Belfast to Dublin

Train doesn't go to Dublin airport. Coach takes around 2 hours. If doing pre-clearance you will need to allow 3 hours. So leave on a coach no later than 5:30 ... or maybe the evening before.

Direct bus schedules are at www.translink.co.uk.

Preclearance wasn't wonderful. I arrived early, as suggested, at the airport. Went through airport security then a large waiting area (food and duty free shops) waiting for my gate information. At the wait area it said preclearance would open at 10 (my flight was at 1). At 10 I walked to the zoo that was preclearance. After checking your passport and boarding pass, again, you go through another, slightly different, security line. It took longer to get through this than the first. People who had flights at 11 were sweating and some flights were delayed.

The process wasn't anything like what was described on the airport's website. I had read there was no Global Entry option (was really looking for Mobile Passport) then, lo and behold, a line of Global Entry kiosks.

My advice is don't stop in the waiting area, go straight to preclearance. Even if it isn't open, you want to be in line before the crowds.

Thanks that is helpful