It's a bugs life of luxury at Dublin Airport, as a new hotel for its tiniest inhabitants has opened.

The hotel was built to encourage insects that perform a valued service to the environment - such as pollination and pest control.

It is also being used to support biodiversity in the airport gardens.

The idea came from Dublin Airport's environment department, and was brought to life by airport carpenters who designed it.

Carpenter John Duffy said: "We used old untreated pallets as well as a host of natural materials such as logs, twigs, and branches to make the insect hotel.

Ceila Breathnach and Daniel O'Hagan checking in at the Bug's Hotel | Image supplied to Newstalk.com

"Colleagues in the gardening section were very helpful in sourcing the building materials so that the only purchase was the chicken wire to prevent birds gaining access," he added.

Some of the insects that have already 'checked-in' to the hotel include solitary bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

"We hope insects such as green lacewings, ladybirds and earwigs will also make use of the sheltered surroundings of the hotel for nesting and hibernation over the coming months," he said.

Many of these insects are seen as vital for pollination and pest control, and it is hoped the hotel will help to keep the airport's flowerbeds healthy.