6 Ways to Make Flying Home From Ireland Less Stressful

You've a long enough day of flying ahead of you, you don't want to make it longer with driving and the stress of getting there on time.

I am a very frequent flier from Dublin Airport and here's how to keep stress low when you fly.

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1. Come Back To Dublin The Night Before Your Flight

If you've been traveling around Ireland on your vacation, you definitely should come back to Dublin the night before your flight home.

If you look at Google Maps and say "oh Kilkenny to Dublin is only 90 minutes, I'll just drive straight to the airport", you haven't met the M50.

The M50 is the ring road around Dublin and is notorious for accidents that bring traffic to a crawl.

2. Stay By The Sea, Not The City

But don't stay in Dublin city on your last night. Instead stay in Malahide, by the sea and only 15 minutes from Dublin Airport. It's a gorgeous village and it's relaxing.

The Grand. Dublin’s best airport hotel is at the beach.

It’s your last night in Ireland. Instead of a generic airport hotel, stay in Malahide. A relaxing & beautiful coastal village close to Dublin airport.

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3. Return Your Rental Car Early

To make your travel day even easier, and save a few bucks, I recommend returning your rental car the night before your flight. Drop your car off, take a short cab to your airport hotel.

It just saves you another hour on your travel day & might even save a day's rental.

4. Know What To Expect With US Preclearance

If you're flying to the US, you clear US customs and immigration in Dublin Airport. Get to DUB at least 3 hours early. Read my guide so you know exactly what to expect at the US border in Dublin.

Dublin Airport US Preclearance Guide: 12 Steps To Help You Fly Through

Navigate Dublin Airport’s US PreClearance with 12 steps by a frequent DUB flier. From timing tricks to lounge access, everything you need to clear US immigration with ease

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5. Book A Lounge

Preclearance is great, but you have to get to the airport early. If you're lucky and get through Preclearance quickly, then you have time to kill.

Book the lounge to relax before your flight. It's less than $50 but worth it for breakfast, showers, and priceless peace.

If you're flying to the US, you'll use 51st & Green Lounge.

51st & Green Lounge in Dublin Airport Review By A Dubliner

This is the lounge for all US bound passengers from Dublin. It is after you go through US Preclearance and it’s not a bad lounge. Not great, but not bad.

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6. Fly Business Class

Fly business class if you can afford it. I can't afford it, but I still fly business these days, thanks to airmiles, not bank balance. Here's my most recent United Polaris Business Class review to see what you're getting for your money.

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