I'll be arriving in Dublin from Nice/RS's Southern France tour at a little after 5 p.m. on Friday, May 24th. I fly back to SeaTac the next day at 3:20 p.m. Should I book a room in an airport hotel and just be content to relax or should I taxi into town and spend the night while trying to cram in a few more hours of Dublin before taxiing back the the airport. I will already have spent four full days in Dublin before my French tour. What think you?
Posted by
WestCentral MN
281 posts
We had a similar situation one of the times we went to Dublin, except we had our "extra" time in the afternoon and evening and had to be at the airport in the early morning. We stayed by the airport and took the bus into the city center. It was cheap and easy to use. I can't remember the exact name of the bus company. It stopped right outside our hotel by the airport. Like you, we had already visited Dublin, but ended up returning because the route we were driving had us end up back there to fly home. We enjoyed spending more time in the city rather than in a hotel room.
Posted by
237 posts
We found the express bus shuttle from Dublin Airport to Dublin center so quick and easy. Do some research as some or all have access to express lanes which allow them to avoid rush hour traffic. So I certainly think it's doable. It's just a matter of if it seems worth it after having already spent 4 days there prior to France. I don't think there's a wrong choice with the amount of time you have.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1556 posts
If it was me I wouldn’t waste almost a full day at the airport. I would go into town. I’m also not one to get to the airport 3 hours early. I figure there is something seriously wrong with an airport if I can’t make it from the entrance to the gate in 60 mins which even if you pad it I wouldn’t show up more than 2 hours before departure
Posted by
237 posts
Arnold, Dublin is one of the rare and wonderful non US airports where US citizens go through US immigration/preclearance at the Dublin airport, and upon arrival on US soil, just waltz through like a domestic flight, so there is a little more time that needs to be factored in.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2367 posts
It is recommended to.be there three hours due to pre- clearance and this can be quick.or can take.quite a.bit.of.time.which happened to us once when it took.all.of.two.hours. Don't chance it.in my opinion. You can still go downtown or to Malahide which is nearby and have a nice evening and still be at the airport by 12:30PM.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6547 posts
With an afternoon flight I vote for spending the last night in the city.
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
207 posts
We have done this before and, in fact, my husband will be doing again this summer. We've opted to stay by the airport. You can easily get in to the cute town of Malahide for dinner, etc. without the stress of making sure you can get from Dublin Centre to the airport on time. One of the best meals I've had in Ireland was at a great little brew pub in Malahide.
Posted by
USA
423 posts
Hello,
The Clayton Hotel Dublin airport is really nice with a free shuttle to/from and a good restaurant. Very convenient. Book on their official website for the best rates.
Posted by
Freedonia
15013 posts
I'd probably go downtown. It will be late afternoon by the time you get there but you will have The evening and early the next day to do anything you didn't see or do before the tour.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
94 posts
Why not go somewhere else? If you're talking about using a taxi to get from Dublin Airport into the city, why not pay a taxi to take you someplace new? Friday evening in a small town, you're likely to hear music (may not be traditional music), have a nice meal and pay less to stay. You have plenty of time to get back to the airport. There are also buses and commuter trains. Hell, you could take the train to Belfast and stay there if you want big-city energy.