Flights from Sydney to Dublin

The best time to visit Dublin

Dublin has unique seasons, and each one offers a slightly different experience. Summer in Ireland lasts from June to August and is high season. There is an influx of visitors to Dublin and hotel prices across the city do increase, however summer also sees the best weather. The daytime temperatures typically reach 19°C, but it can feel warmer if you are outside in the sunshine.

Winter gets chilly and experiences more rain than the other seasons. Dublin can also get some snowfall in the winter. The average temperatures sit at 7°C during the day and 2°C at night. While the weather isn’t perfect, you can find some great deals on hotels throughout Dublin during the low season. And remember, if you need to warm up during the day, there are plenty of quaint Irish pubs where you can have a pint next to a toasty fire.

The shoulder seasons in spring and autumn are a great time to visit Dublin. Weather is mild, and you can experience beautiful bursts of sunshine. It is also easier to find cheap flights and hotels during these off-peak months. The only exception is St. Patrick’s Day, which is a national holiday celebrated on 17 March every year. St. Patrick’s Day is a huge holiday throughout Ireland, and visitors travel from around the world to celebrate it in Dublin. If you’ll be visiting the city during St. PAtrick’s Day, be sure to book your hotel and flights from Sydney far in advance.

Departing From Sydney

Sydney Airport is a major Australian hub and offers many long-haul international flights. The airport is located 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) south of the CBD, and is serviced by good transport links.

Cheap airfares from Sydney to Dublin are available on a variety of airlines, including Virgin Australia, Emirates, Qantas, British Airways and Aer Lingus. Each week, there are about 2,200 return flights from Sydney to Dublin. Flights include at least one stopover and can get you into the Emerald Isle in less than 24 hours.

Getting to Sydney Airport (SYD)

The Airport Link train offers the most affordable way to reach the airport from Sydney. There are several stations throughout Sydney and its suburbs, including Central Station, Wynyard, Darling Harbour and Bondi. The train also links with some outer suburbs, such as Wollongong. Trains travelling from the CBD cost $18.70 AUD and reach the airport in about 15 minutes. Trains from Bondi cost $19.70 AUD and take 45 minutes to reach the airport. In order to ride the Airport Link train, you can purchase an individual ticket or use your Opal card.

A taxi or an Uber is a practical option of travel, as Sydney Airport is located so close to the city. The journey from the CBD takes 20 minutes and costs up to $60 AUD. Taxis from Bondi arrive in less than 30 minutes and cost about $65 AUD.

Parking at Sydney Airport

There are several car parks at Sydney Airport to accommodate different budgets. For the best rates, be sure to book your parking space in advance.

Where to Park at Sydney Airport

• The Blu Emu car park is the cheapest option. A shuttle takes you to the Domestic Terminal; from there, you can catch a free train to the International Terminal. Rates start at $30 AUD per day to park.

• The P7 car park offers quick access to the International Terminal. It’s a 5-minute walk from the terminal, and it has covered parking. When you book in advance, rates for the P7 car park start at $55 AUD per day.

Arriving in Dublin

Dublin Airport (DUB) is located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of the city and is the main airport serving Ireland. The airport has two terminals, both of which receive international flights. The majority of long-haul flights from overseas arrive into Terminal 2.

How to Get from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Your Dublin Hotel or Accommodation

For a direct ride into the centre of Dublin, catch the Airlink Express bus. The bus runs 7 days a week and travels between the airport and city from 4:45am to 12:30am. The Airlink Express departs from the airport every 10 minutes during peak times and arrives to central Dublin in about 20 minutes. The bus makes several stops through the city centre, including Custom House Quay, Eden Quay, Temple Bar and St. Stephen’s Green. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at a ticket vending machine at the terminals, or directly on the bus from the driver. The fare is €6 ($9.65 AUD) one way and €11 ($17.70 AUD) return.

From Dublin Airport (DUB), you can also catch a coach to a variety of other cities around Ireland, including Cork, Belfast and Galway.

If you would like to take a taxi from the airport, you can catch one outside of each terminal. Taxi fares in Dublin are calculated by meter. On average, a taxi to the city centre will cost about €25 to €30 ($40 to $48 AUD) and get you to your hotel in about 20 minutes.

Things to do in Dublin

Trinity College

Trinity College is a university that was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. A number of notable people have attended Trinity College over the centuries, including Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and several Irish presidents. In addition to wandering through the campus, you can also pay a visit to the college’s Old Library. Inside, you can see the legendary Book of Kells, a collection of gospels that was created around 800 AD. The book includes elaborate illustrations, and is the oldest book in the world. Tickets to visit the Old Library cost €11 ($17.70 AUD) for students, €14 ($22.50 AUD) for adults, and €28 ($45 AUD) for a family of four.

Guinness Storehouse

Dublin is home to one of the most iconic beers in the world: Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse is the most visited attraction in all of Ireland. Here, you can learn about the history of this dry stout, master the skill of pouring the perfect Guinness, and enjoy a pint from the bar on the top floor overlooking the city. Tickets to visit the Guinness Storehouse cost €18.50 ($30 AUD).

Dublin Castle

From 1204 to 1922, Dublin Castle was the seat of British rule in Ireland and was home to the British monarch’s Irish representative. More recently, Dublin Castle has been where the government holds inauguration ceremonies for Irish presidents. On a visit to the castle, you can walk through the state apartments and exhibitions and learn about its history.

Temple Bar

Dublin is known around the world for its legendary pub scene. One of the best spots to bar-hop in the city is the street called Temple Bar, just south of the River Liffey. Temple Bar is made up of cobblestone streets lined with pubs, several of which are hundreds of years old. The most famous is the Temple Bar Pub, which is known for its Irish whiskey.

Kilmainham Gaol

This famous prison was built in 1796 and was infamous for the poor treatment of its inmates. Prisoners included men, women, and children. In the early years, the prison was used as a shelter for prisoners who were waiting to be sent to Australia. Later, the prison housed revolutionaries who opposed British rule over the country, particularly following the rebellion in 1916 and the Irish War of Independence from 1919-1921. The prison officially closed in 1924. Today, you can visit the austere prison to learn about its dark past and see what life was life in the prison.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an icon of Dublin’s cityscape. It was built in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. The cathedral is beautifully designed and is the perfect place to learn about the Church of Ireland. Tickets to St. Patrick’s Cathedral cost €7 ($11.30 AUD) for adults and €6 ($9.70 AUD) for students. Entry includes an audio guide and the option to take a guided tour, which are held regularly through the day. As well as exploring the interior of the cathedral, be sure to walk through the scenic gardens surrounding the cathedral.