We have an eight hour layover in Dublin. (Arrive 8:30 am - depart 4:30 pm) We have been to Dublin before, and we know there are good transportation options into Dublin and that it is fairly close to the airport. We plan on going into the city center to see The Book of Kells and have tea and scones at Bewleys. I understand that there is a place to leave our luggage at the airport. It all looks good on paper. Does anyone have any information, advice or tips that might be helpful for us? Thanks
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
You don't say when you are traveling, but it could take a fair amount of time to get into the Book of Kells if you're not there first thing in the morning. I was there during the last week of February (off-season) and was one of about a dozen people in line when the building opened, so we got right in. By the time we left, though, there was a line out the door to buy tickets. I'd suggest going there first, once you get to town. You might also be interested in the Georgian House tour at 29 Lower Mount St (off of Merrion Square). The tour takes about an hour with the video introduction.
Posted by
OP
Everett, WA
1289 posts
Thank you Nancy for the tip. We will be there September 12th-probably even busier then when you were there.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2372 posts
There are two airport shuttle buses - make sure you take the one that drops you closest to Trinity College. I took Airlink bus #747, that dropped me near Temple Bar, but I know there is another bus that stops at Trinity (just ask the helpful staff at the bus stop). Make sure to allow plenty of time to get back, especially since there was a bit of construction and traffic near the airport. Also, if you're arriving internationally, it can take awhile at immigration, so you might not get out of the airport until 9:30 a.m. It appears from the Dublin Airport website that luggage check is NOT in the main terminal so factor a bit of time in for that process.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The left luggage office is only across the drive in front of the terminal, so it won't take much additonal time.
Posted by
westminster, md, usa
196 posts
Sadly, the Bewleys on South Great Street and Westmoreland Streets have been closed. The Bewleys on Grafton Street was relaunched in 2006 as a coffee and tea house; so it is still open. I think you can still get tea at the Bewley hotels in Ireland.
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
Connie,
It sounds like a good plan. I agree that you should head to the Book of Kells first, but as long as you do that you shouldn't have too much trouble getting in to see it.
I wouldn't add anything to this. Much better to be relaxed during your layover and not have to rush back to the airport for your next flight.
Enjoy your trip!