For a big airport like Dublin's, one would expect a business lounge that's impressive and up to the standard of the whole airport. I for one expected that. Facing MAC cosmetics right after you pass security check, on the left side, before gates 401-426, you will see a sign that notifies you that you have reached the airport lounge. Up on the first floor, a large space awaits you.
Unfortunately, do not expect to be pampered at this lounge as the amenities and services available are minimal. After the counter, choose to sit on the right or left wing. I personally would recommend the left one that is wider in space, more lit, with no kids' playground. It's more private.
The DAA Lounge is nice in design, white and grey medium height ceiling, large leather lamps pending, floor covered with grey carpet except for the buffet area where fake parquet annoys everyone with sound of shoes clapping. Along the main wall, a few posters are up, grey and white sofas surround square tables while other violet and green individual chairs fill the other parts of the space. The place is spacious and relaxing but far from being luxurious.
The buffet's tiny little choices:
- Jacob's fruit shortcake, Digestive biscuits, Golden Shortie biscuits, and custard cream biscuits.
- Bananas, apples and oranges
- A few Danish pastry rolls
- John Cambridge whole wheat bread
- Jacob's cream crackers
- An empty bucket of fruit salad
- Three choices of corn flakes with a hand written sign (no added sugar)
- Two choices of jams (black currant and breakfast marmalade) from Chivers
- Cognac, rum, whisky and one choice of wine
- Racks filled with empty bottles of wine that have not cleaned in ages
- A small fridge of butter and cheese
- An Espresso machine
I'll skip this lounge the next time I'm in Dublin airport. It's sad that such a huge airport with a very large choice of shops and restaurants, has a lounge that's so 'blah'. And to top things, the best part of this lounge, ironically speaking, is their uncaring, unwelcoming and unsmiling staff that will make your experience memorable to say the least.
