Sorry for all the last minute questions, but...
I've been reading about the Luas and still don't understand how they work. Do they actually go to the center of the city, or near attractions/places of interest?
If we bought a day pass for the Luas, could we get around without using the HOHO?
With just one full day in Dublin, I would like to maximize my time.
Both the LUAS and the DART are primarily commuter resources - not really ideal for tourists unless you want to explore further afield. Most of the attractions in Central Dublin are located within in a pretty compact area. Might be easier for you and your group (4 people I think you mentioned in an earlier post) to just select those things that most interest you and hoof it, especially in the areas around Temple Bar, Trinity College, Grafton St., St Stephens Green, etc. Even the GPO isn't all that far away. Besides, there are plenty of places to stop, rest, and recharge along the most popular tourist routes.
Although riding the HoHo is the best way to get an overview of the city, with only the one day you could skip it this trip and make strategic use of taxis to get you and your group around if you want to visit places like Phoenix Park...or just to get you back to your hotel after a long day of walking - probably cheaper than HoHo tickets for 4 people too.
Robert, you are so kind to answer my questions. I really appreciate it.
We are staying outside the city in Sandyford industrial estate, so that's why I was wondering whether the Luas go all the way into the city, and if we could use it to get around.
Walking isn't a problem for us, once we get downtown. Do taxis have set fares for the various areas, or is one at the mercy of a meter in traffic?
The Luas is great from Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green. You could just buy a round trip ticket for the day instead of a day pass.
I actually like the HOHO bus if the attractions you want to see and the order you are willing to see them line up. Plus it is fun to see the stops in between. I would find the map online and see if it works for you.
Have fun!
I agree with Stephanie that the best option is to take the Luas from Sandyford to St. Stephens Green (and return), and either walk from there or jump on the HoHo . The bus really is a terrific option and isn't that terribly expensive for a single day ticket...around 12 Euro as I recall. And it would be the most efficient use of your time. You might Google one of the HoHo service providers (there are a few) to check out their routes and then decide whether the outlying stops (am thinking Kilmainham and the Guinness Storehouse in particular) would justify the expense for you and your group. As mentioned before, once you're at the Green you could easily just spend your day walking around to the attractions within the compact city center.
Afraid that I don't recall how the taxi fares are calculated, but after checking the fares on the Luas from Sandyford I doubt that one would be a more cost-effective alternative for you.
If you've only one full day in Dublin then the HOHO will provide a good tour and overview of the major sights. Aside from your trip on the tram in and out of the city centre you're unlikely to require any other tram or bus trips. Taxis are regulated and metered.
The Luas only has two lines at present, mainly for commuters into the city centre from the west (red) and south (green). You could use them as park and ride, and the red line does run by the National Museum, across O'Connell Street by the GPO, neither is the HOHO you are looking for.
But as park and ride into the city if staying outside, they are ideal. I prefer the red line as it is more of the tram then the green, but that is a matter of taste.
Thank you all for the additional information.
It's very helpful, and I'm less stressed as I begin to get options and info on the various means of transportation in Dublin.
