I am planning a trip to Ireland in June and wanted to get some advice from people who have been to the Dublin Airport. I am planning on doing a multi-day tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland that leaves from Dublin at 9am. My flight gets in at 6:30am and I was wondering if it is possible to land and go straight to my tour meetup point in downtown Dublin. In your experience how long is it usually from landing to being able to get a taxi? I can always land the day before my tour starts but I would prefer not to. Any advice appreciated!
Posted by
Chicago
8164 posts
Consider it possible that your flight coming could be delayed. The last two flights I've taken have been delayed one for 30 minutes another 2 hours and I missed a train I was suppose to catch. This happens everywhere.
Count on 30 minutes to an hour to clear passport control and baggage claim in Dublin (depends on how many flights arrive arround the same time as yours) and then more or less 30 minutes by taxi to the city center
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
40 posts
Our recent flight from JFK to Dublin was delayed by 8 hours, so we missed our airporter bus to Belfast and effectively the whole first day of our trip. I say this not to discourage you, but as an example of what can unexpectedly go wrong. It was very frustrating, not to mention tiring. After flying all night, most of us aren't at our best the next day.
If you arrive the day before your tour leaves that gives you lots of time to relax, get a good sleep, adjust to the time change a little, and prevents the anxiety of arriving late. Perhaps you could find a nice B&B or hotel near to the place your tour departs. That sounds more relaxing, if your schedule allows.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Ireland!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I agree that for a "high stakes" situation, like meeting up with a tour, you should get in the day before.
I was also once had a departure delayed by eight hours (JFK to Lisbon - there was some kind of incident with a passenger on the incoming plane, so it was diverted to Dover Air Force Base, before it could go to JFK and board us). Of course, that's very unusual - but as I said, in your situation, you have no leeway at all if the flight is delayed even a bit, or if there is a hold-up at immigration. I wouldn't chance it.
Posted by
Freedonia
16274 posts
You haven't considered jet lag. Coming off a plane and trying to join a tour right away is going to be difficult.
You are better arriving a day before, spend the day/night in Dublin, and then catch your tour the next day. Less stress, more rest, and you have a day to explore Dublin.
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi Travel Gal, agree with the others that it would be a better idea to arrive the day before your tour begins. I was given this good advice from an experienced RS traveler prior to taking my first tour. It made all the difference. I made reservations at the tour hotel and was able to walk around the neighborhood a bit, have a meal and get some rest. I started the tour more refreshed than I would have been if I just rushed in from the airport. You can always tell the ones that did that, they fall asleep during dinner! Hope you have a wonderful vacation!