# Help me check off a bucket list item! (Ireland, airports, beer)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [April 6, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899 "2017-04-06T16:58:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/1 "2017-04-06T16:58:30Z")

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One of the items on my bucket list is to have a pint of Guinness (or other local stout) in an Irish pub.

Now it appears that I _may_ be able to check this one off, but it’s going to be close and I need the advice and knowledge of any Irish dopers and experienced world travelers.

I am flying to Paris next month and, along the way, I have an approximately 6 hour layover in Dublin. I arrive at 8:05am and my flight to CDG departs at 1:45pm.

The way I see it, I need to:[ul][li] deplane [_] clear customs, [_] stash my luggage (1 bag, 1 carryon) [_] catch a cab or Uber to a pub [_] drink my pint [_] return to airport [_] retrieve luggage [_] re-clear security [_] get to my gate [/ul][/li]  
Most airlines recommend/mildly insist that you are at the gate 2 hours before departure for international flights, but in my experience that usually isn’t necessary. However, I’ve never flown through DUB before.

Any and all advice is welcome! Is it possible? (please don’t recommend that I just have a pint at the airport, that doesn’t count due to my own complex and arcane rules)

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**Author:** ![Disheavel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@Disheavel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disheavel)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/2 "2017-04-06T21:50:24Z")

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Easily! [Airlink Bus](http://www.aircoach.ie/timetables/route-700-dublin-airport-dublin-city-centre) will get you to city center in 30 minutes as well as return. You’ll have time to spare!

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**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/3 "2017-04-06T21:57:20Z")

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No experience with the Dublin airport, but is stashing your luggage necessary and realistic? Most U.S. airports no longer have lockers or a bag check because of security concerns. And is there a need to clear your checked bag through customs - won’t they send it through to Paris?

That said, I don’t want to be a wet blanket on a very worthwhile endeavor.

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**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/4 "2017-04-06T22:54:58Z")

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> [@TroutMan](#):
>
> No experience with the Dublin airport, but is stashing your luggage necessary and realistic? Most U.S. airports no longer have lockers or a bag check because of security concerns. And is there a need to clear your checked bag through customs - won’t they send it through to Paris?
> 
> That said, I don’t want to be a wet blanket on a very worthwhile endeavor.

A fair point, and I’m not sure. When you land in the US internationally (at least at ATL) you have to collect your checked bags and recheck them for your connection. I assumed that was the case everywhere.

I’ll be traveling light, only gone for 4 days, so if need be I’ll just carry everything. May not even check a bag.

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**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/5 "2017-04-06T22:58:51Z")

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> [@Disheavel](#):
>
> Easily! [Airlink Bus](http://www.aircoach.ie/timetables/route-700-dublin-airport-dublin-city-centre) will get you to city center in 30 minutes as well as return. You’ll have time to spare!

And they leave every 15 minutes! This is good information, thanks!

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**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/6 "2017-04-06T22:59:21Z")

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> [@August\_West](#):
>
> A fair point, and I’m not sure. When you land in the US internationally (at least at ATL) you have to collect your checked bags and recheck them for your connection. I assumed that was the case everywhere.

When you fly into the U.S., you have to go through customs at the first stop because your next flight isn’t international. Here you’ll be on an international flight from Dublin to Paris, so I’d think any checked bags will go through. I’d say just deal with the carry-on in the shuttle and pub rather than trying to find a place to stash it. And enjoy your beer!

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**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/7 "2017-04-06T23:52:22Z")

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> [@Disheavel](#):
>
> Easily! [Airlink Bus](http://www.aircoach.ie/timetables/route-700-dublin-airport-dublin-city-centre) will get you to city center in 30 minutes as well as return. You’ll have time to spare!

I’m just surprised it’s not called “AerLing Bus”.

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**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/8 "2017-04-07T00:38:14Z")

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I would note that you might want to check opening times, even in Ireland the pub owners do get some sleep and you’ll be there about 9:30-10:30am.

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**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/9 "2017-04-07T02:55:22Z")

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I think you can check your baggage straight through, so you’ll only need to deal with your carry-on. Left luggage at Dublin airport is 5-12 euros for 24 hours, depending on size.

