I booked a flight from New York to Prague that has an almost 12 hour layover in Dublin (5:15am - 4:40pm). Considering how long of a layover that is, I figured I would do a little sightseeing in Dublin, but I want to be absolutely sure if I will be able to leave the airport before I make any tour bus reservations. Can anyone tell me if I will be able to leave the airport? If so, what is the process (do I have to get my passport stamped, recheck my bags)? Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.
I had the exact same layover in Dublin last summer, and had no problems leaving the airport to do some sightseeing. But some reason the immigration officer insisted on seeing my e-ticket for the connecting flight before stamping my passport on the way out. Bus 747 will take you direct from the airport to O'Connell Street where most all tourist attraction are within easy walking distance.
Jorge, your best bet for a quick tour of Dublin is the hop-on, hop-off bus. The entire run is about 90 minutes, but you can get off at any point, see what is there, and get back on to continue your tour when you are ready. It goes past all the major sites and areas, and the guide is very informative and fun. You don't need to make reservations for it, just get on and pay on the bus. The ticket is good for 24 hours, so you have plenty of time.
As for checking your e-ticket for the ongoing flight, the same thing happened to me last year in London. I think they just want to make sure you are leaving the country as you say you are.