University College Dublin
International Visitor’s Guide
Contents
Orientation .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Practical Information .............................................................................................................................. 3
Visas .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Language ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Weather .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Currency .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Tipping (Gratuity) ................................................................................................................................ 4
Emergencies ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Getting to UCD ........................................................................................................................................ 5
By Aircoach ......................................................................................................................................... 5
By City Bus........................................................................................................................................... 6
By Taxi ............................................................................................................................................... 10
By Car ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Arrival in Dublin .................................................................................................................................... 11
By Plane............................................................................................................................................. 11
By Train ............................................................................................................................................. 11
By Bus ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Accommodation .................................................................................................................................... 12
Enjoying Dublin ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Do and See ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Eat ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Other Resources.................................................................................................................................... 21
1
Orientation
Dublin is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Ireland. It has a compact city centre that is
easily navigable by foot, with a much larger metropolitan area with many suburbs surrounding the
city. Dublin city centre is divided in half by the River Liffey, which flows west to east. The most
famous attractions in Dublin can be reached within a ten minute walk from O’Connell Bridge in the
city centre, including Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, and Temple Bar, among many other
sites.
The main University College Dublin campus is four kilometres south of the city centre in Belfield,
Dublin 4, and the graduate school of business campus is in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, two kilometres
southeast of the Belfield campus.
2
Practical Information
Visas
(Note that the following is for informational purposes only. Official entry requirements for the
Republic of Ireland are available through Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at
www.inis.gov.ie)
According to Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, citizens of the following countries do
not require a visa to enter Ireland: LIST OF COUNTRIES
Citizens of all other countries need a visa when coming to Ireland. If you require a visa for entry into
Ireland, you must submit a letter of invitation (and possibly further supporting documentation) along
with your visa application. Please see www.inis.gov.ie and click on ‘Visas’ for further information.
Please note that visa application processing times can be up to eight weeks.
Please contact the UCD International Office (international@ucd.ie) if you require a letter of
invitation from UCD.
Language
The Irish language is the official national language of the Republic of Ireland, though English is the
most widely used language in the country. In Ireland, road signs and most official plaques, maps,
and other official documentation are presented in both languages. You will not need to know any
Irish to visit the country, but any attempt to learn the language will likely be appreciated.
Weather
Dublin weather is very mild, with very little snow in the winter and very few extremely hot days in
the summer. It rains frequently in Dublin, though typically only light showers with few
thunderstorms. Rain coats and/or umbrellas are a daily necessity in Dublin. It is recommended to
pack layers, as the weather frequently changes from chilly and wet in the morning to warm and
sunny in the afternoon. Below is a table with the average high and low temperatures for Dublin for
reference:
Jan
Average High °C (°F)
Average Low °C (°F)
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
8.8
8.9
10.7
12.4
15.2
18.0
20.2
19.6
17.3
14.0
11.0
9.3
13.8
(47.8)
(48)
(51.3)
(54.3)
(59.4)
(64.4)
(68.4)
(67.3)
(63.1)
(57.2)
(51.8)
(48.7)
(56.8)
3.9
3.9
5.2
6.4
9.0
11.6
13.5
13.3
11.4
8.8
6.2
4.5
8.2
(39)
(39)
(41.4)
(43.5)
(48.2)
(52.9)
(56.3)
(55.9)
(52.5)
(47.8)
(43.2)
(40.1)
(46.8)
Currency
The official currency of the Republic of Ireland is the Euro, the shared currency of 16 other European
Union member states. ATMs are available throughout the country for cash withdrawals. Credit
cards are also widely accepted in Ireland. Cash can be exchanged before you leave your home
country or in Dublin International Airport upon arrival, but be aware that fees and exchange rates
for such transfers may be much higher than if withdrawing from an ATM.
3
Tipping (Gratuity)
Tipping is not normal in Ireland, though it has become more common recently. As a general rule,
tipping is not required in bars, fast food or counter service restaurants, or taxis. At restaurants with
table service, a tip of around 10% is normal, depending on quality of service. Note that some
restaurants add a “service charge” to the bill; in this case, no tip is required. For other services, such
as hotel porters, hairdressers, and tour guides, a tip of €1-4 is acceptable for good service.
