17 Things To Do Near Dublin Airport [Fun & Affordable!] 2023
Here are 17 things to do near Dublin Airport, with links to booking websites at a click of a button. Looking for things to do near Dublin Airport?
I recently met a friend who asked me “Is Dublin worth visiting?” I was baffled when she asked me this as ANY part of Ireland is definitely worth visiting.
Depending if you are stuck in a 4-hour layover in Dublin or a 24-hour layover in Dublin, I got you covered!
There are times when you wouldn’t want to spend an entire day stuck in the airport while waiting to board a flight. You wouldn’t know what to do with all that time! Rest assured, I have been here – let’s explore things to do near Dublin Airport.
I’m Ger and I was born and raised in Ireland. Over the years, when my darling fiance, Aisha, visited me – I made a list of fun things to do while waiting for our flights out of Dublin.
Here are our trialed and tested list! 17 things to do near Dublin Airport, with links to booking websites at a click of a button.
Mind you, I didn’t add any shopping centers near Dublin Airport to this list. It’s all proper fun stuff!
17 Things To Do Near Dublin Airport
4. Experience Glasnevin – Ireland’s National Cemetery
5. GAA Museum
10. Casino Marino
11. Malahide Castle
12. Swords Castle
13. JumpZone
14. Kart City
15. The Dublin Zoo
16. Plane Spotting at Dublin Airport
Affiliate Link Disclosure:
Some of the links here are affiliate links, and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!
When you visit Ireland you want to be prepared because it can get COLD! And it also rains a lot O_O If you want to enjoy this charming country in comfort, make sure you pack some essentials that we ALWAYS pack:
- 2 base layer thermals (I love these!)
- 1 thick fleece jacket or puffer jacker
- Fleece lined leggings
- 1-2 sweater dresses.
- 2 pairs of fleece lined jeans or pants
- Winter Touchscreen Gloves
- 2-4 wool sweaters
- Super comfy scarf
- Super chic coat here and here
- Bonus– Excellent useful and authentic book on Ireland!
1. Croke Park Skyline Tour
Croke Park is 17-stories high and gives you breathtaking panoramic views of Dublin. It is located smack in the heart of the city and has a rooftop walkway for you to enjoy all the sights. There are multilingual audio guides available for this live tour.
I grew up always interested in sports – it is a part of our DNA, I believe. You don’t realize the positive impact sports have on not only your physical well-being but your mental state as well. When you think about sports, you think about Croke Park!
For bookings and tour timings, check out the main Croke Park tour website
Address: Cusack Stand, Croke Park, St Joseph’s Ave, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
2. Butlers, The Factory Tour
Almost feels like a scene out of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory – and dare I say, you will experience a similarly magical experience of what EXACTLY goes on behind the doors of a functioning chocolate factory.
Growing up, chocolates were for special occasions – birthdays, family gatherings, CHRISTMAS! You get special chocolates at Christmas. I remember vividly feeling like a kid during this tour! Definitely one to cross off the Dublin tours bucket list.
For a tour around this specialist chocolatier, visit Butler Chocolate’s booking page
Address: Clonshaugh Business & Technology Park, Coolock, Co. Dublin, D17 A076, Ireland (Google Maps)
3. Experience A Gaelic Match
There is nothing quite like watching a Gaelic match live! You can decide to go for football or hurling. These two are our two different national sports!
Hurling is new to people from other parts of the world. The purpose of the game is for players to hit a small ball (called a sliotar) with an ash wood stick (called a hurley), into the opponent’s goalpost. I want to be clear – NOT to be confused with hockey! LOL.
Did you know there is no protective padding worn by players in hurling? There is a helmet that has a faceguard but that is as far as it gets.
Football is different – there are varying levels. Start with juniors, intermediate, and seniors of teams coming through from all counties of the entire island. You would be mad to not sneak in at least ONE game.
I must stress this – excellent public transport links are available. I was shocked at the punctuality and speed at which buses drive in Dublin.
For bookings, visit Croke Park – Match Day tickets
Address: Cusack Stand, Croke Park, St Joseph’s Ave, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
4. Experience Glasnevin – Ireland’s National Cemetery
In 1832, Daniel O’Connell officially established the Glasnevin Cemetery, which to date remains to be the most significant historical site in Ireland.
It has housed almost 1.5million people, spreading across 124 acres.
For bookings, visit Dublin Cemeteries Trust
Address: Glasnevin Cemetery & Crematorium, Finglas Road, Dublin, D11 XA32 (Google Maps)
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5. GAA Museum
Learn about Ireland’s national games, hurling, and GAA football at the GAA Museum.
What is GAA football you ask?
It is similar to soccer where both hands and feet are used, but I gotta say – it is way better! Haha. No biases here!
It is played between two teams of 15 players and the purpose of the sport is to score the ball into the other team’s goalpost – by kicking or punching the ball in. I had spoken about this sport in all of my travels and especially with my sports-crazed fiance!
You can even test your hurling and GAA football skills in the Interactive Games Zone! Do you think you got what it takes? Definitely one of Aisha’s top experiences!
For bookings, visit GAA Museum – Croke Park
Address: Cusack Stand, Croke Park, St Joseph’s Ave, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
6. National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens is located in Glasnevin (right beside the Glasnevin cemetery) and spans 19.5 hectares of land.
The best time to visit the gardens is winter when the grounds are quiet and still (I can almost imagine that sight!). The place and its surroundings are very quiet, where you can almost hear your breathing most of the time.
