Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland is a majestic place with numerous picturesque spots to visit and get transferred to another era.
The Dublin airport is just a short drive away from the coast, the charming town of Swords, and other unique gems that are certainly worth the hype and might transform your layover or flight delay into a memorable experience.
Time is priceless, as they say, and that’s why we have collected 9 amazing things to do near the Dublin Airport, instead of just waiting.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Dublin, Ireland’s capital and largest city, is known for its long literary tradition, unique culture, and historical sites.
Some of the best things to do in Dublin cover parks, local pubs, fascinating museums, and art venues.
So let’s start with the first adventure on our list, which is no other than visiting Swords Castle.
1) Visit Swords Castle
Swords Castle is a historic site located in Swords, Dublin, and was built around 1200 A.D. by the first Norman Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn.
It’s built near the Ward River and is a unique spot steeped in history, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past.
Swords Town Park is located right next to the Castle and includes amenities such as tennis courts, and dogs are allowed on a lease.
The Castle is open to visitors all year round and tours are available on request.
Opening hours: Swords Castle is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: Bridge St, Townparks, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X439, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 3.9 miles from Dublin Airport
2) Discover the Beauty of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are a beautiful and serene place to visit and enjoy an oasis of calm and beauty surrounded by an array of plant species from around the world.
Plus, it’s a perfect family vacation idea with various educational programs and interactive exhibits that will entertain and educate your little ones.
Among the must-see attractions are the stunning glasshouses, which are wrought-iron and curved-glass constructions.
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Opening summer Hours:
- From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays
- From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays
Admission: Free
Address: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 8 miles from Dublin Airport
3) Spend a Few Hours at Blanchardstown Shopping Center
Blanchardstown Shopping Center is a vibrant retail and leisure destination just 15 minutes from Dublin Airport.
With over 180 stores, visitors will find a wide range of shopping options, from high-street fashion to souvenirs.
Also, this mall offers many eateries whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal.
Regarding accessibility, there are 7,000 free parking spaces available, making it convenient for visitors driving to the center.
Opening times:
- Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bank Holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Blanchardstown Centre, Blanchardstown Rd S, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 15 miles from Dublin Airport
Without a doubt, exploring and doing some shopping at Blanchardstown Shopping Center is a must-do on your trip to Dublin.
However, dragging your luggage through this beautiful mall can quickly dampen the experience.
This is where Stasher comes in, offering a convenient, secure, and affordable luggage storage solution.
While we’ll elaborate on our services later, Stasher provides a comprehensive network of secure luggage storage locations near Dublin Airport.
Also, it is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!
Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.
Let’s move on to the next adventure on our list.
4) Visit Malahide Castle & Gardens
Malahide Castle is a magnificent medieval castle located near the village of Malahide and has been a prominent landmark with over 800 years of heritage.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the castle, explore unique collections, and dive deep into the historical significance of this magnificent castle.
Moreover, the castle’s parkland offers perfect spots for picnics and has an interactive Fairy Trail that is ideal for family excursions.
Opening times: Daily: 9:30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Address: Back Rd, Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 7 miles from Dublin Airport
5) Take a Guided Tour at The Irish Whiskey Museum
The Irish Whiskey Museum is a premier destination in Dublin that opened its doors to whiskey lovers from across the world in 2014.
It offers a cultural journey through the history of Irish whiskey in an interactive tour set in a historic setting.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours, and whiskey tastings, and even participate in a whiskey blending experience to take a piece of Irish tradition home with them.
Tour Times: 10 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (first tour at 10.30 and last tour at 6 p.m.)
Address: 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 E620
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 13 miles from Dublin Airport
6) Have a Blast at the Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is a renowned pub located in the heart of Dublin’s cultural quarter.
The bar boasts a great selection of Irish beers, serves delicious food, and has won the Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year from 2002 to 2012.
If you are looking for a pub with a vibrant atmosphere, daily live music sessions, and mouthwatering food, then this place might be for you.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Wed: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
- Thu – Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
- Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 2.30 a.m.
Address: The Temple Bar Pub, 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 11.6 miles from Dublin Airport
Let’s move on to the next adventure on our list.
7) Explore Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals and engage in educational experiences.
It is one of the most popular attractions in Ireland and certainly worth the hype.
Moreover, Dublin Zoo often hosts special events and experiences, such as animal feedings, keeper talks, and seasonal celebrations.
Opening Hours: The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission:
- Adults: €24
- Child under 3: Free
- Children aged 3 – 15 years: €18
- Student (with valid ID): €18
Address: Saint James, Dublin 8, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 18 miles from Dublin Airport
8) Take in Scenic Views at Portmarnock Beach
Portmarnock Beach is one of the best beaches in Dublin and is also known as the Velvet Strand thanks to its silky smooth sand.
If the weather is favorable and you have some extra time to kill during your layover, you should give it a shot!
This lovely beach is ideal for a relaxing stroll or a paddle.
Address: Portmarnock Beach, Strand Rd, Carrickhill, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 10 miles from Dublin Airport
9) Admire Contemporary Works of Art at Hugh Lane Gallery
Hugh Lane Gallery hosts a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, showcased through unique exhibitions.
The entrance to the public is free and events such as tours and workshops also take place.
As a bonus point, the gallery is completely wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9:45 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday: 9:45 am – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 am – 5 p.m.
Admission: Entry to the gallery is free of charge.
Address: Hugh Lane Gallery, Charlemont House, Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 F2X9, Ireland
Proximity to Dublin Airport: 10 miles from Dublin Airport
Now that we covered some adventurous things to do near Dublin Airport, let’s see how easy it is to get around Dublin Airport.
Getting Around Dublin Airport
Getting around Dublin Airport is relatively straightforward, and there are several transportation options available.
Dublin Bus operates several routes that connect Dublin Airport with various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The Airlink Express service provides direct links to key locations in the city center, such as O’Connell Street and Heuston Station.
Also, the DART, Dublin’s electric train system is an equally convenient option to get around Dublin and runs along the coast from Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south.
Another option is Luas, the light rail system that connects Dublin’s suburbs to its core. Trams run every five minutes at peak times and every 10-15 minutes at other times.
If the above options don’t suit your needs, then you can opt for a more pricey option which is taxis and ride-sharing services.
How to Store Your Luggage Near Dublin Airport
As we previously mentioned, dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in the majestic capital of Ireland can profoundly dampen your experience.
That’s where Stasher is stepping in!
At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to safely store their luggage for a few hours or days.
Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags near Dublin Airport with the help of Stasher.
After selecting Dublin Airport, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.
Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.
Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.
Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are ready to go!
Based on the above facts, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can simply head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!
