Early arrival...what to do?

So...our trip is coming up in about two weeks! Woah!!! We'll be arriving in Dublin 9/1 at 5 a.m. Realizing that it will take a bit to process out of the airport, etc. and taxi time to the city...might you recommend a cafe in/around Aloft Hotel that we could having a meal? I am hoping the hotel will offer to hold our luggage (and maybe feel sorry for us and let us check-in early, lol). Need to blow some time before checking in and seeing the Book of Kells.

Hi Robin,

It'd be my sincere pleasure to help make sure your trip starts off on the right foot! 

Assuming it takes a couple hours to get out of the airport and sorted, I think the Lemon Jelly Café might be just be open and it's one of my favourite spots to have morning tea. It's a little cafe about a ten minute drive from your hotel, but it does open at 8:45 am on Sundays. 

That might be just a wee bit late, though, so I tried to find a spot that opens a bit earlier. The Taste Food Company is a five minute drive from your hotel and they're open at 7:00 am on Sunday, which might just be perfect. A third option would be Keoghs Cafe, which opens its doors at 6 am sharp and they're about a seven minute drive from where you're staying. That said, I've never popped by these spots before, personally. 

I do hope this gives you a few options to choose from! 

Do you mind if I ask what you have planned after popping by the Book of Kells? I'd be just delighted to hear more about your plans or offer any advice, if you need to fill out your itinerary just a wee bit.

Hi Robin,Hope you are all set!
You are very close to the Fumbally cafe - which is delicious and opens at 8am - https://thefumbally.ie/food/

Bewleys on Grafton Street is also an iconic Dublin cafe and is en route to the Book of Kells too :) https://www.bewleys.com/ie/grafton-street-cafe/

Hope this helps and you have a fantastic trip,

Emer 

Hi Robin,
I found the following places, which should be open on a Sunday morning - 
Sunday Openings:
Keogh’s Café, Trinity St (off Dame St) – opens at 9AM
Taste Café, South William St – opens 7AM
Citron Restaurant at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, St Stephen’s Green – opens 6.30AM
I would think that most hotels would serve breakfast from 6.30/7AM, so you might be able to relax in the hotel before check-in?
All of the above are approx. 15mins walk from Aloft Hotel and just 10mins from Trinity (Book of Kells).
I hope this helps.

Thank you one and all! Great suggestions. I've printed them out.
Rochelle- I think we're going to mainly walk around and get acquainted the first day (jet lag might set in). Perhaps walk St. Stephen's Green, or see what is happening with that Merrion Sqare (or street?) art fair. Definitely want to take in some live music later in the evening. Maybe tour Guinness? Second day will likely be Book of Kells/Trinity/Library, maybe the Gaol...? Maybe Dublin Castle. Probably Grafton/South Williams Street. Any thoughts? We're totally open!
Peace, R.

Hi Robin,

A walk to St Stephen's green would be a wonderful way to shake off any jet lag, a beautiful spot to sit and watch the day start!

If you are thinking of Kilmainham Gaol, it is definitely worth booking ahead as it is a popular place to visit and it helps define your day if you have a plan to work to. Dubin City has plenty to keep you busy and walking around is a great way to get to enjoy the city or even try the hop on hop off bus tours which take you to all of the main attractions and include some discounts on entries.

Martin

You should definitely consider having a float around the area near to the airport.

If you get in early and you're hungry, take a taxi out to Swords (10-minutes max by car).

Grab breakfast in the Green Straw (the pancakes are incredible!) and then walk 2 minutes to Swords Castle.

Many people miss the castle here, which is a shame as it's incredibly well maintained!

Enjoy the trip!