertise showers, but this cannot be consistently verified and should not be relied upon. Details and current access rules are listed in our Dublin Airport Guide .
3. Shop
Most shopping at Dublin Airport revolves around The Loop, the airport’s main duty-free complex. This is the best place to browse Irish whiskey, including well-known labels and travel-exclusive gift sets, along with Irish creams, chocolates, and packaged sweets that make easy souvenirs. Beauty, fragrance, and fashion brands are also mixed in, though selection varies by terminal.
For more distinctly Irish gifts, House of Ireland focuses on local design and craftsmanship, carrying items such as jewellery, knitwear, crystal, and food gifts from Irish producers. You’ll also see Waterford Crystal pieces, wool accessories, and Irish-made souvenirs that go beyond the usual keychains and mugs. Bookshops, electronics accessories, pharmacies, and travel-essentials stores are spread throughout both terminals for practical last-minute needs.
4. Get out to see the sights
Dublin Airport is located about 14 kilometres north of the city centre, making a short visit into Dublin possible if you have at least six hours between flights and are able to clear immigration without delays. Left-luggage facilities are available in the terminal, allowing you to explore without carrying bags.
Frequent express buses connect the airport with central Dublin, stopping near major areas such as O’Connell Street and the south city centre. Taxis are also readily available and can be a reasonable option for small groups, depending on traffic. Allow extra buffer time on the return trip, especially during weekday rush hours.
Once in the city, Dublin is compact and easy to explore on foot. Many visitors start at Trinity College, whose historic grounds and library house the famous Book of Kells. From there, Grafton Street offers shopping and street performers, while nearby St. Stephen’s Green provides a quiet place to sit and reset. Farther west, landmarks such as Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral give a sense of the city’s medieval past. If time allows, popular attractions like the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery Bow Street are well-signposted and easy to reach. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Dublin.
5. WiFi
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet using the airport’s free WiFi. If you don’t have a mobile device, internet kiosks are available in both terminals.
6. Sleep
Sleeping at Dublin Airport is possible, but comfort is limited. Most seating inside security has armrests, and the terminal can feel cold, bright, and noisy overnight. Travellers trying to rest inside the airport often find landside areas more flexible, where seating arrangements are less restrictive and staff are accustomed to overnight sleepers.
Security checks may occur during the night, and you may be asked to show identification or onward travel documents. Bringing warm layers and something to block light and noise will make a noticeable difference.
For better rest, several airport hotels are located within a short walk or drive of the terminals, with some offering shuttle service. Details and locations are listed in our Dublin Airport Guide.
Updated 13 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Dublin Airport. Visit our Dublin Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.