Dublin Airport has announced plans to open a new smoking area in one of its terminals, responding to years of passenger requests. The news comes as Ireland’s busiest airport continues to invest in passenger facilities following a record-breaking 2025.
New Smoking Area Coming to Dublin Airport
Speaking in January 2026, Graeme McQueen, DAA head of media relations, confirmed: “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.”
Currently, Dublin Airport has just one smoking area after security – The Garden Terrace in Terminal 1. Passengers flying from Terminal 2 must walk 10-15 minutes to access this facility, making it inconvenient for those with tight connections.
Record Passenger Numbers in 2025
The announcement comes as Dublin Airport revealed impressive statistics for 2025:
- Over 35 million passengers traveled through the airport
- Guinness sales topped €8 million – a testament to the popularity of Irish pints before flights
- More than 43 tonnes of Toblerone were sold in duty-free
- 409,000 litres of Irish whiskey purchased by travelers
Other 2026 Improvements
The smoking area is part of broader terminal improvements planned for 2026, including:
- A revamped duty-free area in Terminal 1
- A new lounge in Terminal 1, twice the size of the previous one
- An upgraded 51st and Green lounge in Terminal 2
In 2025, the airport completed the rollout of new C3 scanners in both terminals, removing the 100ml liquid limit – making travel significantly more convenient for passengers.
Current Smoking Options at Dublin Airport
Until the new smoking area opens, travelers can use:
- The Garden Terrace (Terminal 1) – An outdoor beer garden after security, located on the upper level near gates 101-224. Features a bar serving Guinness and other drinks.
- Outside Terminal 1 – Designated area near arrivals
- Outside Terminal 2 – Designated area near departures entrance
Update (September 2026): The Garden Terrace in Terminal 1 is still the only airside smoking area at Dublin Airport. Answering “Are there smoking areas airside in Terminals 1 and 2?”, the airport’s own FAQ says: “Terminal 1’s Garden Terrace Bar has a smoking area” — no second airside facility is listed. Terminal 2 passengers still make the airside walk to Terminal 1 for a cigarette, so leave time for it. We will update this article when the new area is announced.
For full details on where to smoke at Dublin Airport, see our complete Dublin Airport smoking guide.
Sources: Irish Examiner; Dublin Airport FAQs