EWR - DUB Quick Weekend Trip
 

Taking advantage of both a cheap fare and the long weekend--I booked a quick trip on CO to Ireland.
The expected snowstorm in NYC Friday caused the usual delays on my 8:35 pm flight to Dublin--which ended up finally taking off at midnight. The PC was packed, another casualty of the storm with just about every flight delayed. I didn't get a BC upgrade http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif, so I had to be satisified with my 8A bulkhead seat. Given the lateness of takeoff--food service was minimal (choice of the usual beef or chicken) with a beverage offered at the time of service. Didn't watch the movie--For Love of the Game, tried (unsuccessfully) to sleep). Fruit & croissant with juice for breakfast--and we landed about 10:30am (2 hours late).
Sat 2/19:
The sun was shinning & the temp was in the low 50's in Dublin, caught the bus into town and tried to check in to my hotel, The Morgan in the Temple Bar section (a soho type area). (There was a big rugby match going on that day between Ireland & Scotland--so the town was filled with kilt clad Scots.) I was told to come back & check in after 2 pm. So I left my bag & took the local subway train to a small town/suburb Dalkey on the bay. The ride cost IEP 2.30 return and ran south along the bay with beautiful views. Dalkey itself is a quaint, old fashioned village with the ruins of 2 castles at its center. Lately a 'suburb' of it has become famous for second homes of a variety of celebraties (Bono, Maeve Binchely, Tom Cruise and others). I sat in the sun and had a guiness (?) at local pub before catching the train back.
Checked into my hotel which was similar in design to W hotels...small rooms, chic, very modern, cd & video player, but at IEP 99 a night (incl continental bkfst) a much better deal than the nearby Clarence Hotel at IEP 210. Watched a bit of the rubgy match (it was on 3 channels) then went out to find a place to eat. Along the Liffey river was a newish place Eliza Blue--decent continental food at moderate prices. I was going to stop in one of the local clubs but it had been a LONG day and I just wanted to sleep.
Sun 2/20:
The next day, had a "substantial"continental breakfast and headed off for a 9:05 train to Galway--I figured it was a good way to see some of the countyside and explore another region of Ireland. Train left on time and it was a very pleasant 2 hr 45 min journey to Galway. Upon arrival the weather in the west was dramatically different, cold, dismal, very windy and threatening to rain. Most shoppes were closed (Sunday http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ), but I was able to walk around and window shop. For Ireland's forth largest city, it is really more of a town. But that was what made it so interesting. Just prior to leaving it began to rain---HARD ran for the station and caught an express back to Dublin-- where the weather was still fine. I wandered about a bit through Dublin and got back to my hotel about 7 pm. There was a good band playing at a local pub that I could hear from my room--so I just brought up some 'take away' and began to pack for my return trip.
Mon 2/21:
Upon arrival at DUB (and not getting an upgrade) I thought I'd see what my chances are of using their Executive Club--walked in, no one was there! Someone did show up & I showed my PC card, she said "Fine"--stowed my stuff and went down to look around Duty Free. I did very little shopping at the Dublin duty free, knowing from past experience that I would have time in Shannon to buy anything I wanted. When I got back to the lounge, the 'Official Attendant' was there and said PC membership is not allowed, but since I was there already (& the place was absolutely empty) I could stay!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif The flight left Dublin right on time with the expected stop in Shannon. Pretty uneventful on the trip back (still did not get an upgrade!), food was pretty good for coach, this time I opted for the chicken, the FA's keep the wine & liquor flowing and offered everyone cheese/crackers and cookies after the meal-- followed by a sandwich just prior to arrival. The movies on the return were Blue Streak & The Muse. We arrived in about 15 minutes early---got thru customs with no problems and was home by 2:30 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 02-22-2000).]

[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 02-23-2000).]

Great report ... was that CO or EI??

Continental # 25 both ways! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif

I actually did a similar trip to you last week. BOS - BRU - MAN / DUB - SNN - JFK - BOS. All on DL / DL-SN code-shares. Thought about flying CO, but it was a 757 which I thought would be a little cramped for transatlantic - I know it's 7 hours US-bound / 6 hours Ireland-bound, but I like wide-bodies for transoceanic. I would have flown EI because they probably have better service than CO which no doubt has better service than DL, but they do NOT give miles on some of their sale fares. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

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Cheers.

Leo.

Very enjoyable. I haven't stayed at The Morgan before. During my last few visits I have used the Berkeley Court Hotel, but its expensive, and I could do with a change.

The CO service sounds fine. EI service in coach is comparable, except there is more legroom. And, an EI A330 or leased MD-11 beats the heck out of First on a 738, with a ton more legroom, and PTVs on the A330.

EI is not really an option for me (a tried & true One Pass Member)---and unless I can attain points I tend not to fly those airlines! Also, as a Platinum there is always the very slim chance of getting an upgrade at the gate!

[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 02-22-2000).]