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10 Best Things to Do Near Dublin Airport 

At Dublin Airport – By JoachimKohler-HB – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90516342

Are you flying into the Dublin airport and want to see all that Ireland has to offer? Maybe you have a short layover, and you still want to get a chance to see the beautiful countryside, bustling pubs, friendly people, and cool shops. If so, don’t worry 鈥� there are tons of things to do that are all within a short drive or bus ride from the Dublin airport.

Even though the Dublin airport is not in the most scenic part of Ireland, it is just a short drive away from the coast, the charming town of Swords, and other attractions that can make a half-day layover or overnight stop well worth the time and effort!  

Let’s check out the top things to do near the airport that make the long airport queues and check-in process more than worth it. 

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle Dublin – By William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland – Malahide – Dublin, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14778140

This historical and beautiful castle is known all over the world for its incredible architecture, strong turrets, stone exterior, and rich culture that makes it one of the most widely-visited castles in the entire country. Plus, this castle has a fun playground and zipline that will keep your kids entertained as you learn more about the history of the castle 鈥� and sip on a warm tea from the Avoca Cafe! 

JumpZone

Trampoline Park – By Vaunce – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48161752

Are you traveling with kids? Instead of sitting in an airport and being bored for multiple hours on end, head to Ireland鈥檚 largest indoor trampoline park to burn some calories and bring your kids on a fun half-day trip! Just two minutes from the Carlton Hotel, this is a great experience for little kids and parents who want to keep their kids happy during a long vacation. 

Kart City

Go Kart – By Chongkian – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94825509

Another fun outdoor activity that is great for parents with kids, Kart City is more 鈥済eared鈥� towards older teenagers who want to do something fun and adrenaline-filled. Riding a go-kart is the perfect way to make a long layover fun and exciting! 

Swords Castle

Swords Castle – By BaronNethercross – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112351187

Located near the airport, Swords is the closest city to the incoming and outgoing planes of the Dublin runways. Not only is the town charming and cute, but you can head to the nearby Swords Castle to learn more about the history of this incredible area. 

Croke Park

The view from Roinn B2, on the Hill Terrace, for the 2004 All-Ireland Football Final – By Photograph by John H. Nolan; original uploader was Hetch at en.wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2189704

If you’re lucky enough to plan your trip at the same time as a rugby venue, then head to Croke Park to watch a local sporting event with over 80,000 other people! Try and plan your layover during a GAA match 鈥� and if you don鈥檛 know what GAA is, ask anyone literally in Ireland for a comprehensive answer. 

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre – By Harold Strong, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13162058

Need to get some last-minute shopping done before you head back home? Head to Blanchardstown Shopping Center in just 15 minutes to pick up some souvenirs, walk around the expansive indoor shopping mall, and try some of the local food at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants. 

Swords Town Center

Swords Dublin – By Rossyxan, BaronNethercross, Wrobell – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swords_Pavilions#/media/File:PavilionsSwords3.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swords,_Dublin#/media/File:Path_in_Ward_River_Valley_Park_near_Knocksedan.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swords,_Dublin#/media/File:Main_Street,_Swords.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114996628

We love this town if you are in the mood to get a taste of what Ireland is like in a small amount of time. Featuring cute cafes with hot cups of coffee, bustling pubs with strong pints of Guinness, and cool restaurants that offer Irish classics and ethnic cuisine, there is something for everyone in Swords! Take a bus here in just 10 minutes from the airport for a fun and culture-filled half-day layover. 

The Dublin Zoo

Squirrel sculpture at Dublin Zoo – By Zymurgy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73768153

If you have a bit more time to spend, then head to The Dublin Zoo for a layover from your flight. Although this is located basically in the city center in Phoenix Park, it is still removed from the majority of traffic that surrounds popular tourist areas, like Temple Bar and the south side of the city. Head here if you have a few hours to kill and you are traveling with kids!

Sportslink Gym and Swimming Pool

Olympic Swimming Pool – By www.localfitness.com.au – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7823847

Want to burn a few calories during your long layover at the airport? We don鈥檛 blame you! Vacation can be hard to keep your fitness on track. Luckily for you, SportsLink is just a 7-minute drive away from the airport, so you can easily get a taxi here in no time at all. 

Plane Spotting

T2 Dublin Airport – By Doyler79 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13365387

Okay, you are at the airport, so this may sound obvious! But, you can sit in one of the many terminals with large windows to see the planes take off or head to a nearby hill to see the process of planes taking off and landing on the massive runways. We promise it is a fun time on a sunny day!