Radisson Blu Dublin Airport – Crazy Close to the Terminal but VERY Quiet

Location

The Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport is located directly on the airport grounds in Corballis, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Terminal 1 and slightly longer to Terminal 2, or a quick 2-3 minute ride on the free 24-hour shuttle that runs on demand.  After our 3-Day Rabbie’s tour of Northern Ireland, we were looking for comfort and convenience—a great meal sealed the deal. 

If you have a layover or you are looking for a short day trip, a quick Uber or taxi will get you to Malahide Castle (10 mins away) with its 12th-century towers and fairy trail gardens, or Howth Village (15-20 mins) for cliff walks, seafood pubs, and abbey ruins.  Swords Castle (10 mins north) offers free Norman history by the river.  

Otherwise, you can take the Dublin Express, Airlink Express, or a Dublin Bus from the airport terminals to downtown Dublin.  

Accommodations

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport, has a variety of room types, with 229 in total.  A standard room has a choice between a double and twin beds. Our superior room had a king-size bed and a large bathroom with a tub (something I truly appreciate).  The sheets were soft, and the mattress was very comfortable.  There was a kettle for coffee or tea.  Although the website mentions an espresso machine, ours did not have one, it only had instant coffee sachets. The room was spacious, and we were able to open the window for some fresh air.  

The room came well-equipped with all the practical essentials: an in-room safe, a spacious wardrobe, an iron and board, and room for a mini-fridge (although our room had none). Booking well in advance snags you a solid €119-134 per night—excellent value for an airport hotel.  If you are staying in Dublin for a few days, the Radisson Blu is worth considering over city centre hotels, where prices can skyrocket fast (and not be as nice as the Radisson Blu). 

Amenities

The Radisson Blu Dublin Airport shines with practical perks tailored for transit stays as we made our way from Dublin to Edinburgh.  Free high-speed WiFi blankets the property, while the complimentary 24-hour shuttle to both terminals runs on demand– this is a particular perk that we enjoyed—it’s proximity—walking distance—for early flights. 

Access to the nearby ALSAA leisure complex offers gym, pool, and sauna options just off-site.  That said, active travelers might find it disappointing to leave the hotel property for workouts or swims—it’s close, but not quite the seamless convenience you’d hope for. 

For those driving electric vehicles, there are ten EV charging points conveniently located in the hotel’s parking lot.  Paid parking is also available. 

Dining

There is a bar and large restaurant on-site.  I would recommend making reservations when you check in (not always needed, but who wants to stand in line for a table?).  We dined at Collage at the Radisson Blu and enjoyed a Blue Nicoise Salad, an Herbivore Pizza, and Apple Crumble for dessert.  All very good and reasonably priced for a hotel restaurant. I saw on their website that the restaurant offers an ‘early bird menu’ option, which is either a 2- or 3-course meal (€30/€35). This menu is served daily from 5 pm – 7 pm and is worth considering!

You can have cocktails and listen to lively music at the hotel’s bar, T3. Finish off your day with a perfectly poured Guinness or enjoy a casual meal including burgers and Irish stew.  

The Lounge is very large with plenty of tables for working or just relaxing.  In the morning, there is a coffee station you can access (it was not open in the evening when we arrived). 

Because of your very early flight, we did not have a hot breakfast at the hotel; instead, we picked up a “Grab ‘n Go breakfast” in the lobby before we hopped on the shuttle.  There is 24-hour room service available. 

Why Go To Dublin

Dublin’s compact core packs a punch for culture seekers, blending history with lively vibes. This was my second trip to the Irish capital, and we enjoyed the Go City Pass that we purchased at Costco before our arrival. It’s a great pass enabling entry to various attractions as well as a hop-on-hop-off bus.  Like most visitors, Dublin tends to be a place you start in, but you are likely headed to another part of the country.  In 2017, my daughter and I explored the Beara Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney.  This time, we were visiting County Donegal—the northernmost county in Ireland and the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way.

There is something gritty and poetic about Dublin, with history around most corners.  It lures you into a pub with traditional music and laughter.  You don’t have to indulge, but there are plenty of intriguing spots to visit.  The Guinness Storehouse delivered that iconic pint and scenic 360 views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar.  Jameson’s Distillery’s tour unpacked whiskey heritage through tastings and educational sessions.  Both of these are a must for first-time travelers to Dublin.  

EPIC – Irish Emigration Museum was captivating with its interactive stories of the diaspora across the globe.  It was interesting to see how many came to Canada and the United States, bringing their joyful spirit and traditions to new shores. Speaking of traditions, although very touristy, you cannot miss a visit to a pub to listen to some trad music in Dublin’s famous Temple Bar district.  Sometimes it’s enough to just take in the cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere.  

Overall Recommendation

The standout feature of this hotel is its unbeatable location—minutes from the terminal via the complimentary 24-hour shuttle, making it the smart choice for our early-morning flight to Edinburgh.  Not knowing how long a security clearance would take made this less stressful because we were not sleep-deprived and so close to our terminal.  In hindsight, we arrived at the airport way too early!

We truly valued the service, from the welcoming staff to the overall comfort of the modern rooms.  The one drawback: no on-site fitness centre, which could disappoint active travelers who prioritize gym access.  Otherwise, we highly recommend it for a stress-free airport stay. 

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.