As far as logistics, it is plenty of time. You’ll need to be back at the airport abut two hours before onward flight.

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**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/10 "2017-04-07T03:02:48Z")

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Go to GoogleMaps, enter /pub near dublin airport/. There are a half a dozen within a couple of miles of the airport, Kealy’s opens at 9 am. Here they are:

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.4126414,-6.2874947&z=13&output=embed&dg=ntvb

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**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/11 "2017-04-07T14:12:33Z")

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Kealy’s, by my view of the map, appears to be on the grounds of the airport and so is disqualified according to my own rules.  
There is a pub called the Chancery Inn that is a 6 minute walk from the Airlink bus stop that appears to open at 7am. (BTW, the reviews for this place are terrible, but the reviews themselves are wonderful e.g. “Many people would overlook this gem, they’d be better for it”).

So I’m going to create a pessimistic timeline, but assume an on-time arrival.  
805 - Arrive DUB  
830 - Get off the plane after waiting for a gate, waiting for a jetbridge, etc  
900 - Clear customs  
915-945 - Bus to Dublin  
955-1020 - Walk to Chancery, drink one or two pints  
1030-1100- Bus to DUB  
1100-1200- Transit security and walk to gate for flight to CDG.  
Mission accomplished!

Anyone see any flaws in that plan? I’m quite excited for this opportunity!

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**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/12 "2017-04-07T15:34:12Z")

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Are you allowing time for a drunken brawl when they realize you’re an American? 😉

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**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/13 "2017-04-07T16:34:46Z")

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> [@TroutMan](#):
>
> Are you allowing time for a drunken brawl when they realize you’re an American? 😉

Research the pub’s local soccer team, claim to be a hooligan-in-training, and drink…well, not in peace, but at least in one piece.

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**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/14 "2017-04-07T16:59:21Z")

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> [@TroutMan](#):
>
> Are you allowing time for a drunken brawl when they realize you’re an American? 😉

Shhh! He’s obviously Canadian.

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**Author:** ![Gus\_Gusterson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85f322/32.png) [@Gus\_Gusterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Gusterson)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/15 "2017-04-07T17:11:48Z")

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Once you’re at the pub, there are a few things you need to know.

Ask for a “pint of Guinness”. If you ask for a “glass of Guinness” you’ll only get half a pint.

Be patient. They might leave your pint sitting for several minutes before topping it off and giving it to you, though this is less likely in the morning when there won’t be too many pints being poured.

Don’t leave a tip. The price they ask is the price you pay.

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**Author:** ![Gus\_Gusterson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85f322/32.png) [@Gus\_Gusterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Gusterson)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/16 "2017-04-07T17:23:33Z")

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If they don’t let your pint settle before giving it to you, leave it until it is settled (all the bubbles have risen to the top).

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**Author:** ![Gus\_Gusterson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85f322/32.png) [@Gus\_Gusterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Gusterson)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/17 "2017-04-07T17:29:26Z")

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Last one:

Your pint will be served cold. Some people think that it’s supposed to be served warm (room temperature, I guess), but it’s not.

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**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/18 "2017-04-07T17:46:16Z")

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After you finish your Guinness, ask if they have any beer on cask. Mmmmmmm.

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**Author:** ![beagledave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6de8d8/32.png) [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/19 "2017-04-07T17:54:39Z")

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> [@Gus\_Gusterson](#):
>
> Last one:
> 
> Your pint will be served cold. Some people think that it’s supposed to be served warm (room temperature, I guess), but it’s not.

It’ll be served at “cellar temperature”. Not room temp, but also not Budweiser ice cold.

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**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\
**Post date:** [May 31, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899/20 "2017-05-31T20:32:30Z")

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Just popping in to follow up.

My side trip was a complete success! Took the Airlink Bus (Thanks **Disheaval**!) to the Temple Bar area, found a full Irish breakfast at a touristy pub, then followed their advice to a local pub that was serving Guinness at 10:30am. The buses were running a bit slow due to an incredible amount of road construction , but I factored in the extra time and made my way back to the airport in plenty of time.

The people I interacted with were, without exception, helpful and kind. I can’t wait to go back and spend more than 3.5 hours.

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-check-off-a-bucket-list-item-ireland-airports-beer/783899.md?page=2)
