Dublin Airport's Old Terminal During Construction

British newsreel footage of the new airport at Collinstown, Co Dublin under construction in the summer of 1939. With its tiered form, the award-winning terminal, which was designed by Desmond FitzGerald, echoes the look of an ocean liner. The curved design was used to present a large building facade to the airfield side where aircraft would park.The building was designed to cater for about 100,000 passengers per year.
Dublin Airport officially opened on January 19, 1940. But due to World War 2, or The Emergency as it was known in the Republic of Ireland which was neutral, the airport was effectively mothballed for five years.
The old terminal building is now a listed structure, part of which continues to operate as departure gates making it one of the world's oldest working airport terminals. The building also houses the head offices of daa and Met Eireann's Dublin Airport office.

[@eamonmartin852]

I am pleased to view this historical video as I never knew it existed . The Collinstown [after the townland name] airport closed for the duration of the war .As soon as private cars were back on the road my father would visit the port often on a Sunday morning . The only part open in 1947 was the public balcony on the left. It was a great experience to see the occasional DC plane land or take off . The windows were covered with heavy drapes probably to reduce damage of air attack. The port became so popular in the 50s that a charge of 6p was taken from sightseers . My father supplied meats to the crew depot. My first experience of tasting white bread was a loaf giving by the manager .

[@solihullcarrolls5873]

My Dad worked in this building in the 50's and 60's. I can still remember going to see his 'office'! Happy days.