Dublin is a city that can be explored in a short time and often on foot. But among the most widespread and commonly used means of transport there are trains… be they regional trains, urban trains (a sort of open-air metro) or in the form of a tram (cable cars). There are therefore many stations, but two are the most famous of all. As for air transport, it is the International Airport that connects the Irish capital to the rest of the world.
AIRPORTS
Dublin International Airport (DUB)
Like many airports, Dublin International was also built close to World War 2 and initially “christened” as a military airport. The conversion to a civil transport hub occurred in the 1950s, and initially it involved direct flights to and from the United Kingdom. Soon, however, the growing interest in Ireland, and above all the return of many emigrants, caused the airport to develop rapidly.
Today it is very modern and operates with two large civil terminals: Terminal 1 is the oldest and is dedicated to flights to and from Europe, with the inclusion of some non-European low cost airlines; Terminal 2 is dedicated to intercontinental flights, especially those to and from America, Emirates, Africa and Australia. There are three runways, one of which is more than 3 km long, and overall around 32 million travelers pass through here every year.
Dublin International is very well connected to the city centre, which is just 7 km away. Direct bus, taxi and train services connect the airport to the main districts of central Dublin and the most famous locations in its hinterland. There is no shortage of car rental services, rental with driver and especially security and emergency services. Security, especially, is very important in Dublin and here has truly cutting-edge characteristics.
STATIONS
The most important stations in Dublin are Connolly and Heuston, historic buildings that maintain that aura of monumental elegance despite being functional and modern, today. Added to these is also Pearse station, which has become an important hub especially for exchanges with the local underground. All stations date back to 19th-century, though Pearse has recently thoroughly changed its outer aspect.
Connolly Station
The ancient Connolly station (1844) is the most famous and beautiful in Dublin. It is the station that welcomes all the tourists who arrive in the city by train and does so with excellent services but also with an appearance that makes it a historic monument. Its castle-like structure, complete with three towers, represents the soul of fairy-tale Ireland tourist love so much. The interiors are fascinating too. There are 7 tracks, here, with in addition two routes for trams which also have their terminus here.
Houston Station
The second most important station, although larger than Connolly, Heuston also presents itself as an elegant nineteenth-century historic building. Inside, the large halls are equipped with every electronic comfort and serve thousands of travelers a year, thanks to 9 tracks on which regional and urban trains pass, coming and going to the whole territory.