We land at noon and take off the next day at noon back to the States. Can't decide about staying at an airport hotel or getting the most of our Irish experience and staying downtown. Also what activites and places will you try and see in 24 hours. We will get reservations for the Guinness Factory tour but looking for help planning the rest of the day - what can we walk around and see ... thanks for all your help
Posted by
Irving
2945 posts
Since you depart at noon the next day you have plenty of time to get to the airport so stay downtown. Consider sleeping in the touristy but fun Temple Bar neighborhood. O’Connor Street is a good street to stroll.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2822 posts
The only reason to stay in one of the airport hotels is because they tend to be a lot cheaper than staying in the city center. You could check into an airport hotel upon arrival, dump the bags, briefly settle in, and then hop a taxi or one of the Airlink buses to head downtown, returning whenever you're ready.
I too would opt to stay in the city, and Temple Bar is a good suggestion - it's central for any number of strolls around the city just soaking things in and exploring all of the convivial pubs in the area. Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Grafton Street and St. Stephens Green are all close by. Bring some soft earplugs if staying in Temple Bar - it stays pretty noisy until the wee hours.
You clear US Customs & Immigration at Dublin airport which simplifies things upon arrival back in the States but it does require that you be at the airport at least 3 hours prior - no problem if your flight leaves at noon whether you're staying at the airport or in the city.
Posted by
Land of La
8655 posts
The Guinness Factory tour?
Really?
There's so much more to Dublin than the Guinness factory and this if from someone who loves Guinness.
Book of Kells and the Long Hall at Trinity College, Kilmainham Goal, Christ Church Cathedral and the crypt, Samuel Beckett bridge, Dublin Castle, church mummies at St Michan, National Museum of Archeology, enjoy the street art in Temple Bar and the Italian Quarter, the Dead Zoo at the Museum of Natural History....people watch St Stephens Green....
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2364 posts
Totally agree with what Claudia says about the Warehouse. We keep going back to Kilmainham Gaol because the history just fascinates us but be sure to get a ticket. I think it is Christ Church that has a fantastic underground worth seeing and the walk across the Hapenny Bridge and the GPO are also nice to see. Again so much to see. Enjoy .
Posted by
3122 posts
I'll just throw in a contrary view that staying in an airport hotel would be less stressful. I'd rather be able to check in, leave my bags, and go see some of the city in the afternoon and evening, then sleep well and get to the airport in plenty of time to go through USA Pre-Clearance and prepare to board.
For me, staying by the airport would greatly reduce any stress over my incoming flight possibly being delayed, any type of snafu checking out and getting to the terminal the next morning, etc. I'd say it depends on your traveling style and how nervous (or not) you tend to be around transatlantic flights.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6521 posts
We walked to the Guinness brewery just to say we went because I seldom drink beer. I couldn’t believe what they charged to take a tour.. We didn’t take it. With the time you have you could easily see the main downtown area and enjoy the nightlife in the Temple Bar area.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2822 posts
On our first trip to Ireland many years ago we opted to stay in an airport hotel due to worries about getting to the airport in a timely fashion on the morning of our flight. We quickly realized, however, that doing so was overly cautious on our part and ever since have stayed in the city and just caught a taxi to the airport. No muss, no fuss, no hassle. The taxi costs around 30 Euros, and takes about 25 minutes for the trip. And you can't beat the convenience of the door-to-door service.
The airport hotels are fine if you just want to get a good night's sleep before your flight, but they're pretty isolated with little to do in the immediate vicinity, whereas staying in Dublin opens up a variety of options for a last stroll around the city, having dinner, or just grabbing a pint at one of the pubs.
You'd save a lot of money by staying at the airport however - more than enough to cover taxi fare to and from Temple Bar if you'd rather do it that way.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1370 posts
Stay downtown! The Guinness Storehouse is a fun experience but more tourist attraction/museum than factory tour. Temple Bar is great and if you like Irish pubs also try a couple elsewhere. Book of Kells is underwhelming but the library room makes the visit worthwhile. Wander around an enjoy yourselves! Sláinte