brit_usa2014

I’ve got 2 questions for those who have travel experiences with both Dublin and Shannon Airports

1. While going to the UK I have a 9hr wait at Dublin airport. Is it worth to book a lounge or are there enough stuff to do to just hang about if I don’t book? I don’t have a priority pass so I’ll have to pay for the lounge access. First time travelling through Ireland so I have no idea what to expect.

2. This time the situation is reversed. Coming from Edinburgh to Shannon Airport I only have a 1.30hrs layover time. Is that sufficient time to clear security and USA pre clearance immigration? And this is given that the flight is on time 😂.

Any inputs would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.

Lion in Winter

Dublin airport is not large. It has a good array of shops and places to eat for its size (get the breakfast at the place upstairs if you are there at that time of day), but it won't keep you occupied for 9 hours. In fact, I can't think of any airport that could keep you occupied for 9 hours. If finances permit, book a lounge, take a shower, have a nap.

Don't know Shannon, sorry.

excpomea

I agree, there are two terminals next to each other. A few shops and resturants but nothing to entertain you for 9 hours.
Ref the lounges, we were there last Sept, pretty sure the lounges are in the departure areas. We could not access them whist waiting for our flights to Exeter.
We ended up in one of the resturant areas trying to sleep, it was a long 3 hour wait for our flights.

Now the departure, We really liked the pre clearance, it was a bit of a hassel all the lining up and multiple screenings. But so worth it at the other end.
Time wise, your pushing it. Pray that there are no delays on to flight to Ireland.

rpjs

Nine hours layover at Dublin would be comfortably long enough for a quick trip into the city.

excpomea

True, maybe an hour in rush hour traffic.

carcajou

Absolutely. Buy one of those city guide books, book a great spot for lunch or dinner and off you go. Just be back at the airport about 2 hours before.

If the layover is during night hours - go book a room at a hotel. At least you can have a shower etc.

leahyd

Hello,

I am a Republic of Ireland (RoI) citizen and have been through Dublin and Shannon to many times to count.
Neither will keep you entertained for 9 hours. Buy lounge access it is only about €30.
Dublin has 2 terminals, in general the long haul flights arrive into and depart from Terminal 2, short haul or budget carriers from Terminal 1.
Shannon is a small terminal with very little to do, if a US military flight has landed from the middle east it will be rammed with troops.
The advantage to me in both airports is the US Pre-clearance. US CBP has borders in both airports in other words you fly from either Dublin or Shannon after you pass through security you then cross the US border at the US Pre-Clearance zone. Meaning when you arrive in the US you are treated as a domestic arrival.
Search online for pre clearance in Dublin or shannon and you will get the official line.

Rete

Don't make assumptions for others. You are familiar with the area as it is your home/country but for other travelers with time to kill between flights who have never been in the cities, they might very well be happy to go out of the airport for a few hours to window shop, grab a bite to eat, see the local color. Sure as hell beats sitting in an airport lounge getting drunk over those 9 hours.

N1cky

Also, don't make the mistake of going through pre-clearance too early at Dublin. There is nothing at all to do at the other side, and no access to anything other than a small newsagent style shop.

rpjs

There is a lounge in the pre-cleared departures area at Dublin now, 51st and Green. Not used it myself but I've seen favourable comments on it and I think it takes walk-up payments if not included in the ticket.

moneypenny20

Irrelevant to thread but Changi in Singapore could, just about.

scot47

Sit in the lounge and read a book ?

steveq

Incheon,
Dubai.....
But not Dublin

Dorothy

I haven't been to Incheon, but Dubai and Changi are doable for 9 hours.

When I had 7 hours at Dublin in December I took a taxi to the city, had a coffee and stretched my legs then headed back. There's not much to do at Dublin really.

excpomea

Lol, I think you went to the wrong place. There are a lifetime of things to do in Dublin.