It’s almost that time of year when everyone’s favourite question is creeping into the conversation again.. so what is Santy bringing ye for Christmas?
Christmas music is playing in the shops, the decorations are being installed, and most importantly, the Christmas markets are coming to towns across Ireland. We love the hustle and bustle these markets bring at Christmas time, with the beautifully crafted gift options and festive appetisers to keep us all jolly. We have compiled a list of the best markets to visit during the holiday season to get you right in the Christmas spirit!
Coming in at number 1 is the Galway Christmas market! Close to our hearts and in the City of Tribes, the Galway Christmas market is back to bring its beautiful sparkle from 6pm on Friday, 11th November, until Thursday, 22nd December 2022.
This will be the thirteenth year of the market in Galway. Visitors can enjoy various stalls in Eyre Square along with amusement rides, including a 32-metre-high Ferris Wheel and Santa’s Express Train! Enjoy a magical walk through the enchanted light gardens with friends and family, which can make for the perfect insta photo!
The 2022 Market will also feature Christmas gift ideas from local and European traders.
Looking to get to the Galway Markets this year? We have daily services up to every 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City to Galway!
Every year, Glow Cork transforms Bishop Lucey Park into an enchanting Christmas festival in the centre of Cork city. This year Glow runs from November 25th – January 8th. Here you will find Santa’s magical workshop deep within a winter wonderland. Here, Santa’s elves prepare him for his busiest night of the year, delivering presents to the world! But, before you go, get the kids to write their Santa letter before going so they can post it in Glow’s letterbox when you get there.
If you plan on making the family trip to Glow Cork from Galway or Dublin, you can travel with Irish Citylink or Gobus!
3. Dublin Castle Christmas Market
At number 3, we have the Dublin Castle Christmas Market! Making its return to the courtyard of the castle for the fourth time, the market will be filled with more than 30 traditional market stalls. A little bit different to other markets, this is a tickets market that only lasts the 13 days before Christmas! Each stall features an array of crafts and gift ideas for treating your loved ones with some unique gifts. Not to mention the food and drinks stalls that will have some delicious festive goodies on offer! So let your inner child roam free and enjoy the light displays and fun fair with a vintage carousel.
Don’t miss out on the festive fun! Book your journey NOW at Irish Citylink or Gobus to any of these amazing destinations over the Christmas holiday season!
Did you enjoy this read? You might like our other blogs below!
Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble!
The air is getting crisper, the leaves are getting crunchier, and pumpkin-spiced lattes are back in town. All of this means one important thing… Spooky Season is upon us! As the land of myths and legends, Halloween is a tradition that has been celebrated in Ireland for well over a thousand years.
Which got us wondering… what exactly are the origins of Halloween? Although wildly popular in America (as one of the best nights of the year), Halloween is filled with street decorations, on people’s houses and costumed kids running around. Some might think it came from Mexico’s Day of the Dead. However, the festival of Halloween actually originated in Ireland as a pagan festival called Samhain (pronounced saw-when). This was when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts before welcoming the darker months of the year.
In modern times though, Ireland is very similar to America in the tradition of good old trick or treating, not to mention the barmbrack tradition, bopping for apples and fireworks! Since this Halloween is the first without social distancing in two years, we imagine everyone will only be itching to get out and have some spooky-filled fun.
We’ve done you the favour of finding some of the best Halloween-themed events happening in Ireland over the next few weeks!
THE NIGHTMARE REALM – DUBLIN
At Number One is The Nightmare Realm, known for being the ‘Most Entertaining Horror Experience’ and even awarded ‘No.1 Haunt in the world!’
From humble beginningsin Tralee, Kerry, back in 2009, to now having its 7th year in the Big Smoke (Dublin City), The Nightmare Realm set out to terrorise the people of Ireland. Each year is different to the last as they redesign haunt themes and mazes, switch up characters and update their most infamous rooms! Nothing is ever the same as it once was. It’s innovative, entertaining and, most importantly.. absolutely terrifying!
Sounds like a bit of you? Check them out here for more information: The Nightmare Realm
Known for their infamous Halloween Parades, Macnas are up to something very different this year. Instead of roaming the streets of Galway, you can find them at Macnas HQ at Fisheries Field, Galway, where apparently an ancient giant named Con Mór lives! Professor Marjorie Morrigan, an expert in Giants & Where They Come From, has said – “This giant seems to have been here for centuries. There is a very large iron nose, so big and rusty, you could park a car in one of the nostrils.”
