I will be arriving in Dublin by ferry from London. I know there is a bus that takes you from the ferry to the downtown bus station. My question - If I don't have euros, will they take pounds? What is the cost? I would rather wait until I get downtown to use an ATM for money because I have always heard airports, bus & train stations, etc. don't give a good exchange rate. Any suggestions?
€3 to Busáras. No sign that they will take any other currency, but I don't have personal experience as I always fly LON-DUB.
I think you will need euro. The cautions you have heard about airport ATMs are about those not associated with banks. Bank ATMs offer the same rates, and they won't charge you a fee for use (your own bank may charge you, though).
Your best bet would be to change some pounds to euro in London - enough to get you into the city center. The exchange rate may not be great but for a small amount it will be insignificant and worth the peace of mind.