Smoking at Dublin Airport – DUB – 2026

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Flying through Dublin Airport (DUB) and wondering where you can smoke? Good news – Dublin Airport is one of the more smoker-friendly airports in Europe, with a well-maintained outdoor smoking terrace accessible after security in Terminal 1. Here’s your complete guide to smoking at Ireland’s busiest airport.

Smoking Policy at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport follows Irish smoking legislation, which prohibits smoking inside enclosed public spaces. However, the airport has established designated outdoor smoking areas both before and after security to accommodate travelers. Smoking, vaping, and heated tobacco products are only permitted in these designated zones.

Terminal 1 – The Garden Terrace (After Security)

Terminal 1 is where smokers want to be at Dublin Airport. The main after-security smoking area is located at The Garden Terrace, an outdoor beer garden on the upper level of the departures area. This is one of the best airport smoking spots in Europe – spacious, partially covered, and well-maintained.

How to find it:

  • After clearing security, head towards gates 101-224

  • Look for signs pointing to “Food Court 2”

  • Take the escalator up one level

  • The Garden Terrace is located behind Starbucks

The terrace features a small bar serving draught beers (including Guinness), ciders, and bottled drinks. You can enjoy a pint while having a smoke – prices are around €6-7 per pint. Tables and seating are available, and staff keep the area clean throughout the day.

Terminal 2 – No Smoking Area After Security

Terminal 2 does not have its own smoking area after security. If you’re departing from Terminal 2, you have two options:

  • Smoke before entering Terminal 2 – Use the outdoor smoking areas near the departures entrance

  • Walk to the Terminal 1 smoking area – The terminals are connected airside, so you can access The Garden Terrace from Terminal 2

The walk from Terminal 2 to the T1 smoking terrace takes approximately 10-15 minutes each way. Follow signs for “lounges” on the lower floor and continue past the DAA, Aer Lingus, and Etihad lounges. Plan for about 30 minutes round trip.

Before Security Smoking Areas

Both terminals have designated outdoor smoking areas before security:

  • Terminal 1: Outside the arrivals area, clearly marked with signage

  • Terminal 2: Outside the departures entrance

These are the safest option if you have time before checking in or going through security.

US Pre-Clearance Warning

Dublin Airport is one of the few European airports with US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance. Important: If you’re flying to the United States and proceed through US pre-clearance, you will not be able to access any smoking areas. There are no smoking facilities in the US pre-clearance zone, and once you enter, you cannot exit back to the regular departures area.

Tip: Have your last smoke at The Garden Terrace before heading to US pre-clearance.

Vaping at Dublin Airport

Vaping and heated tobacco products (like IQOS) are permitted in the same designated smoking areas. You cannot vape inside the terminal buildings – use The Garden Terrace after security or the outdoor zones before security.

News: New Smoking Area Planned for 2026

In January 2026, Dublin Airport operator DAA announced plans for a new smoking area. According to Graeme McQueen, DAA head of media relations: “We’re hopeful of being able to soon announce plans for a new smoking area in terminal – which has been a constant ask from passengers in recent years.”

This is welcome news for smokers, particularly those flying from Terminal 2 who currently need to walk to Terminal 1. The announcement came alongside news of other 2026 improvements including a revamped duty-free area in Terminal 1, a new lounge twice the size of the old one in T1, and an upgraded 51st and Green lounge in Terminal 2.

Dublin Airport served over 35 million passengers in 2025, making it one of Europe’s busiest airports. We’ll update this page when more details about the new smoking area are announced.

Quick Tips for Smokers at Dublin Airport

  • Arrive early and use The Garden Terrace before your flight

  • Terminal 1 is preferable for smokers – use it if you have flexibility

  • Avoid US pre-clearance until you’ve had your last smoke

  • The T1 smoking area has a bar – combine your break with a Guinness

  • Allow 30+ minutes if walking from Terminal 2 to smoke

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dublin Airport have a smoking area after security?

Yes, Dublin Airport has one smoking area after security – The Garden Terrace in Terminal 1. It’s an outdoor beer garden on the upper level near gates 101-224, accessible from both terminals.

Can I smoke in Dublin Airport Terminal 2?

Terminal 2 does not have its own smoking area after security. You can smoke outside before entering, or walk to The Garden Terrace in Terminal 1 (about 10-15 minutes each way through the airside connection).

Where is the smoking area in Dublin Airport Terminal 1?

The smoking area is at The Garden Terrace, located on the upper level of Terminal 1. After security, head toward gates 101-224, follow signs for Food Court 2, go up the escalator, and look for it behind Starbucks.

Can I smoke before US pre-clearance at Dublin Airport?

Yes, but once you enter the US pre-clearance area, there are no smoking facilities and you cannot exit. Have your last smoke at The Garden Terrace before proceeding to US pre-clearance.

Is vaping allowed at Dublin Airport?

Vaping is only permitted in designated smoking areas – The Garden Terrace after security or the outdoor zones before security. You cannot vape inside the terminal buildings.