Emergencies
The national emergency number is 112, which will connect you with police, fire, and ambulance
services. This number is for emergencies only and can be dialled from any phone.
4
Getting to UCD
By Aircoach
If traveling directly from Dublin International Airport to UCD Belfield Campus, the Aircoach
Leopardstown shuttle service will stop on the N11 at the Montrose Hotel, directly opposite the UCD
Belfield N11 Entrance. Travel time will be approximately 60 minutes. Shuttles leave from Terminals
1 & 2 every 15 to 30 minutes and operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Tickets can be
purchased in advance through online booking service (www.aircoach.ie), from a representative at
the airport, or on the coach on the day of service. Tickets from Dublin Airport to UCD Belfield are €8
one way/€14 return. When boarding, ask the driver to notify you when they are approaching UCD.
Refer to the map below provided by Aircoach:
5
By City Bus
To UCD Belfield Campus: Dublin Bus lines 7B, 7D, 39A, 46A, and 145 travel directly between city
centre and UCD Belfield Campus. Fare costs €2.40 one way. Note that buses accept coins only, not
notes, and do not provide change, so exact fare is recommended. Services run every 8-12 minutes
during the week and take between 20-30 minutes to get to campus. Refer to the city centre map
below for bus stop locations where one or more of the above lines picks up:
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Dublin Bus line 39A lets off inside UCD Belfield Campus. Bus lines 7B, 7D, 46A, and 145 let off on the
N11 slip road in front of the Montrose Hotel, directly across from the UCD Belfield N11 Entrance.
See the map below for the approximate location of these stops:
7
To UCD Blackrock Campus: Dublin Bus line 7 towards Loughlinstown/Cherrywood travels from city
centre to Blackrock village. Fare costs €2.40 one way. Note that buses accept coins only, not notes,
and do not provide change, so exact fare is recommended. Services run every 10-15 minutes during
the week and take between 20-30 minutes to get to campus.
Alternatively, DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) trains run from Connolly Train Station, Tara Street
Station, and Pearse Station in City Centre and drop off at Blackrock DART station. Trains run every 510 minutes and the trip takes 20 minutes. One way tickets are €2.40 and can be bought on the train
platform.
Refer to the city centre map below for bus stop and train locations:
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UCD Blackrock Campus is less than one kilometre from Blackrock village. Dublin Bus line 7 stop and
the Blackrock DART station are both in the centre of the village. Refer to the map below for
approximate location of these stops in relation to the Blackrock Campus:
9
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport and in the city centre. Taxi fare from the airport to city
centre is approximately €25. Fare from city centre to UCD Belfield campus will cost an additional
€15. Direct the taxi driver to enter through the N11 entrance to campus.
By Car
If traveling to UCD by car, note that parking is limited on the UCD Belfield Campus. For short term
parking, it is best to enter the campus by the N11 entrance and park in any Pay and Display parking
space.
10
Arrival in Dublin
By Plane
Dublin is serviced by Dublin International Airport, located approximately nine kilometres north of
the city centre. Connection to the city is available through Dublin City Bus, taxi, or Airlink Shuttle
Service. Transfer information for each service is provided below:
City Bus: Dublin Bus lines 16 (to Ballinteer/Kingston) and 41 (to Lower Abbey St.) pick up from
Terminals 1 & 2 and drop off in Dublin City Centre. Fare to city centre is €2.80 (note that Dublin Bus
accepts coins only and does not offer change so exact fare is recommended). Dublin Bus service
operates between 5:00 to 23:30 daily.
Line 747 (to Heuston Rail Station) picks up at Terminals 1 & 2, operates at a flat rate of €6 per ticket,
and has a limited number of stops in city centre.
