
Martello Lounge Dublin Airport Review: Price, Menu & Worth?
If you’ve ever sprinted through Dublin Airport wondering if the chaos of the gate area is really your only option, the Martello Lounge in Terminal 2 offers an escape—but at a cost that makes you stop and think. This guide breaks down who can use it, pricing, menu, and how it compares to the Liffey Lounge to help you decide if the premium is worth it.
Location: Terminal 2, Dublin Airport ·
Hours: 04:00–21:30 daily ·
Max stay: 3 hours before departure ·
Adult walk-up price: €40–€55 ·
Hot food service: Breakfast until 14:00; soup, sandwiches, pastries all day
Quick snapshot
- Terminal 2, airside after security (Dublin Airport official site)
- Open to all passengers regardless of airline (Ireland By Locals travel guide)
- Access via purchase, Priority Pass, or certain credit cards (Dublin Airport official site)
- Daily 04:00–21:30 (Dublin Airport official site)
- Adults €40 (online) to €50–55 (walk-up) (Dublin Airport official site)
- Children 2–11 €30; under 2 free (Ireland By Locals)
- Hot breakfast until 14:00 (scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, beans) (Ireland By Locals)
- Soup, sandwiches, pastries all day (Dublin Airport official site)
- Complimentary bar with spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks (Mr Plane Guy travel blog)
- Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, flight information screens (Dublin Airport official site)
- Showers, prayer room, quiet business booths (Dublin Airport official site)
- Panoramic runway views (Dublin Airport official site)
Six key facts at a glance: the location, hours, stay limit, and pricing tiers.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Terminal | Terminal 2, after security |
| Opening hours | 04:00 – 21:30 |
| Max stay allowed | 3 hours before departure |
| Adult walk-up price | €50–€55 |
| Adult online pre-book price | €40 |
| Child price (2-11) | €30 |
Who can use the Martello Lounge at Dublin Airport?
Eligibility for all passengers
The Martello Lounge is open to any passenger departing from Terminal 2, regardless of airline or class of travel (Ireland By Locals travel guide). That means you don’t need a business-class ticket or airline status to walk in. The only catch: you must be flying out of Terminal 2 on the same day.
Access via lounge membership programs
- Priority Pass and LoungeKey members can enter for free or at a discounted rate (Dublin Airport official site).
- First and Business Class passengers on Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Egyptair also get complimentary access (Ireland By Locals).
Access via premium credit cards
Several premium credit cards—such as those offering Priority Pass as a perk—let you bring a guest for an extra fee. Check your card’s terms before you travel.
The implication: Martello’s open-access policy makes it a viable option for any T2 passenger willing to pay.
How much does the Martello Lounge at Dublin Airport cost?
Walk-up price at the lounge
If you arrive at the reception desk without a booking, the standard adult price is around €50–€55 Dublin Airport official site (Ireland By Locals).
Pre-booked price online
Booking in advance reduces the price to around €40 for adults (Ireland By Locals). Children aged 2–11 pay €30; under 2s are free.
Comparison with other Dublin Airport lounges
The Liffey Lounge in Terminal 1 charges from €37 online and €40 at reception. The Phoenix Lounge (Terminal 2) is another option but has limited hours.
Paying the full walk-up price for Martello is hard to justify when Liffey is €13 cheaper online. But if you pre-book, the gap narrows to just €3–€9—and you get showers and a full Irish breakfast.
The catch: the saving from booking ahead makes Martello competitive with Liffey for mid-range budgets.
What is the difference between the Martello Lounge and the Liffey Lounge?
Three crucial differences, one theme: Martello is in a different terminal and charges more, but it offers a more complete premium experience.
| Feature | Martello Lounge (T2) | Liffey Lounge (T1) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Terminal 2, after security | Terminal 1, after security |
| Online price (adult) | From €46 | From €37 |
| Walk-up price (adult) | €50–€55 | €40 |
| Hot breakfast | Full Irish until 14:00 | Limited hot options |
| Showers | Yes | No |
| Quiet business booths | Yes | No |
Dublin Airport official site and Window Seat Preferred travel blog confirm the pricing and amenity gap.
What this means: if you’re flying from Terminal 1, Liffey is the natural choice. But if you’re in T2 and value a hot breakfast and a shower before a long flight, Martello’s extra cost is easy to stomach.
What is the best lounge at Dublin Airport?
Overview of Dublin Airport lounges
Dublin Airport operates three main lounges: Martello (T2), Liffey (T1), and Phoenix (T2, limited hours). There’s also the 51st & Green lounge in T1, but it closes early.
Martello Lounge vs. Liffey Lounge vs. Phoenix Lounge
- Martello: Best overall amenities (showers, prayer room, runway views). Highest price.
