The landing approach into Dublin offers more dramatic and sustained views of distinctive geography (Dublin Bay, Irish coastline, Wicklow Mountains). While takeoff from Midway is pleasant, the transatlantic flight's primary visual reward comes on arrival over Ireland's east coast.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Newfoundland and south of Greenland (both typically at cruise altitude, too distant for detail). The mid-Atlantic offers open ocean with occasional weather systems visible as cloud formations. As you approach Ireland, the continental shelf becomes visible as a subtle color change in the water, and the Irish coastline emerges gradually—first as a thin dark line, then resolving into bays, peninsulas, and the distinctive shape of Ireland's east coast with Dublin Bay as a prominent indentation.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpeg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Dublin (DUB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Dublin. The landing approach into Dublin offers more dramatic and sustained views of distinctive geography (Dublin Bay, Irish coastline, Wicklow Mountains). While takeoff from Midway is pleasant, the transatlantic flight's primary visual reward comes on arrival over Ireland's east coast.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Midway typically departs westbound (runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding eastward during climb-out. Left side faces inland toward the industrial southwest suburbs. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern horizon), Chicago downtown skyline (east-southeast), Cicero and industrial corridor (southwest), Des Plaines River valley (north).
What can I see when landing at Dublin in Dublin?
When landing at Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dublin approaches from the east over the Irish Sea (typically runways 10L/10R). Left-side seats provide views of the Irish coastline, Dublin Bay, and the city's north and south suburban sprawl as you descend. Right side faces inland toward the Wicklow Mountains and rural Leinster. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay (north of airport), Irish Sea coastline, Wicklow Mountains (south, distant), River Liffey and city center (west).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Dublin?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Dublin (DUB) takes Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Chicago to Dublin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Newfoundland and south of Greenland (both typically at cruise altitude, too distant for detail). The mid-Atlantic offers open ocean with occasional weather systems visible as cloud formations. As you approach Ireland, the continental shelf becomes visible as a subtle color change in the water, and the Irish coastline emerges gradually—first as a thin dark line, then resolving into bays, peninsulas, and the distinctive shape of Ireland's east coast with Dublin Bay as a prominent indentation.