The word on the street is this big fella belongs to the legendary Tuatha De Danann tribe and comes from an ancient Island of Giants off the coast of Connaught. Con Mór was so famous across Ireland for his love of birds and nature that his friends called him The Bird King!
Perfect for the family and kids, or even those really big kids who just never knew how to grow up. You can see CON MÓR, The Giant, situated on the banks of the River Corrib from 12 noon on Saturday, 29th & Sunday, 30th October 2022. Keep an eye out and see if you catch the pop-up performances from the Macnas Drummers, Macnas Brass, Macnas Stilters and Macnas Youth Theatre across Galway city!
Travel from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Kinnegad and more! Check out our website for more details at citylink.ie
3. LIMERICK CIVID TRUST HAUNTED HALLOWEEN WALKING TOUR
?
This year, the Limerick Civic Trust offers the opportunity to take a walking tour of Limerick’s haunted medieval quarter in St. Munchin’s Graveyard and Bishop’s Palace, Church Street, Kings Island. Hear about all the tales of Limerick’s ghastly past with tales of ghosts that are said to haunt The Bishop’s Palace and the area of King’s Island to this very day!
You’ll get to hear first-hand about the haunting experiences that the Limerick Civic Trust staff and volunteers have experienced in the building. The tour takes you all around these areas where terrible murders took place. Where ghosts that warn of impending death live, such as the Delmedge ghost that is said to haunt the area.
Due to the scary nature of the tour, apparently, participants are even asked to sign a waiver before partaking in the tour! Saying all those who manage to complete the tour will receive a certificate of completion will show just how brave you are.
Tours run every day from Wednesday, 25th October to Tuesday, 31st October, inclusive at 5 pm & 6 pm.
This year marks the awakening of a giant and beautiful beast. Coming out of her slumber and calling out to her legion of otherworldly night creatures to celebrate Samhain. The moment when our human world and the other world, the unseen world of shadows, coexist freely.
Welcoming its 17th year, the Dragon of Shandon Parade is the highlight of CCAL’s annual arts calendar. Working with local artists to create a cultural hub and provide a friendly and carnival atmosphere within the entire city on Halloween night.
Some of the groups already involved in this year’s parade so far are the Cope Foundation, National Learning Network, YMCA, Aisling Cap, Joan Denise School of Dance, Cork City Samba, Circus Factory, The Tribe Dance Academy, UCC Film and Screen Media, Aatma Indian Dance Troupe and many more.
It looks and sounds like it is NOT to be missed! For more information, click here: DRAGON OF THE SHANDON
Nothing beats the post Summer blues like a cheeky Autumn getaway to look forward to. There are many amazing destinations at our doorstep in Europe, waiting to be explored. Keep reading to find out about our Top 5 picks for an Autumn City Break in Europe.
Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is well known for its sovereign heritage, cobbled streets lined with historic facades, and is the 2nd most bicycle-friendly city in the world. The beautiful city’s historical and cultural attractions have made it the second-most visited destination in the UK!
Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the highest courts in Scotland. The city’s Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland, making it rich in history and artefacts.
You can fly to Edinburgh from all major airports in Ireland, including Cork Airport and Dublin Airport, served by Citylink Routes 251 and 761/763.
Some of the main attractions in Edinburgh include:
Arthurs Seat: An ancient volcano site in Edinburgh
Calton Hill: An exceptional viewpoint and site of many historical monuments
The Royal Mile: The walk from Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle
Illusion Museum: A really cool spectral museum near Edinburgh Castle
Travel time from Dublin Airport is 1 hr 10 mins
Travel time from Cork Airport is 1hr 20 mins
2. Brussels
The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is home to the seat of the European Parliament and the Belgian Royal Family is a wonderland to visit. Walking through the streets, you’re met with incredible buildings and sites.
Brussels is known for its exquisite cuisine and beverages, including its local waffles, chocolate, french fries and its numerous types of beers.
