Snapshot review: T1 Lounge, Dublin Airport
T1 Lounge at Dublin Airport is the go-to lounge for almost all airlines operating here besides Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates. Despite this, the lounge suffers from a lack of investment and being located in an old part of the airport. Here’s what you can expect from this lounge.
The lounge entrance can be found adjacent to T1 Security with it being located on the 1st Floor of the terminal.
The lift displays all the airlines which can use the T1 Lounge but it’s worth noting that a number of these no longer serve Dublin post-Covid.
With a slightly strange layout, the lounge is split in two with a thin sliver of floor space dedicated as the lounge reception that connects both parts.
The part of the lounge to the right of the reception is smaller and was more limited in its offering. A small self-serve beverage area is available as well as a small selection of food.
If you are visiting this lounge, the right-hand side of the it is where you should head to. This area has a greater selection of seating, including more office-focussed areas, sofa chairs and bar tables. The space is well lit and despite being an older lounge, the operator has tried to modernise the area.
A similar selection of food and beverages are available on this part of the lounge.
However, there are dedicated baristas who can make coffee drinks for you rather than using the self-serve machines.
Surprisingly, the coffee was some of the best I’ve had from any lounge globally.
I managed to enjoy my coffee while working from one of the bar tables - which was one of the few available spaces to sit at. The lounge was exceptionally busy during my time here - often being uncomfortably so, which was no surprise considering the rest of the terminal.
Finally, there is a restroom available next to the left and entrance. These are neither impressive nor well-maintained but at least the operator has ensured the facility is available close by for the lounge users only.
Conclusion
Head across to the T1 Lounge if you have access on your next journey departing from Dublin particularly for the coffee. I would not under any circumstance pay for access to the lounge as the offering is just not good enough to warrant paying for admission. If you do not have free access to a lounge either through a Business/First Class ticket or lounge pass card, then head to the more premium East Lounge. The review for this other excellent lounge will be out soon and you will see why it is the preferred option.
