How far is Dublin Airport from Dublin City Center? If I need to stay overnight between planes, is it reasonable to go into the City Center for the evening or stay at the airport?
The city center is about a 20-30 minute bus ride or a 25 Euro cab ride. I would stay close to the airport, take the bus/cab into town, enjoy the evening and go back to your hotel. That way, the next morning you are at the airport and are not trying to get there. While at the hotel, get a business card or brochure so when returning, you can give it to the cabbie and he knows where to take you. If doing the bus, ask the hotel which bus number comes BACK to the hotel in the evening and what time do they run.