As well as its historical and architectural landmarks; some of them registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To top it all off, Brussels is a hub for rail, road and air traffic. Sometimes considered, together with Belgium, as the geographic, economic and cultural crossroads of Europe. Brussels will be beautiful in Autumn, with the evenings turning a bit colder and the leaves changing colour.
You can travel to Brussels from Dublin Airport daily, and it is well worth a weekend getaway.
Some things to see in Brussels:
The Royal Palace of Brussels – Seat of the Royal Family
European Commission/Parliament Buildings – Government buildings of the EU
Grand Place – Historic Square in Central Brussels
Mannekin Pis – Famous Bronze Statue in Brussels
Atomium – Museum, an art centre and a cultural place.
Travel time from Dublin Airport is 1hr 30 mins
3. Madrid
The capital of Spain, Madrid, lies on the River Manzanares in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid is a hub of business and tourism in Spain, housing the headquarters of the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI), and the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).
As well as Spain’s political capital, Madrid is Spain’s royal capital, with the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) situated in the centre of the city. Madrid is bursting with activities and sites, including the Buen Retiro Park, the Reina Sofia and Prado Museum. Enjoy amazing art museums, the Gran Via shopping district, and a thriving nightlife.
The autonomous region of Madrid also hosts cities like Toledo and Segovia, both sites oozing with history.
You can fly directly to Madrid from Dublin Airport, making it a very convenient city to travel to!
Some sites to see include:
Retiro Park – Huge park in the City Centre with 2 leisurely lakes
Gran Via – Shopping district in Madrid with many famous brand stores
Segovia – Medieval town in Madrid with a massive viaduct at the entrance of the town
Museums – The Reina Sofia and Prado are famous museums hosting artists like Picasso and Goya
Teatro Real – The Spanish Opera, hosting magnificent operatic art performances
Palacio Real – The Royal Palace of Spain and the city residence of the Spanish royal family
Travel time from Dublin Airport is 2hrs 30 mins
4. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a world of culture, politics, media and science. It is Germany’s capital and largest city, bursting with a fascinating history. Not only that, but it is one of the most populous cities in Europe!
The city’s main features are the many lakes in the western and southeastern boroughs formed by the Spree, Havel, and Dahme rivers. Due to its location in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. As a result, about one-third of the city’s area comprises forests, parks, gardens, rivers, canals and lakes.
The city has numerous orchestras, museums, and entertainment venues and hosts many sporting events. Its Zoological Garden is the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. The city is also well known for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and very high quality of living.
Things to do:
Brandenburg Gate – Grand classical archway and city divide
Reichstag Building – Historic, glass-domed home of Parliament
East Side Gallery – Section of Berlin Wall for street art
Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe – Columns commemorating the Holocaust
Checkpoint Charlie– Cold War and East/West border landmark
Museum Island – Art museum and Cathedral
Travel Time from Dublin Airport is 2hrs 20 Mins
5. Venice, Italy
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is situated on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. Venice was once a financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. And a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto. During this period, it was also an important centre of commerce – especially for silk, grain, spices, and art from the 13th century to the end of the 17th.
The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parts of Venice are renowned for the beauty of their settings, architecture, and artwork. In addition, Venice is known for several important artistic movements – especially during the Renaissance period.
Although the city is facing some challenges (including an excessive number of tourists and problems caused by pollution), Venice remains a top-rated tourist destination. It has been ranked the most beautiful city in the world numerous times. It has been described by the Times Online as one of Europe’s most romantic cities and by The New York Times as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man”.
Things to do:
Grand Canal – Canal, basilica and palace
Rialto Bridge – Ornate footbridge over the Grand Canal
St. Mark’s Square – Landmark basilica-dominated square
St. Mark’s Basilica – Landmark cathedral with gilded domes
Burano – Island of lace-making and colourful fishermen’s homes
Murano – Museo del Vetro and glass souvenirs
Bridge of Sighs – Iconic white-stone enclosed bridge
Flight time from Dublin Airport is 2 hrs 40 mins
——————————————————————
No matter where you decide to travel, you are guaranteed to find some delicious cuisine, historic landmarks, fantastic nightlife, beautiful scenery and much more!
Travelling to Dublin Airport? Travel in luxury with Citylink. Our coaches offer onboard toilets, Free WiFi, charging points, generous luggage allowances, comfortable seats and friendly and helpful drivers.