Aircoach: Shuttles leave from Terminals 1 & 2 every 15 to 30 minutes and operate 24 hours per day,
7 days a week. Tickets can be purchased in advance through online booking service, from a
representative at the airport, or on the coach on the day of service. Tickets from Dublin Airport to
O’Connell St. in city centre are €7 one way/€12 return.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available from Dublin International Airport to the city centre. Fares to the city
will cost between €20-30.
By Train
Dublin has two main railway stations. Heuston Rail Station to the west of the city centre connects
Dublin with many cities in the west and south of the country, including trains to Galway and Cork.
To reach city centre from here, the Luas (light rail) Red Line picks up at Heuston. Alight at the Abbey
Street stop for city centre destinations. Fare will cost €1.60 and tickets can be purchased on the
platform before boarding the tram.
Connolly train station includes services to the east and north of the island, including Belfast trains.
Connolly station is less than a kilometre east of the city centre. Walking south on Amiens Street to
the River Liffey, then west on Eden Quay will get you to the city centre in less than 10 minutes.
Alternately, the Luas Red Line stop can be taken two stops to Abbey Street for €1.50.
By Bus
Intercity bus service terminates at Dublin Busáras. The bus station is less than half a kilometre from
the city centre. Exiting the bus station, continue heading west along Lower Abbey Street to reach
O’Connell Street.
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Accommodation
There are many accommodation options available in and around Dublin. When booking
accommodation, you will have the choice of staying closer to the city centre or in the suburbs closer
to UCD. We have negotiated UCD corporate rates with the following five hotels. Please state you are
booking for UCD to avail of the reduced rate. These options are outlined below:
Dublin Hotels With Corporate Rates
Radisson SAS St Helen’s – 5 Stars
Stillorgan Road, County Dublin
Tel: +353 (1) 2186000
Email: info.dublin@radissonblu.com
Web: http://www.radissonblu.ie/sthelenshoteldublin
Rate: €121 including breakfast
Reservations: 1-800-333-3333 US
1800-55-7474 Ireland
+353-1706-0225 EU
The Stillorgan Park Hotel - 4 Stars
Stillorgan Road, County Dublin
Tel: +353 (0) 1 2001800
Email: reservations@stillorganpark.com
Web: http://www.stillorganpark.com/
Rate: ranges from €75-€124 (with or without
breakfast)
Other: Shuttle bus service available to and from UCD
Bewley’s Hotel – 4 Stars
Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)1 668 1111
Email: Ballsbridge@bewleyshotels.com
Web: http://www.bewleyshotels.com/ballsbridge/
Rate: approx is €79-€99
Other: Shuttle bus service available
Clyde Court Hotel – 4 stars
Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 2382700
Email: info@clydecourthotel.com
Web: http://www.clydecourthotel.com/
Rate: €75 pp includes Bed & Breakfast
Other: Free parking and Wi-Fi
O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel - 3 Stars
Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 607 3500
Email: info@ocallaghanhotels.com
Web: http://www.davenporthotel.ie/
Rate: approx €79-€99
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There are many other hotels in the Dublin area, some of which are outlined below. It is
recommended you contact the hotel directly for up to date information as the rates are subject to
change:
Other Dublin Area Hotels
Conrad Hotel - 5 Stars
From €97 €99
http://www.conradinternational.ie/
School House Hotel - 4 Stars
€99
http://www.schoolhousehotel.com/
O’Callaghan Group
€103 pp O’Callaghan Stephen’s Green - 4 Star
€95 pp O’Callaghan Alexander - 3 Star
€87 pp O’Callaghan Mont Clare - 3 Star
www.ocallaghanhotels.com
Trinity Lodge Hotel – 3 Stars
from €85
http://www.trinitylodge.com/
Staunton’s on the Green - 3 Stars
€95 pp
www.thecastlegroup.com/StauntonsontheGreen/
Mercer Hotel - 3 Stars
from €71
http://www.mercerhotel.ie/rooms/
Camden Court Hotel - 3 Stars
€77 pp
www.camdencourthotel.com
Harcourt Hotel - 3 Stars
€69 pp
www.harcourthotel.com
Paramount Hotel - 3 Stars
€95 pp
www.paramounthotel.ie
Central Hotel - 3 Stars
from €60
www.centralhoteldublin.com/
Jury’s Inn - 3 Stars
Custom House
€61 pp
www.jurysinns.com
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15
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Enjoying Dublin
There are many famous and fantastic attractions in and around Dublin. The list below offers a small
snapshot of the innumerable options for sightseeing. Consult a travel book or visit the one of the
Discover Ireland Centres for advice and information.
