Traveling in May

Hi again Christina! 

The trip is getting closer and that's great news! 

B&B's have the reputation of having welcoming hosts and homemade breakfasts, but it doesn't mean hotel staffs can't be helpful and friendly. You will still have a private room at the end of the day. If the hotel you booked is well located, I would perhaps keep it since you'd probably visit many different locations in Dublin using your Leap Visitor Card.  

Speaking of the Leap Visitor Card, it's an excellent choice and it save you time at the airport since you already ordered it (note that it's a physical card, it will arrive by the mail at your address)

Talk soon and have a good Sunday!

Antoine

Hi guys 
I did book an all day tour for the Cliffs and Galway from Dublin the second day I get to Ireland. I know its a long trip and alot of being on a bus but how do I see the great green Ireland. I do know we stop at Doolin village for lunch, Fishing Village of Kinvara, the Burren, the Cliffs, Bunratty Castle. They say I will be at the Cliffs for one and a half hours. I was told it is a waste of time too much in a bus. I value opinions. I want to as much of Ireland while in Dublin. Can you help me with any other ideas or trips or companies I can join for a solo traveler. I do not want to rent a car but I just cannot figure out which day trip is legit and which isnt? I am planning on seeing Trinity college, some musuems and the jail in Dublin. Where do I go outside of Dublin? What company do I use to see the cities and which cities
Thank you again
Christina W

Hi Christina,

In my opinion, I would say that visiting the Cliffs of Moher is a must-do when in Ireland. Seeing the cliffs, especially on a clear day, is unforgettable and the highlight of many people's visits to Ireland. Doolin is a delightful place that is also absolutely worth visiting (and great for a bite to eat!), as well as places like Kinvara, the Burren, and Bunratty Castle.

So, I would say that the time you be in the bus will be far outweighed by the experience you're likely to have! Because Ireland is quite small, any bus journey you taken will only last for a few hours anyway.

Our Travel Operators page is a good place to find options on recommended companies who offer tours both to and around the island of Ireland. Outside of Dublin, you could explore Ireland's Ancient East, which is full of amazing history.

Another good idea is to stay within County Dublin but get out of the city by exploring some of the area's coastal towns and villages. Somewhere like Dalkey, for example, is well worth a visit.

Regards,
Eoin

Thanks Eoin!!
I feel better on some decisions.
I will check out the traveler page
Christina W

Hi Guys again
I think I have my Dublin days pretty narrowed down. i have not set things in stone but I have day trips planned and a list of things i want to visit. All your help on this community has been great. 
Now its my days in Belfast. I know what I want to see but I am not sure where everything is located and how to bundle my experiences exactly. I can tell you i have a Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones tour set for one day. Another day I have  Black Taxi Political Tour scheduled for an morning and Belfast Studio Game of Thrones tour later that day. I want to spend some time at the Titanic museum as well as the St George's Market, Crumlin road Goal, Dunluce Castle, Queens Quarters, Old Brushmill Distillery, Ulster Museum and The Gobbins ..... thats it so far. I just do not know what is near what. Any chance you can tell me what is worth seeing and what is near what. 
What is the best way to get around in Belfast. I figured I would do ALOT  of walking. 
AGAIN thank you for all your help. Oh also is it the Connelly train station I the one i take to Belfast?
Christina W

Hi again, Christina,

It's great to hear that your trip is starting to take shape. I'm sure it will be wonderful. Belfast is a great city to visit and there is so much to see and do, both within the city itself and in the surrounding area.

In terms of finding your way around Belfast and the different attractions in the city, there are some very handy maps that you can download, including a Belfast City Map and a Belfast Visitor Guide. There is also a Northern Ireland Visitor Guide Map which should be useful for you.

You have a good list of places you plan to visit and I would just suggest that you divide up your time in order to see as many of these as you can. The ones that are worth seeing are the ones that most interest you.

Taxis and public transport are great ways to get around Belfast, as is walking, which you mentioned. And, yes, it is Connelly Station that you can use to travel from Dublin to Belfast.

Regards,
Eoin

Hi guys
Me again
My last night in Belfast I’ve decided to go back to Dublin so I don’t miss my early flight
Question
Do you recommend a hotel in Dublin to stay for the night and can get a taxi to Dublin airport?
I was thinking of coming by train to Dublin from Belfast. If so I’m confused with which station to go to when I arrive in Dublin
Thank you
Christina W

Hello Christina! 

Glad to hear the planning is still going strong! 

It's not a bad idea to already base yourself in Dublin the night before your flight. That way you'll feel less rushed and ready for the journey home. You can use our accommodation search tool to find a hotel in Dublin (by scrolling down the page you'll find the filters and search results). Taxis to the airport from the city centre should cost anywhere between €25.00 - €40.00 and shouldn't take longer than 25 minutes drive. There are also a number of bus options available of which Dublin Airport has a handy overview here. 

The train from Belfast to Dublin takes just over 2 hours. You'll depart from Lanyon Place station in Belfast and arrive at Dublin Connolly Station, Dublin. There are several connections between the two cities each day. As Eoin previously mentioned, you can find more details on our public transport page, and you'll also be able to find some more information on times and prices on the Irish Rail website. 

I hope this helps with the final preparations!

Best,

Alex

hi alex
I want to thank you and every one for all the much needed help and advice. I did see Eorin's previous note. I did book a train from Dublin to Belfast. I was ok with that. What I was confused with is the location of the other two train stations which would coincide with where the hotels are located  for me to stay that one last night before I left for the airport.
I did not want to stay too far away from the center if I was walking alone at night.  I am pretty much all done with all of my schedules and day plans. Leaving some social time to see stuff on the fly. I can't thank you all enough. I appreciate all the info. I go through all the messages frequently. I hope to meet you guys in passing.
Thanks again and I am sure I will be asking a few more questions before my trip on May 27!!
Christina W

Hi Christina,

It won't be long now until you are in Ireland enjoying yourself! Given that you'll be arriving into Connolly Station in Dublin, you'll be situated very centrally in the city (just around 10 minutes walk to O'Connell Bridge).

The accommodation search tool that Alex shared will come in handy here. For example, the Beresford Hotel is located just four minutes walking from Connolly Station and is listed on our website. It should be easy to book a taxi the following day to bring you to the airport.

Best of luck with the rest of your planning.

Regards,
Eoin