Have any queries about our services? All information about our services can be found on http://www.citylink.ie
What you need to know about the cost. Travelling from Galway City to Dublin Airport by car can be an expensive and often stressful effort. However, your trip to the airport should be filled with excitement and relaxation, rather than worrying about the price. So let us help you figure out how to avoid the headache and empty wallets of today’s road travel. We calculated the cost of fuel, tolls, and parking versus the cost of a Citylink return fare.
Based on a one-week return trip to Dublin Airport by car, the cost would be €131.10 compared to Citylink’s online ticket price of €28. Not to mention the freedom of sitting back with free WiFi, plug sockets, and air-conditioning. Why not let someone else do the work and enjoy some quality me time?
Keep reading to see how much choosing to book with Citylink can save you.
The Cost of Fuel – €75
The average cost of fuel from Galway to Dublin is €75
According to the AA.ie route planner calculator, it would cost approximately €75 to complete a round trip from Galway to Dublin Airport based on the average vehicle. This estimate is based on a route via the M6 motorway. The price may vary based on the fuel used, the car you’re driving model, and when you ultimately decide to travel.
The Cost of Tolls – €16.40
Tolls on the M6 and M4 come to €4.80 one way. Toll plazas are the unfortunate necessity of a trip from Galway direct to Dublin. While travelling by car, they are something you will have to take into account. You will come across three toll plazas on your journey from Galway to Dublin City / Airport. One at Ballinasloe (€2.00 one way) & one approaching Kilcock (€3.00 one way), M50 Barrier (€3.20 one way). Meaning a return journey adds up to €16.40.
The Cost of Parking – €66.50
Dublin Airport parking is paid by the day for a long-term stay. Parking at Dublin Airport costs €40.00 per day or €4.00 per hour for a short-term stay, a price that can add up quite quickly. Long-term, however, which would be applicable in the case of our one-week stay example, would come to €14.00 per day – an astronomical price for a family holiday. In total, the cost of a return trip to Dublin Airport from Galway by car would be between €140.90 and €150.90, compared to Citylink’s online price of €28. That’s over five times as costly to travel by car.
So Why Choose Citylink? Opting to take a Citylink coach service to the airport instead of driving could save you as much as €112.90! This saving would make quite a difference to your holiday funds.
We have over 20 daily services from Galway – Dublin Airport. And 20 daily services from Dublin Airport – Galway, so you are guaranteed to find a time that suits you. Plus, our services provide free WiFi, plug sockets, air conditioning, on-board toilets, and reclining seats – the perfect environment to relax while you head to the airport.
Did you like this blog? Here are some more you might be interested in:
We understand that life is hectic and sometimes plans change. We here at Citylink want to make your experience as pleasant and seamless as possible.
A question we get asked a lot is “Can I change my booking?” and the answer is, yes! To help our customers have more flexibility and control over their travel plans customers can now amend their booking up to 3 times prior to the scheduled service departure time.
Conditions:
You can amend your booking with Citylink up to 30 minutes before a service departs its first stop
We are happy to change the time and date of your booking but we cannot change the destination.
How to manage your booking:
If you need help with amending your ticket, check out our handy video tutorial below.
Or check out our step by step guide below:
How to manage your booking:
When you go to our website www.citylink.ie, click “Manage my Booking” in the top right corner as seen below:
When you click on the “Manage My Booking” section the following page will appear:
Enter your booking reference number which can be found in your confirmation email, or if you chose to have your ticket text to your mobile, your booking reference number can also be found here. You will also need to enter the email you used to book your initial journey.
Once you have submitted these details, you can proceed to change the date and time of your booking. Your new ticket will be sent to your email.
With the acquisition of GoBus, Irish Citylink will become one of the largest private land transport companies in Ireland.
Irish Citylink, a wholly owned subsidiary of ComfortDelGro group headquartered in Singapore, has successfully completed the purchase of GoBus from its present owners. The acquisition marks a significant step forward for the company in expanding its network throughout Ireland.
On reviewing the market to identify companies that offer an excellent level of service, it was imperative to choose a company whose values and reputation aligned with the core values and level of service Citylink is known for. GoBus epitomizes these values that are important to our company and passengers.