Do and See
Guinness Storehouse
St James's Gate, Dublin 8
Buses 40 towards Liffey Valley Shopping Centre or 123 towards Walkinstown
Phone: +353 1 408 4800.
Website: http://www.guinness-storehouse.com
Hours: Daily 9:30 – 17:00 (open until 19:00 in July & August). Closed Good Friday and 24-26 December.
Price: Adults €16.50 (10% discount for booking online), students and seniors €13, children 6-12 €6.50.
Retells the story of Dublin's most famous drink. The exhibition is interesting and is self-guided. Price of entry
includes a complementary pint at the seventh floor Gravity Bar, which has great views over Dublin and forms
the architectural head of the giant pint of Guinness formed by the atrium.
Temple Bar District
City Centre, south of the River Liffey, between Westmoreland St. and Parliament St.
This district is famous for its narrow, cobbled streets, shopping and restaurants, and late night revelry. There
are a great deal of bars, cafés, shops, and restaurants enjoy, and though many can be pricey and swamped with
tourists in the summer months, the district is an experience in and of itself. Make sure not to miss the
weekend market in Meetinghouse Square and the Wall of Fame.
National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology
Kildare St., Dublin 2
National Museum of Ireland: Natural History
Merrion St., Dublin 2
National Museum of Ireland: Decorative Arts and History
Collins Barracks, Benburb St., Dublin 7
Phone: +353 1 6777444
Website: www.museum.ie
Hours: Tu-Sa 10:00 – 17:00; Su 14:00 – 17:00
Price: Free
The three National Museums of Ireland located in Dublin offer three different perspectives on the history and
heritage of the country. The Archaeology and Natural History museums are located next door to each other
and adjacent to the Leinster House, the location of the Irish Parliament, an architectural marvel not to be
missed. The Decorative Arts and History museum is further west of the city centre, close to the Guinness
Storehouse.
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Howth Head Cliff Walk
Howth Peninsula, Co. Dublin
DART Train from Dublin City Centre to Howth Station
Website: http://www.walkingroutes.ie/1446-Cliff-Walk-Howth.html
A beautiful walk along the cliffs of Howth affords wondrous views of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay along the seafront.
A well-travelled, easy to walk trail loop with moderate inclines can be completed in 2-3 hours. The path is clearly
marked, and the village of Howth offers many post-hike restaurants and respites, including a small market on
weekends.
Phoenix Park & Dublin Zoo
Dublin 8
Zoo Hours: Every day 09:30 – 18:00
Price: €16 adults, €12.50 students
Website: http://www.dublinzoo.ie/
Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe and contains a host of wonders for a day outside. The park
grounds contain residence of the President of Ireland, several lawns and gardens, the 17th Century Magazine Fort, a
herd of wild Fallow deer, and the Dublin Zoo. The zoo itself is the largest in Ireland and exhibits all kinds of animals,
from tigers and leopards to meerkats and apes.
Chester Beatty Library & Dublin Castle
2 Palace St, Dublin 2
+353 1 677 7129
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00 – 16:45, Sun. 14:00-16:45
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.dublincastle.ie/
Dublin Castle has played a prominent role in the history of Ireland in its 800 year history. The State Apartments,
Dubhlinn (dark pool) Gardens, and Norman Tower (home of the Garda Museum) provide unique perspectives on
Dublin and Ireland. Of particular note is the Chester Beatty Library, home to a wide variety of artistic treasures.
