Looking for flights to a foreign country can seem daunting but there are lots of easy ways to make your trip comfortable and relatively inexpensive. Elliott and I have been keeping an eye on flight prices from the US to Dublin and so far there are a few websites that give significantly discounted tickets from airlines you trust.

Note: All flights should end up at the Dublin International Airport (DUB)

Trip Advisor is an excellent resource! You can ask them to send you price alerts for flights to Ireland straight to your email. They also have a "compare prices" feature that shows 5 or 6 of their competitor's prices: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Flights-g186605-Dublin...

Tip: Make sure you double check your layover time. Some airports don't have regular flights to a certain destination and may add over 24hours layover time to your flight. Always triple check before you buy your ticket!

I also recommend looking at Student Universe for flights. Student Universe offers discounted flights for students, faculty, and staff, as well as adults. When you find a flight you're interested check the details to make sure your flight price is compatible for non-students. Student Universe consistently offers the lowest international flights I've seen online: https://www.studentuniverse.com/

Tip: Some flights charge more for checked baggage, and some charge extra even for your carry ons! Make sure you check the policies for your flight before packing. However, most international flights give you at least one checked bag free!

Some people also like to use Kayak to find their flights. Make sure that you double check your price with other online prices before you choose your ticket! https://www.kayak.com/flights

Packing Tips: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will help you to fit more into your suitcase! Also, adding a a dryer sheet or two in your suitcase will keep your clothes smelling fresh.

You will not need a visa to travel to Ireland! It is possible to stay up to 3 months in Ireland without a visa. Make sure your passport is up to date and you'll be all set to fly!

To Check a Bag or Not to Check a Bag: If you're thinking about checking a bag and are worried about it being overweight never fear! Carry on bags are not checked for weight, only size. As long as your carry on suitcase is the approved size you can put all of your heaviest items (shoes and sundries) in your carry on and cut back the weight in your checked bag!

When traveling internationally I always include my toothbrush, mini toothpaste, eye cover, headphones, mini pillow, mini deodorant, sweatshirt, and all important medications in my personal bag on the plane to insure I always have easy access to necessities!

What to wear on the flight: Always wear your most comfortable clothes on the flight. I often wear my bulkiest comfortable clothes and biggest shoes or boots to help save on space! It is also helpful to wear socks to avoid walking barefoot through security. If you want you can always pack a change of clothes in your carry on for when you arrive. Airplanes can often be cold so bring a jacket or sweatshirt with you on the plane. Ireland is significantly colder than most of the US in the summer with temperatures ranging from the mid-high 70s to the high 40s so be prepared!

Bring your own food: If you're worried about being hungry on the plane bring your own food! It is safe and encouraged to bring sandwiches and snack foods with you (baring fruit) and you should have no problems getting through security with them.

If you have any questions or want more tips feel free to contact us!

Wondering how to get from the Airport to the manor or the hotel you're staying at in Athy? Never fear, we've got all the details here.

Car Rentals

If you're renting a car you can pick it up directly at the airport and it is an hour drive from the airport to the manor depending on traffic. Make sure you remember that in Ireland you drive on the other side of the road! This means that you'll be going the opposite direction on a round-about, and turning to go anywhere is going to feel a little strange at first. To help with the adjustment period I suggest having someone in the front seat whose only job it is is to remind you which side of the road you should be on. It's also really easy to follow other cars and watch what the do and copy them! Irish drivers are the least aggressive drivers I've ever seen! They also actually go the speed limit. So you have nothing to fear! Most cars are manuals so if you're not used to driving a manual car I suggest steering clear of those since you'll be shifting with your other hand! If you can drive a manual than totally go for it! It's not a difficult learning curve and the car prices can be as low as $2 a day! We highly recommend using your own insurance rather than purchasing through your rental company, but if your insurance doesn't cover international driving you can definitely use the car companies insurance, just be sure to read ALL of the fine print!

Train

There is a train that takes you directly from Dublin city center to the heart of Athy! It costs 9 euros and is fast, clean, and easy to use! It's great for day trips and exploration of this amazing city! The train to Athy can be found at Heuston Train Station in Dublin and is the Kildare/Waterford Service. Because the airport is on the farthest outskirts of Dublin, if you're coming from the airport it's easiest to take a taxi to the train station. The taxi ride should take 16mins or so depending on traffic and should cost about 20 euros. Alternatively you can take a bus for a few euros to the city center and then take the light rail called "the Point" to the train station. You can see all of your possible routes here: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Dublin-Airport-DUB/Athy

The train leaves every 4 hours to Athy starting at 7:25am and ending at 8:15pm on weekdays and around 6:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The train ride is approximately 48 min long, has free wifi, assigned seating, is handicap accessible and allows bikes! The train makes 2 stops before you get to Athy, one in Newbridge, one in Kildare! The Athy train station is conveniently located in the center of town right across the way from Lidl (a European grocery store chain that has everything). For a complete look at the train station, info, and to buy tickets, check out their website: http://www.irishrail.ie/

From the train station it is a 9-12 min drive (in the worst "traffic") to the manor or a 17min bike ride.

Elliott and I will have a car as will many people in the wedding party! We'll be arranging as many rides as we can so if you'd like a ride from the Athy train station to the manor, let us know!

Dublin Airport is the easiest and cheapest way to get to the wedding! The Manor is only a 48min train ride, or an hour car ride from the airport which makes access inexpensive and straightforward! Check out the information above for travel tips and the information below for more travel options and pricing!