David Conway, Regional Director of Irish Citylink, commented, “Having navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and as we are rebuilding and expanding the range of services we offer to the traveling public, the addition of the GoBus network will enable us to provide significantly more options to both Citylink and GoBus customers. This enhanced network of services will encourage more people to travel via public transport and support our greater green agenda of moving towards a sustainable public transport network”.
The acquisition of GoBus fits into Citylink’s strategy to become the largest operator of intercity coach services in Ireland. GoBus’ convenient services and fleet of modern and comfortable coaches, alongside Citylink’s premium and reliable services, provide major opportunities for the company to become the largest intercity coach operator in Ireland.
When asked about the acquisition, Frances Cahill, General Manager of Irish Citylink, commented, “This is just the beginning – The acquisition of GoBus brings so many new opportunities to the business in terms of employment, funding for local sponsorships, and the services we can provide for our passengers. We are absolutely delighted to bring two reputable transport providers together to provide an expanded network of routes and an even better customer experience for our current and future passengers!”
The stories behind Irish Citylink and GoBus
Irish Citylink first began right in the heart of Galway almost 20 years ago. The company’s distinctive blue and yellow coaches have become synonymous with high-quality, reliable, and affordable coach travel. In the beginning, Citylink ran up to 12 daily services between Galway and Dublin. Since then, they have expanded their business and network of routes to over 100 daily direct, express, and multi-stop services across all routes. Over 150 people are employed in the provision of Irish Citylink’s services in Galway, Dublin, Limerick, and Cork.
GoBus was established in 2009 and operates frequent and flexible coach services across three main routes serving Galway, Dublin, Cork, and Ballina. GoBus prides itself on offering flexibility and the best in comfort and safety on board.
Pairing GoBus with Citylink’s mission to connect Ireland’s towns, cities, villages, and airports across the nation by providing reliable travel is both ambitious and vital. Particularly as the need for public transport increases each year.
Irish Citylink operates a range of services in Galway, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Clifden, Loughrea, Athlone, Ballinasloe, and more. The company currently carry over 28,000 passengers per week across all routes which is forecasted to surpass 35,000 later this year. With these numbers in mind, it is clear that transport is an essential and vital service in today’s society. With this acquisition, Irish Citylink is determined to create a reality where transport is more accessible in Ireland than ever before!
For more information on how this acquisition will affect Irish Citylink and GoBus’ customers, please click here.
Traveling to Dublin has never been so easy! From Galway, you can hop on a Citylink bus at nearly any hour to be in Dublin 2.5 hrs later. With the stress of day-to-day life, it is important to wind down – do some retail therapy, indulge in some culture, or just go up for a nosey.
Recently, our marketing team took a lovely trip up to Dublin City to look around and take in some of the sites. Here’s what they did:
Early Lunch at Mind The Step
After a 2.5-hour bus journey, the first port of call should always be a caffeine fix. After a short walk through Liffey Street and nearby lanes, Mind the Step on Strand Street caught our eye. You’re greeted by high ceilings, cool décor, and smiling baristas when you walk in.
The menu is small but full of delicious items. A variety of sandwiches from classic ham & cheese to turkey and cranberry can come with some super tasty soup too. The sandwiches are served on fresh sourdough bread with a side of crisps. Once the food is in front of you, your belly will rumble, and your mouth will water. One of the most essential items is coffee. The coffee is strong, fresh, and perfect for giving you the jumpstart you need to continue the day.
Mind the Step also doubles as a dance studio. As you wander around the building, you’ll see little nooks and crannies with spaces to read and relax – it’s a perfect little oasis in a busy neighbourhood and is totally worth a visit.
Stroll along the Liffey
After lunch, it’s important to get your steps in! Walking along the Liffey does that perfectly. Make sure to stop in one of the many Starbucks along the way to get an icy beverage as you take in the sights and sounds. You’ll see a contrast between old and new buildings, monuments, and cool industry buildings like Hubspot HQ. It’s cool to walk up and meet the Samuel Beckett bridge, a super unique bridge crossing the Liffey. It gives you a great view of Dublin Port and, on the other side, Dublin City.
