With its reputation for friendly people, stunning scenery and lively music, Ireland is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Flights to Dublin arrive at the Dublin Airport (DUB), which serves as the gateway to the capital city and the rest of the country.
Ireland is such a small country that from the Dublin Airport, a visitor could head out of the city and reach the cities of Cork or Galway, as well as smaller villages along the beautiful coast, in a matter of hours.
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is about 6 miles north of the city center. Major airways operating out of the airport include Aer Lingus, Air France, American Airlines, Delta, Emirates, Lufthansa, United and U.S. Airways. A number of smaller, budget and regional airlines offer flights to Dublin as well, including Ryanair, CityJet and Flybe.
The airport has two terminals. Terminal 2 has a fully operational U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility to clear international passengers before they head home from Ireland. The airport also has an assortment of shops and restaurants.
Visitors can take a bus or taxi from the airport into downtown Dublin. There are regular city buses as well as more expensive and direct airport shuttles. Car rentals from most of the major agencies are also available. A taxi to the city center costs about $20 to $30 with a small charge for each additional person. The DART rail line offers easy access to picturesque coastal villages just minutes from the city.
Attractions in Dublin
As a major European city, Dublin offers much to do year-round. Whether you are seeking a sophisticated restaurant, a performance of traditional Celtic music or a quiet stroll by the seaside, Dublin can provide it.
The city center is compact enough to walk around in a day, but one great option for visitors is the hop-on/hop-off bus that visits all the major attractions. This includes must-see locations like the Guinness Brewery, Trinity College and the urban park known as St. Stephen's Green.
National museums in Dublin are all free, including the National Gallery as well as other museums focused on natural history and archaeology. Visitors who enjoy history will also want to stop by the main post office on O'Connell Street, which is an important landmark related to the 1916 Easter Rising independence movement and the establishment of the Republic of Ireland. Grafton Street is the main shopping area, and visitors can find local pubs outside the Temple Bar area to enjoy a pint of Dublin-brewed Guinness.
Hints and Tips for Visiting Dublin
Bloomsday, a celebration of the writings of James Joyce, is celebrated on June 16 each year. Dublin has long been renowned for its plays playwrights, and both The Abbey and The Gate are historic theaters in the city that are still in operation.
Dublin offers a variety of cuisines, but look for the many local chefs who are updating traditional Irish food with exciting results. A typical mid-range meal for two is around $60. Average temperatures in Dublin range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and it rarely snows during winter.
