Dublin Airport Guide

[Jodi Lake]

Dublin Airport has grown rapidly over the years due to a huge surge in
tourism in Ireland. It is easily the largest and busiest airport in
Ireland and is now the 10th busiest airport in Europe. On average over
sixty thousand passengers use the airport every day. During the peak
summer months this number can rise by another twenty thousand. Every
day up to six hundred plus airplanes use the airport.
The airport has been transformed over the years with a large
investment program set to change the airport beyond recognition. The
Dublin Airport Authority has promised an investment of two billion
euro over the entire program.
Visitors to the airport have sometimes been left disgruntled by the
service they have received and the facilities at the airport. The plan
was undertaken to take care of these issues and offer a better overall
experience for passengers as well as presenting a better face for
Ireland when making first impressions.
The plan will take ten years to complete however improvements can
already be seen in certain areas of the airport. In May 2007 Area 14
on the lower ground floor was opened while a new boarding area (Pier
D) was opened in October 2008.
Construction continues at Terminal 2 which is considered to be the
defining piece of the overall plan. Work began on terminal 2 in
October 2007. Its finish date is expected to be in April 2010.
Once all work is completed Dublin Airport will be capable of handling
thirty five million passengers annually.
There is a twenty four hour parking service at Dublin Airport with
over fourteen thousand long term parking spaces and three and a half
thousand short term spaces. There are machines where customers can
swipe their tickets and pay automatically. These can be found in the
arrivals hall and the entrance to the car park. The car park is
another area of the airport which has been improved considerably over
the years.
There are five major Dublin Airport car hire companies. These are
Avis, National, Irish Car Rental, Budget and Hertz. Car hire can be
booked in advance which is recommended to avoid the lengthy lines that
often develop at the collection points.
There is a taxi rank directly outside the arrivals area. On average
you can expect to pay between twenty five and thirty euro to get from
the airport into the city centre. Peak times can often be more
expensive. Airport buses are also available into the city which cost
between six and seven euro for single tickets. The cheapest option is
the Dublin City Bus which costs two euro however this is certainly the
slowest way of getting into the city. There is no train service from
the airport.
If you are planning on a visit to Ireland then Dublin will most likely
be your entry point. Plan as much in advance as possible to save
yourself delays and hassles at the airport. If you are coming off a
long flight then the last thing you will want to do is get stuck in
long lines waiting when all you want to do is get to your hotel and
relax.

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