What to Do in Dublin Until Your Hotel Is Ready For Check-In
Landing in Dublin at Dawn?
"My flight lands in Dublin at 6am but I can't check in to my hotel until 3pm, what should I do?"
This is probably the most common question asked on Irish travel groups.
You're exhausted from flying all night. And now you have hours to kill in a foreign city.
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 Four Options for Early Arrivals in Dublin
1. Book A Hotel For The Night Before
Book your hotel for the night before you arrive. Sleep for a few hours. Shower. Wake up feeling human and ready to explore.
Yes, it costs extra. No, you won't use the room for 12 hours that you've paid for. But you will use the bed when you desperately need it. Yes, it’s worth it.
This may be a once in a lifetime trip for you so if you can afford it, do this.
When To Absolutely Book The Night Before
If your flight lands before 7am.
This screenshot of Dublin Airport arrivals this morning shows how many early arrivals there are.
If you land at 4am, you really have to no option but to get a hotel.
Even if your flight lands At 7, you can get a solid nap and be fresh, showered and ready to explore by noon.
Tús maith leath na hoibre is an Irish saying which means a good start is half the work. Starting a busy week of traveling without sleeping for 40 hours is not a tús maith!
Here are some good hotel choices in Dublin to get some sleep. Your body will thank you even if your wallet doesn’t.
2. Bag Drop & Explore
Land, go to your hotel. Explain that you've been flying all night and would appreciate being able to check in early. In the Summer peak season, they'll likely be so busy they won't have a room available. But give them your number and ask them to call you as soon as a room is ready.
Drop your bags at the hotel. Then go on a tour where you don't have to do much thinking. I'm telling you this from experience, the lack of sleep kicks in right around 10am. You don't want to be trying to do too much or navigate Dublin's confusing streets.
Here's what works:
Hop-on Hop-off bus
This is perfect. You just have to sit on a bus. I don't even suggest hopping off. Just stay the full circuit and get your bearings in a new city. Make note of what you want to visit. Buy a 2 day pass, they're not much more than the 1 day pass.
Guinness Storehouse
It's crowded & loud. There's music and dancers. The sensory overload actually keeps you awake. This is ideal for the day you arrive. Book well ahead. It's Ireland's most popular attraction.
Croke Park Skyline Tour
Walk on the rooftop of Ireland's biggest stadium. The adrenaline of being 17 stories high will override your jetlag. You'll see the entire city from the rooftop & the guides are very entertaining. Kids love this one!
Do An Activity
Do something that keeps you active. Like this Irish Coffee Class or forge your own Irish Ring. Or get a massage, you're guaranteed to fall asleep, but you'll wake up rested and feeling great!
Walk Around Dublin
Dublin is a small city. You can see a lot of it in a few hours. And there's coffee shops everywhere. The only problem is that our streets are confusing, even to the well-rested.
I've developed an easier way: I call it Lines. Think of it like following a subway line. You follow one main street and see loads of sites. The Grafton Line is my favorite.
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 800 year old stuff.
- Howth Cliff Walk. Too much navigating & steep cliff edges.
Shower In A Hostel
Somewhere to lie down for a few hours and have a hot shower. All for €25. It's not everyone's thing, but it's just for a few hours. You're not staying here. I'd pay the money just for a hot shower after flying all night.
And our hostels are usually nice. Well travelled people stay here, not parolees.
4. Book 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 six factors I consider before booking a flight and I've written a full guide to picking the best flights.
Dublin Hotels
More Tips To Beat Jetlag
- Bring an eye mask. In Summer, the sun rises before 5am.
- Bring ear plugs. Those chirpy birds will keep you awake.
- Do get a nap on arrival day, even just a short power nap.
- Take a taxi from the airport. It's worth the extra few Euro when you're tired.
- Don't drink much on the plane. Our Guinness is so much better anyway.
When You Leave Ireland
US Immigration and customs is here in Dublin Airport, which means it is crucial to get to the airport early. Learn everything you need to know about in my Dublin Preclearance guide.
Bottom Line
Early arrival in Dublin isn't about sightseeing. It's about surviving until you can sleep properly. Ireland will still be here tomorrow, but your sanity might not be if you push too hard today. Get rest and save the craic for when you're fresh!