Kilmainham Gaol
Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
Phone: +353 1 4535984
Price: €6 adults, €2 students
Hours: Daily 09:30 – 18:00
Website: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/KilmainhamGaol/
Located slightly outside the city centre, Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison turned museum. The guided tour of the
museum provides a fascinating insight into Irish struggles for independence through the 200 year history of the prison.
Wild Wicklow Tours - Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Price: €28 adult, €25 student/child/senior citizen
Website: http://www.wildwicklow.ie/
County Wicklow, south of Dublin, offers an ideal escape from the hustle of city life. The mountains and lakes of
Wicklow are wild and enchanting for individuals of any interest. Wild Wicklow Tours are one of many companies
offering a guided tour of the area, including the glacial valley of Glendalough and the 6th Century monastic settlement
there.
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Eat
Budget
Green 19
A very affordable mix of classic meals like Corned Beef and Pot Roast Chicken with international
favourites like Burritos and Red Lentil Curry.
19 Camden Street Lower,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 478 9626
www.green19.ie
Kitchen
Simple, affordable and tasty meals that covers all tastes from eggs benedict to sirloin steak and
everything in between. Only seconds away from Dublin’s famous Grafton Street
3 South Anne Street,
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 677 4205
www.thekitchen.ie
Crackbird
Casual dining, relaxed atmosphere and amazing chicken!
60 Dame Street,
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 616 9841
www.joburger.ie/crackbird.html
Mid-Range
Saba
Award winning Thai & Vietnamese food with a great location and atmosphere to match.
26/28 Clarendon
Street,
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 679 2002
www.sabadublin.ie
The Winding Stair
A bookshop & restaurant named after a Yeats poem, overlooking the iconic River Liffey.
40 Lower Ormond Quay,
Dublin 1
Tel: 01 872 7320
www.winding-stair.com
Gallagher’s Boxty House:
Good old fashioned Irish food, perfect after a long day’s sightseeing. Stews, chowders, coddle and, of
course, the famous Irish boxty.
20-21 Temple Bar,
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 677 2762
19
Fade Street Social
A trendy gastro pub close to Grafton Street, you may be overwhelmed with the number of options
available, but you’ll walk away satisfied.
Fade Street
Dublin 2
(01) 6040066
http://www.fadestreetsocial.com/
Odessa
A comfortable restaurant and club right near Temple Bar district, this is the ideal location for Sunday
brunch. Arrive early as the crowds pack in on weekend mornings.
13/14 Dame Court
Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 6703080
http://www.odessa.ie
Splurge
Chapter One
Located in the basement of the Dublin Writer’s Museum, this is an elegant yet comfortable
restaurant offering excellent culinary creations.
18-19 Parnell Square
Dublin 1
Tel: (01) 8732266
http://www.chapteronerestaurant.com/
Shanahan’s On the Green
One of the best steak and seafood restaurants in Dublin, the restored Georgian building opposite St.
Stephen’s Green offers choice food and wonderful ambiance.
119 St. Stephens Green
Dublin 2
(01) 4070939
http://www.shanahans.ie/home.html
Bang Restaurant
This highly acclaimed restaurant serves up exceptional Irish and European fare, offering a truly fine
dining experience.
11 Merrion Row
Dublin 2
(01) 4004229
http://www.bangrestaurant.com/
777
777 offers some of the best Mexican food in Dublin, along with an unforgettable atmosphere.
7 South Great George's Street
Dublin 2
(01) 4254052
http://www.777.ie
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Other Resources
UCD Visitor’s Page: http://www.ucd.ie/visitors/
UCD Mobile App for iOS and Android:
http://www.ucd.ie/itservices/itsupport/mobileservices/ucdmobile/
Dublin Bus App for iOS and Android: http://dublinbus.ie/en/Your-Journey1/Mobileapps/
Hit the Road web app: http://ucd.hittheroad.ie/
Dublin Rapid Area Transit (DART) Train App for iOS and Android: http://www.irishrail.ie/apps
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