A Tour of the EPIC museum
Epic Museum is one of the must-see gems in Dublin City. Our team was lucky to visit and tour the magnificent building and see the exhibit. EPIC Museum presents the life and story of Irish Emigration. The museum shows everything from the far-reaching parts of the world to the impact it has at home. The building itself is a piece of history – a restored merchant’s dock where goods were loaded/unloaded.
Each room in the museum shows many different aspects, from religion to celebration to modes of transport. Each aspect is presented uniquely through audio productions, interactive displays, voice-overs, sculptures, and video clips. The team at Citylink spent over an hour wandering through the various rooms, mostly saying “Wow” and “Oooh,” as most of the information was unknown or new to the team. It was fascinating to see the impact Irish emigration has had on Ireland and the world and how the Irish community expanded into nearly every corner of the globe. We couldn’t recommend them enough, especially for all those instagramble opportunities! Check out some of the fab shots we got inside:
A Day out in Dublin is something everyone should pop into the schedule, and be sure to check out Citylink timetables to find a time that works for you! Want to have an even better look at how our day went? Check out our How to spend your day in Dublin Vlog on our Instagram and TikTok page!
Around the world, June is recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrating the queer history and the steps taken to where the community is today. Pride Month and pride celebrations are celebrated across the globe in various forms – through music, street performances, parades, and parties. For many in the queer community, it is a highlight to the calendar as community members and allies come together and show the power of equality.
A little history of Pride in Ireland:
The first pride week to be held in Ireland was back in 1979 – 10 years after the Stonewall Uprising, which saw LGBTQ Protesters clashed with police in New York in 1969. The first pride parade to be held in Ireland was June 1983, and 10 years later, in 1993, homosexuality was decriminalized, which was a monumental step forward for Irish LGBTQ+ Rights. Since then, equality for the gay community has been gradual, with the 2010 Civil Partnership Act and the 2015 referendum to legalize same-sex marriage.
At Citylink, Pride is incredibly important, not just for the workplace but also for our customers. This is because we strive to provide an inclusive space for all. So the importance of Pride at Citylink is not just for the month of June but is key to the company ethos. We recognized that workplaces, especially over the last couple of years, have been going through many changes. With hybrid working, change of careers, back to the office – but the one thing that remains a constant, including here at Citylink, is the value of diversity, inclusion, and equality.
Citylink provides a whole host of services across Ireland – Galway, Athlone, Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and an array of towns and villages along the way. As a company that serves many communities and people, we must show our support in any way we can.
Limerick Pride, 2019.
Pride celebrations around Ireland continue to grow. We’re delighted to serve many towns and cities that celebrate pride and show their support to the LGBTQ+ Community. We were delighted to see Inishowen host the inaugural pride in County Donegal. We hope to see many more like it in the future.
Citylink is proud to support Limerick Pride (July 4th – July 10th). Limerick Pride has lots to offer, including drag shows, performances, and art. Keep an eye on our socials for fun and exciting Pride content. We will continue to show our support for the many festivities and celebrations across the country.
At Citylink, we recognise travel can be stressful, here are a few simple tips to help you along the way.
Travelling to Dublin Airport can often prove an anxious journey. Allow us here at Citylink to take care of the main guidelines you need to remember before embarking on your journey to Dublin Airport.
1. Give yourself enough time
Always allow yourself extra time when travelling to Dublin Airport, this cannot be said enough. It is impossible to predict what may come in your way or what the weather may be like, therefore allowing that extra time gives you that peace of mind. As a rule of thumb we advise 3 hours for transatlantic flights & 2 hours for all flights in Europe. That is to allow 3 hours for Terminal 2 and 2 hours for Terminal 1.
Enjoy priority security with Dublin Airports dedicated Fast Track lane. Fast Track minimises any waiting time and gets you through Security in less than 10 minutes and also it gets you 10% off on Airport shopping. So if you’re tight on time or simply want more time to shop, grab a bite to eat or relax before your flight, the Fast Track service allows you make the best use of your airport travel time.
Fast Track access is priced between €5.95 – €7.99 and is dependent on date and time of travel. This may be worth your while especially if you plan to make a purchase in Duty Free.
3. Passports/Visas
How often do you get the reminder: Do not forget your passport! This happens far more often than you think on our eireagle and Citylink airport services. Keep a print and digital copy of your passport for further travel just in case.
