We'll be arriving in Dublin about 9 AM on a Sunday. Need to pick up my companion's checked luggage, get rental car, find a church for Mass (about 1.5 hours), and drive from Dublin to Gendalough. Not sure how long the get-car/leave-Dublin part will take. Do you think we'll have enough time to visit Glendalough that day, or should we plan to spend part of the next day in Glendalough also. I've been before and estimate I could easily spend 3-4 hours at the site. And if anyone knows of a Catholic church easily accessible from airport or on way to Glendalough, I'd love to know.
Thanks!
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
Time of year is important to know to be able to answer your question. The bigger question is will you really be able enjoy yourself for 3-4 hours on Day 1. There should not be any problems finding a church, however you might find you are cutting it close to find a noon mass. Figure you clear immigration and customs by 10:15. Check in with rental car place, shuttle to get the car, maybe you are driving off the lot by 11. That is best case scenario. I'd try to get down the road 30 mins or so and leave greater Dublin. So that would get you to the area of Rathcoole (Dublin 24). Now search for churches with noon mass times (some have 11am and not noon masses). I am assuming since you are saying "mass," you are talking about an RC church, not Church of Ireland. If your flight is late or any other part of the process holds you up more than an additional 30 mins beyond the scenario I spelled out, you will need to find a closer church or skip mass.