What to Do in Dublin Until Your Hotel Is Ready For Check-In
Are You Flying Over Night From the US?
"My flight lands in Dublin at 5am but I can't check in to my hotel until 3pm, what should I do?"
I've flown from the US to Ireland more than 100 times. I fully understand the jetlag, brain fog, and the desperate need for a proper bed.
Here are the best ways to get your Irish trip off to a good start.
From Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport can have taxi shortages in the early hours and we don't use Uber here the way you do in the US. So prebook your Dublin Airport transfer.
The last thing you want it to be waiting in a long taxi queue after flying all night. It's about 30% more than a regular taxi but worth it to have someone waiting for you in Arrivals with your name. It's prepaid too so no fumbling for Euros.
Get a Room
Tús maith leath na hoibre is an Irish saying which means a good start is half the work. Coming to Ireland is the trip of a lifetime, so start it well.
If your flight lands before 6am, then get a room. It's too early to kill time. Dublin is a quiet city and even coffee shops don't open until 8.
Your room will ready for you when you are craving it. You can have a nap, shower & be ready to explore by noon. You’ll feel the benefit over your whole vacation.
The Chauncery Hotel is on a quiet street. Here are my other hotel picks.
Darragh
Hop On Hop Off Bus
When you're tired, you want something that doesn't need much thinking. The lack of sleep hurts your brain. You don't want to navigate Dublin's confusing streets.
The Dublin Hop-on Hop-off bus is perfect. You just sit on a bus and get your bearings. Don't even get off it. Bring a coffee on board, enjoy the sights and the commentary. Sit on the upper open deck for fresh air to keep you awake.
The Dublin Jetlag Buster Walk
I'll show you around Dublin on the tour designed specifically for the jet-lagged. It’s a relaxed introduction to Dublin & is the best thing you can do when you land.
🧭 Learn how Ireland works - I'll give you all my Irish recommendations.
😌 Stories, not lectures - This isn’t a boring walk. We keep it lighthearted and fun.
Darragh
Guinness Storehouse
Guinness is the ideal thing to do after your flight. It is crowded & loud. There's music and dancers. The sensory overload actually keeps you awake. The morning is the best time to go too before it gets super busy. It's Ireland's most visited attraction though so book well ahead! Book Your Guinness Tour
Explore on Your Own
Dublin is not the easiest city to navigate on your own. It's 1000 years old and they didn't do city blocks back then. But if you follow this one street, you'll pass a lot of the main tourist sites. Make sure you have your eSim set up for data in case you get lost!
Darragh
Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Tour
Enjoy afternoon tea on a fully restored 1960s vintage double-decker bus. Tea and a city tour! They do morning departures and serve lots of coffee. It's one my favorite things to do in all of Dublin! Book your tea time
Day Pass at a Gym
Get energized with a workout or just use their pool, hot tub and steam room. This is my old gym and is next to Dublin Castle & Christchurch.
Street Food Tour
After a night of airplane food, you're hungry. Do a food tour and it's a good way to have someone show you the city too.
See Dublin From The Water
Stay moving to stay awake. This River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise will show you Dublin from a totally different angle.
What NOT To Do
- Any tour that needs you to think. You'll just be thinking about bed.
- Museums? You'll doze off reading about 1000 year old things.
- Anything that involves decisions. Prebook and have your first day organized.
Pick A Better Flight
I've flown the Atlantic so many times that I have nailed how to get the best flight to Ireland. There are 5 factors I consider before booking a flight.
Darragh
More Dublin Tips
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