4. Essential luggage tips
Don’t forget to pack an adaptor, battery charger, first aid kit, phrase book, insect repellent and sun cream if appropriate for your destination. If there is anything you’ve forgotten to include, don’t worry, you’ll find most travel essentials on sale at one of the many airport shops.
5. Check-in
There are two ways to check in. You can check in online 24 hours ahead of time and go directly through security or you can check in manually at the airport at a self-service check-in kiosk or the old fashioned face to face check in option. Always check your luggage allowance which can vary airline to airline.
Conclusion
We hope the following tips can act as a guide to helping you plan your trip away with as much ease as possible. If you have any additional queries in relation to any of our airport services, do not hesitate to get in contact with our Citylink team. We also have a FAQ section to answer any questions you may have.
Nothing beats the post Christmas blues like a quick Spring getaway to look forward to. There are a multitude of amazing destinations at our doorstep in Europe, waiting to be explored. Keep reading to find out about our Top 5 picks for a Spring City Break in Europe.
1.Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is well known for it’s artistic heritage, narrow houses with gabled facades and being the world’s 2nd most bicycle friendly city in the world. Amsterdam’s nickname is “Venice of the North” attributed by the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world in the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century and became the leading centre for finance and trade.
Exploring the cities canals by foot, enjoying a walk on Blijburg beach and learning about Amsterdam’s history at Stadsarchief (City Archives) are a few of the many amazing things you can do to make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Berlin is a world of culture, politics, media and science. It is the capital and largest city in Germany bursting with fascinating history. It’s 3,748,148 inhabitants make it the second most populous city of the European Union after London.
Among the city’s main features are the many lakes in the western and southeastern boroughs formed by the Spree, Havel, and Dahme rivers. Due to its location in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. About one-third of the city’s area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers, canals and lakes.
The city has numerous orchestras, museums, and entertainment venues, and is host to many sporting events. It’s Zoological Garden is the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. The city is also well known for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and a very high quality of living.
The “City of Love” as it is well-known globally is the perfect place to visit with your loved ones to overcome the Christmas blues. Paris, France’s capital city, is a major European city and global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.
Paris is especially known for its museums and architectural landmarks: the Louvre was among most visited art museums in the world in 2019, with 9.6 million visitors. The historical district along the Seine in the city centre is classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site, and popular landmarks in the city centre included the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, now closed for renovation after the April 15, 2019 fire.
Paris received 24.5 million visitors in 2018. It was ranked as the second most visited travel destination in the world in 2018, after Bangkok. The football club Paris Saint-Germain and the rugby union club Stade Français are based in Paris. The 80,000-seat Stade de France, built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, is located just north of Paris in the neighbouring commune of Saint-Denis.
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is situated on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. It was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as an important centre of commerce – especially silk, grain, and spices, and of art from the 13th century to the end of the 17th.
The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parts of Venice are renowned for the beauty of their settings, their architecture, and artwork. Venice is known for several important artistic movements – especially during the Renaissance period.
Although the city is facing some challenges (including an excessive number of tourists, problems caused by pollution, tide peaks and cruise ships sailing close to the buildings), Venice remains a very popular tourist destination, a major cultural centre, and has been ranked many times the most beautiful city in the world. It has been described by the Times Online as one of Europe’s most romantic cities and by The New York Times as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man”.
Things to do:
Grand Canal – Canal, basilica and palace
Rialto Bridge – Ornate footbridge over the Grand Canal
St. Mark’s Square – Landmark basilica dominated square
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. Budapest is a global city with strengths in commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. It is Hungary’s financial centre, and was ranked as the second fastest-developing urban economy in Europe.
Among Budapest’s important museums and cultural institutions is the Museum of Fine Arts. The central area of the city along the Danube River is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several notable monuments, including the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gresham Palace, Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Matthias Church and the Liberty Statue.
Things to do:
Buda Castle – Castle home of Hungarian art collection
No matter where you decide to travel in Europe, you are guaranteed to find some delicious cuisine, historic landmarks, fantastic nightlife, beautiful scenery and much more!
Travelling to Dublin Airport? Travel in luxury with Citylink. Our coaches offer on board toilets, Free WiFi, charging points, generous luggage allowances, comfortable seats and friendly and helpful drivers. Have any queries about our services? All information about our services can be found on www.citylink.ie