For bookings, visit National Botanic Gardens – Trip.com
Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland
7. St Patrick’s Cathedral
Founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic Cathedral, this has now become the iconic national cathedral of the Church of Ireland.
Fun little fact – the Cathedral is world famous for its choir, which was established in 1432. This is an incredibly long time to be holding that title. That is how GOOD they are!
For bookings, visit St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin, D08 H6X3, Ireland
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8. St. Anne’s Park
St. Anne’s Park once belonged to the Guinness family and stretches out to almost 240 acres of land.
There are multiple garden shows which take place across Ireland. Here in Dublin, the annual Rose Festival takes place on the third weekend of July. It is a memorable event. You can see the tedious effort and detail which people have poured into it.
For bookings, visit St Anne’s Park – Viator
Address: Clontarf East, Raheny, Co. Dublin, Ireland
9. Day Tours Dublin
From medieval castles to insanely steep (yet absolutely thrilling) cliffs to explore, Dublin is reasonably close for going on countless day tours.
One of my best memories is when Aisha and I ventured out to visit the Cliffs of Moher!
For bookings, visit Day Tours from Dublin – Viator
10. Casino Marino
Casino Marino is known for its neoclassical architecture in Ireland.
It hosts a variety of exhibitions every season with daily guided tours every hour from 10 am to the last tour at 4 pm. Each tour allows for a maximum of 25 people. Click here for the latest tours!
For bookings, visit Casino Marino Tickets & Times
Address: Cherrymount Cres, Marino, Dublin 3, Ireland
11. Malahide Castle
800-year-old heritage castle!
It is rumored to be the most haunted castle in Ireland where many castle residents, staff, and visitors have reported strange and paranormal occurrences.
Take the guided tours to learn about the ghosts of Malahide Castle.
For bookings, visit Malahide Castle’s
Address: Back Rd, Broomfield, Dublin, Ireland
12. Swords Castle
The Swords Castle was built in the 13th century, this restored medieval castle is located in Swords.
Built by the first Norman Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn. Fun fact about Swords Castle – the actual building took over an extended 400 years to build!
Fun fact time! The castle was renovated in 2008 and was used as a film location for the TV series “The Tudors” starring the ever-talented Justin Rhys Meyers, who is a Dubliner.
Admission is free. For more info, visit the Swords Castle Website
Address: Bridge St, Townparks, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X439, Ireland
13. JumpZone
Here is another thing to do near Dublin Airport. There are 3 Jump Zone venues – Santry, Sandyford, and Liffey Valley.
The one closest to the Dublin Airport is Santry. Jump Zone is a trampoline and inflatable sports adventure park! I told myself it is also part fitness added in there but who am I kidding – it is so fun!
For more booking details, visit Jump Zone Santry, Dublin
Address: 27, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin, Ireland (Google Maps)
14. Kylemore Karting
One of Ireland’s premier karting arenas. With three multi-level tracks to choose from, fun is guaranteed!
The age limit for a child kart is 8 years old and children are required to have an inside leg measurement of 25 inches. The minimum age for an adult is 12 years old.
For more booking details, visit Kylemore Karting Dublin
Address: 1A, Kylemore Industrial Estate, Killeen Rd, Kylemore, Dublin 10, Ireland (Google Maps)
15. The Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo is registered as a charity, it has 28 hectares of land and attracts over 1 million visitors every year.
Animals here are sociable, fit, and healthy. I admire the caring zoo professionals who devote their lives to the welfare of these animals.
For more booking details, visit Dublin Zoo Booking Page
Address: Saint James’ (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, Ireland (Google Maps)
16. Plane Spotting at Dublin Airport
The best plane spotting location at Dublin Airport is on the southern end of runway 10/28, and the good thing is it is walkable without any hassle.
Aisha was stunned when she first saw this – on a sunny day, there are whole families along with their kid’s spotting!
17. Swimming at Sportslink
Formed in 1993, Sportslink offers a swimming pool area, fitness appraisals & programs, and full-day events for kids’ parties (I feel it is fair to not limit it just to kids! I would love to have a party over here!).
There is no particular booking page, but if you are interested in prices – visit the Sportslink Price List
Address: Furry Park, Swords Rd, Santry, Dublin 9, Ireland (Google Maps)
FAQs On Things To Do Near Dublin Airport
What Can I Do With A 5-Hour Layover In Dublin?
On a 5-hour layover in Dublin, you can visit Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the ever-famous and exciting Temple Bar may be on your list as well.
Is Dublin Airport Close To The City?
Dublin Airport is close to the city. It is 19km north of Dublin City Center and there are several public transport options for traveling to and fro Dublin City and Dublin Airport.
What Towns Are Near Dublin Airport?
Towns near Dublin Airport are Swords, Seabury, Malahide, Portmarnock, Coolock, Artane, and St. Margaret’s.
What Should I Not Miss In Dublin?
What you should not miss in Dublin are the following:
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Kilmainham Gaol Museum
- Trinity College Library
- St Stephens Green
- The Spire of Dublin
- Ha’penny Bridge and Phoenix Park.
If you are looking to “waste” your day while waiting for a flight, jump into an Uber or on the bus to the city center. Ubers may be the fastest medium of transport to get you into the city. For cheaper options, you can look at the bus but expect longer travel time.
Once there, you will be in awe of the number of things you can do.
Just remember to park enough time for the return journey to not miss your flight.
There are activities catered to everyone’s likes – fun and loud, or quiet and Dalai Lama-like. It is all about having an open mind and seeing where the road takes you.
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