Dublin for a Day...advice?
 

My son and I will have a 24 hour stop-over in Dublin in late October, arriving early afternoon on a Thurs...my question is how to best make use of the time? My boy is 16 and 6'8" so I expect him to fly under the Pub Radar as far as being allowed in to enjoy the nightlife goes, but beyond that I'm clueless. Also, how long it will take to bus into City Center from the airport? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!

Hello, DadandDevon:

My husband and I made our first trip to Ireland in October '04, stopping in Dublin first for two days. As I recall, the bus trip takes about 35 minutes from the airport into the city(www.dublinbus.ie).

As for the pubs, you may want to consider the Irish-Music Pub Crawl (www.musicalpubcrawl.com).

Also, since you are short on time, the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour is a great way to get an overview of the city and the major sites. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you buy it, and depending on your schedule (and your jet-lag), you can get off the bus to see a specific site that interests you and then re-join the bus later to continue the tour.

I'm certain that regulars to the Board will add comments and suggestions. Have a wonderful time and enjoy -- Ireland is magical!

Sue

The Hop on/off bus is your best bet. Take a full tour then pick put what you want to see.
Take a walk down Grafton Street. This is their "walking street".
Have fun!

out, not put sorry!

Hop On/Off bus would be high on my list. I'd also suggest staying in City Centre to be close to the action.

The busride depends on which bus you take (there are two that are specifically for transit between city centre and the airport)...the luxury coach has a few more stops and can take about 60 minutes...the other takes 30-45 minutes. I've taken both and found them comfortable. The luxury bus costs about a euro more, and it is a nicer bus.

Thanks for all the great advice...I've inquired with the Musical Pub folks and am looking forward to getting the info...as well, the On/Off Bus sounds ideal...any thoughts on City Centre B&B's? I figure a couple of guys won't need anything fancy- something above a Hostel would do just fine.

Thanks again (I'm more excited than the 16 year old!)

Hello, "Dad," again -- re a B&B in Centre City Dublin, there aren't that many, especially within a budget, tho' others may have ideas.

My suggestion would be to check out Trinity College, which opens its 800 rooms to the public during the summer (www.tcd.ie/conferences -- and then click on "accommodations"). Also, note that the Hop-on bus has a stop there. You can get rooms very reasonably, and the website offers info and pics.

I can certainly understand your excitement over the trip. What a great trip for a father and son -- you'll have a grand time!

Sue

I am pretty sure the rooms in Trinity are only rented untill the end of september as the students return October.

Hi Dad:

My nephew is a mere 6'2" and could not get into any pubs at night. I'm not sure the height will be the only determining factor. If he looks young at all, they will ask. Now, perhaps if he's grown a beard, or better yet, balding .....

We stayed at the Pembroke Townhouse, a little further from the city center but very nice and very quiet. We were able to walk to the city center in about 20 minutes. There are buses also but we never managed to catch one. There were a couple of nice pubs along the way also, some with some decent music.

If you have a chance to get to Kilmainham jail, I highly reccommend it. It's not really a "cheery" site, but a very import one. The tour is very well done.

Bill

Dear Dad:

Sorry to have recommended Trinity College as a possible accommodation, as I forgot you are traveling in October and not during the students' vacation period. Good update from SiobhanP on this matter.

Re the Musical Pub Crawl, I think (but am not certain) your son may be able to go. Our two teen cousins went on the Tour with their parents in August '03, and had no problem (as long as they didn't drink, of course). But, per Bill, there could be an age issue, I guess -- best to inquire beforehand.

Good luck with your planning,
Sue

Thanks all...I appreciate the heads-up and am looking forward to using your great advice to make an already great trip all the better!

"Dad"