What to Do in Dublin Until Your Hotel Is Ready For Check-In
Landing in Dublin at Dawn?
"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.
From all my experience, here's the best seven things you can do.
1. Book A Hotel For The Night Before
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 and book your hotel for the night before you arrive. It's money well spent.
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.
If you land at 5am, there's nothing open, Dublin is not a 24 hour city, and you'll find it hard to kill time.
The Chauncery Hotel is on a quiet street for some good rest. My other hotel recommendations are on this page below.
Darragh
Drop Off Your Bags
If you don't book the room, go to your hotel and drop off your bags. Explain that you've been flying all night and would appreciate being able to check in early. Give them your number and ask them to call you as soon as a room is ready.
2.Get A Hostel
Hostels, wtf? Bear with me here ! First of all, our hostels are nice. Well travelled people stay here, not parolees.
You're not staying here for a week. Just a few hours until your hotel is ready.
For a low price, you get a hot shower, somewhere to leave your bags, usually coffee and you can even lie down for a few hours.
I'd pay the money just for a hot shower after flying all night.
See how lovely our hostels are here
3.The Dublin Jetlag Buster Walk
Come on a private guided walk (with me!) designed for folks who’ve just landed after an overnight flight:
- Move, breathe, caffeinate – the perfect jetlag antidote
- No effort from you – I do the talking, you just keep your eyes open
- Learn how Dublin works – how to get around, where to eat, what to avoid
- 2 hours - €100
4.Hop On Hop Off
Do something that doesn't need much thinking. The lack of sleep hurts your brain. You don't want to be trying to do too much or navigate Dublin's confusing streets.
The 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. Buy a pass
5.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. It's Ireland's most visited attraction though so Book well ahead.
6.Make An Irish Coffee
Coffee is always good when you are tired!. Learn to make an Irish Coffee in a whiskey museum. Irish Coffee Class
7. 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.
Darragh
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.
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.
- Book a transfer 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.
Darragh
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!
