Dublin

Dublin’s international airport is located on the north side of the city. In the last five years the number of passengers using the airport has increased from 2 million annually to 10 million. As a result it’s pretty overcrowded. Nonetheless it’s well laid out and has lots of bars and cafes.

The country’s two main airlines, Aer Lingus (the state airline) and Ryanair (one of the world’s most aggressive low fairs airline) are battling it out for control of the airports’ terminals. The construction of a new terminal is currently underway and this is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

There are a few options for getting from the airport to the city. If you don’t have lots of luggage catching a bus is the simplest option. The buses run regularly and are cheap. There are taxis too and they are available, if not on strike, which they usually are. The average charge from the airport to the city by taxi is €40 to €50.

To get out of Dublin to other parts of the country, there are two options: bus or train. The trains are ok, provided you don’t go at peak times. Buses are cheaper and run more regularly, but take a lot longer to get anywhere. Neither option is ideal. Ireland is a small country and the roads are easy to navigate, so if your budget allows it, hiring a car is a good option.

If you plan to remain in Dublin for the duration of your stay, don’t hire a car. It’s not worth it. The city is constantly gridlocked and an irate Irish man behind the wheel of the car is not a pretty sight.

Taxis in and around the city are aplenty, but expensive. At peak times, expect long queues and hoards of angry locals vying for the next one. Catching a cab in Dublin is actually an art form. If you master it, don’t tell anyone.

Dublin is awash with tour buses. Five or six competing companies run regular tours around the city. This is the safest and easiest way to see the city. Dublin’s tourist office is located on St. Andrew’s Street, just off Dame Street and tickets for tours can be purchased here.

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