- Liffey: Budget-friendly, solid food, no showers. Best for Terminal 1 travellers.
- Phoenix: Mid-range, fewer food options, shorter hours.
Choosing the right lounge for your needs
Window Seat Preferred (travel blog) calls Martello the best option among Dublin Airport lounges. The catch: it’s also the most expensive. For a morning departure with time to eat and shower, Martello is the clear winner. For a quick coffee before a domestic hop, Liffey or Phoenix will do.
A wrong lounge choice can cost you €15 more for no extra benefit. Match your terminal and your itinerary—not the brand name.
The pattern: premium comfort comes at a premium price, but the value depends entirely on your flight time and terminal.
What is on the Martello Lounge Dublin Airport menu?
Hot breakfast selection
Hot breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, hash browns, black and white pudding, and beans, served until 14:00 (Ireland By Locals). Gluten-free and vegan options are available (Dublin Airport official site).
Lunch and snack options
After 14:00, the hot breakfast is replaced by soup of the day, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. The cold buffet stays stocked throughout the day (Dublin Airport official site).
Beverage choices including alcoholic drinks
The self-service bar offers a selection of spirits, wine, beer (including Guinness), and soft drinks. Barista coffee and a soda machine are also available (Mr Plane Guy travel blog). Irish whiskeys are a highlight.
The consequence: travellers with flexibility in meal timing get maximum value from Martello’s extended breakfast.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- The Martello Lounge is located in Terminal 2, airside (Dublin Airport official site).
- Hours of operation are 04:00–21:30 daily (Dublin Airport official site).
- Hot breakfast is served until 14:00 (Ireland By Locals).
- Showers and prayer room are available (Dublin Airport official site).
- Online pre-booking is cheaper than walk-up (Dublin Airport official site).
What’s unclear
- Exact walk-up price may vary by day or season; always check the official site before visiting.
- Discount codes or promo offers are not consistently available or published.
- Whether guest fees apply for Priority Pass members depends on the member’s plan tier.
- The maximum stay enforcement might be stricter during peak seasons.
- Availability of the prayer room for quiet reflection is not guaranteed during busy hours.
The balance: most key operational details are confirmed, but pricing flexibility and guest policies vary by membership plan.
What travellers say
“The Martello Lounge is a solid 8/10. The hot breakfast is genuinely good, showers are clean, and the coffee is barista-made. It’s quieter than the main terminal and worth the walk-up price if you’ve got a long flight.”
— Recent Tripadvisor reviewer (2025), cited by Ireland By Locals
“We offer premium lounge access with full Irish breakfast, complimentary drinks, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic views of the runway. Pre-booking online guarantees the best rate.”
— Dublin Airport official website, The Martello Lounge page
“For Terminal 2 passengers, the Martello Lounge is the best option among Dublin Airport lounges. It’s recently relaunched from the old East Lounge and the upgrade shows.”
For the passenger flying out of Terminal 2 with a few hours to spare, the Martello Lounge offers a genuine upgrade over the terminal seating. The trade-off is price: at €46–€55, it’s not cheap. But if you value a hot breakfast, a shower, and a quiet space to work or rest, that cost buys real comfort. For Terminal 1 travellers or those on a tight budget, the Liffey Lounge at €37 is the smarter choice. The decision depends entirely on your terminal, your schedule, and how much you’re willing to pay for peace before takeoff.
For more Dublin travel information, read our guide to the 13 Bus Route Dublin.
Related reading: 13 Bus Route Dublin
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a guest into the Martello Lounge?
Yes, guests are allowed, but they must have a same-day boarding pass for Terminal 2. Guest fees apply unless you have a lounge membership that includes free guests. Check with Priority Pass or your credit card provider for your specific plan.
Is there a dress code for the Martello Lounge?
There is no strict dress code, but most lounges expect smart casual attire. Flip-flops and beachwear are generally discouraged. The official Dublin Airport site does not specify a dress code.
Does the Martello Lounge have shower facilities?
Yes, the Martello Lounge has clean shower facilities with towels and toiletries provided (Dublin Airport official site). This is a major advantage over the Liffey Lounge.
Can I use the Martello Lounge on arrival?
No, the Martello Lounge is for departing passengers only. You must have a valid boarding pass for a flight departing from Terminal 2 on the same day.
How far in advance should I book the Martello Lounge?
Booking a few days ahead is recommended to secure the online discount. Walk-up availability is usually fine except during peak holiday periods.
Does the Martello Lounge offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, the official site confirms vegan and gluten-free options are available (Dublin Airport official site). The hot breakfast includes plant-based sausages and gluten-free bread upon request.
The key: for most travellers, pre-booking Martello and confirming guest policies with your card provider eliminates any uncertainty.