OFFICIAL HUSKERS IRELAND TOUR
WELCOME Welcome | 5-7 Welcome Letter Contacts App Info What To Expect | 8-13 Hotels Safety COVID Restrictions Tipping Getting Around Time Difference Electricity Currency Tax Refunds Weather Food Pubs Business Hours Temple Bar Language Jet Lag WiFi Pre-Departure | 14-18 Pre-Departure Checklist Passports Non-US Resident Documents Currency Tips ATM Cards Credit Cards Travel Insurance International Calling Medical Information
Air Transportation | 19-20 Confirm Reservation Baggage Tips Luggage Customs Departure to Ireland Return to US Land Transportation | 21-23 Walking DART LAUS Light Rail Bus Taxi Uber Key Venues | 24 Guinness Storehouse Merrion Square Game Day | 25-27 About Aviva Stadium Regulations Bus Transportation Game Tickets Stadium Map
Dear Huskers Fan: We are thrilled to welcome you to your Official Huskers Ireland Tour and look forward to hosting you for the experience of a lifetime at the 2022 Aer Lingus Classic! This Travel Guide contains valuable information regarding your upcoming trip to Ireland. Our team has prepared this booklet to put all the details at your fingertips, with expert recommendations on how to make the most of your time on game day and throughout your travel experience. We invite you to explore this information as you prepare for your tour and encourage you to review the important Pre-Departure and Air Transportation sections in advance, so you are relaxed and ready for your trip. Please note that you will receive your Personalized Itinerary via a separate email approximately 30 days prior to departure. Please be sure to bring both your Itinerary and this Travel Guide with you to Ireland for reference during your trip. Whether this tour marks your first time traveling to the Emerald Isle or you are gearing up for a return visit, we look forward to doing everything we can to make your stay in Ireland as enjoyable and memorable.
The Anthony Travel Team
Destination Highlights | 28-39
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C O N TA C T
APP INFO
On-Site Contact
Aer Lingus Classic Game App (featured)
Contact information for your on-site Anthony Travel representatives in Ireland will be provided via email closer to your departure date.
Download the Official Aer Lingus College Football Classic game app to stay up to date on the latest news and information about the game including a schedule of events, local attraction recommendations, game day resources and more! Download at collegefootballireland.com/app.
U.S. Embassy in Dublin 42 Elgin Road Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: 353 1 668 8777 Dublin.USEmbassy.gov
Ticketmaster IE (featured)
Emergency Services
Tickets will be emailed to the address associated with your reservation by Ticketmaster in August prior to the game. Download the Ticketmaster app to use your phone as your ticket.
In the event of an emergency, dial 999. The European standard 112 can also be used.
TripCase TripCase allows you to organize all your trip details and travel plans into one streamlined itinerary. TripCase lets you manage flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and rental car reservations in one app.
WhatsApp WhatsApp is a free messaging and video calling app that uses your phone’s internet service to make calls or end messages. This app allows you to keep in touch with friends and family through calls, text messages and video.
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W H AT T O E X P E C T Dublin Hotels Join fellow Huskers fans in Dublin throughout game week. A full list of official tour hotels is featured below. Details on your specific hotel will be included on your Personalized Itinerary, which you will receive separately via email in early August. Addresses listed on page 38. Academy Plaza Hotel Belvedere Hotel Clayton Ballsbridge Clayton Cardiff Lane Clayton Hotel Charlemont Dylan Hotel Grand Malahide Herbert Park Hilton Garden Inn Hotel 7 Intercontinental Jury’s Christchurch
Marlin Hotel Moxy Hotel Radisson Blu Staycity Dublin Christchurch Staycity Dublin Trinity Trinity City The Davenport The Mont The Morgan The Green Westbury
Your hotel experience in Ireland may be different from what you are used to in the US. Hotel rooms may be smaller than their American counterparts, and the buildings can be much older. Please note that towels may not be changed daily and luxuries like air conditioning are only guaranteed in 5-star properties. Other properties rely on fresh air for cooling. Please also be aware that check-in time is typically 4PM, and your room may not be ready prior to that time.
Safety Most of Europe is considered safe; however, taking a few basic precautions is recommended. Guard any tickets and travel documents as you would your cash. Keep your passport on your body or in the interior pocket of your bag, and be alert for pickpockets, especially near tourist attractions such as the Temple Bar area. We also recommend using your hotel safe to store any valuable items, where available.
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
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W H AT T O E X P E C T COVID Restrictions and Requirements
Electricity
As of creation of guide As of June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 prior to boarding a flight to the United States.
The voltage in Europe is 230V. If you plan to bring any electrical appliances (including phone chargers) that only use 110 volts (standard for the US), please bring a converter and wall adaptor. If you have a dual voltage appliance, you will only need a wall adapter. Please note that Irish plugs have three square pins and are different from plugs used throughout the rest of Europe. Most hotels and stores sell wall adapters should you find you need one.
It is no longer mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport, or in taxis, shops, schools and other indoor public areas. Staff in restaurants, pubs, hotels and other hospitality settings are not required to wear a face mask. If you are wearing a face mask, you may be asked to remove your mask to verify your age or identity to staff. Visit ie.usembassy.gov for up-to-date details.
Tipping All tips and taxes for services in the hotels and activities listed on your Personalized Itinerary are included in your travel package. Gratuities for your bus driver and tour director are also included. It is common to leave a tip of ten percent at restaurants, and tips are not expected at pubs.
Getting Around Dublin is a compact city and can be easily explored on foot as most of the major sights, shopping, and pub districts are located close to one another. While public transportation is widely available, walking is often a better option than navigating traffic and can be the most rewarding way to get from point A to point B. The city’s cobblestone streets may be uneven in places, so be sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes. For more details, see the Local Land Transportation section in this Guide.
Time Difference Dublin uses Irish Standard Time, which is six hours ahead of Central Time, five hours ahead of Eastern Time, and eight hours ahead of Pacific Time.
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Currency Ireland’s currency is the euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. While the notes are all the same throughout the 19 countries of the eurozone, Irish coins feature a harp on the reverse side. All nonIrish euro coins are also legal tender. Belfast and Edinburgh are part of the United Kingdom, where the currency is the pound (£), which is divided into 100 pence. If you will be traveling to these cities as part of your tour, please note that you will be making transactions in both currencies during your trip.
Tax Refunds The price of most goods in Ireland includes value added tax, or VAT, of 23%. As a visitor, you can have the sales tax on goods (excluding food and hotel charges) refunded at the end of your trip. For more information, visit Horizon Card | Tax Free Shopping | Tax Refunds | Ireland (shoptaxfree.com).
Weather Average temperatures for Ireland in the summer range from the mid-50s to the 60s. Rainfall is extremely common throughout the country, although Dublin is one of the drier cities in Ireland. Packing layers, as well as a rain jacket, is recommended.
W H AT T O E X P E C T Food
Language
Irish food is known for the quality of its ingredients. Traditionally, potatoes, grains (especially oats), and dairy products have all been staples in the Irish diet, with soups, seafood, and meats also playing important roles. Since their country is surrounded by water, the Irish enjoy many types of seafood, including salmon, scallops, lobster, mussels, and oysters; however, meat is eaten more frequently at Irish meals. A typical Irish breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausages, black/white pudding, beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The most common everyday beverage is tea. Fast food is available in Dublin but is typically more expensive than in the US. If you have any dietary restrictions, we suggest bringing a few non-perishable snacks with you or purchasing some at the local grocery once you arrive. Hotel staff will be able to provide recommendations for nearby restaurants.
Irish (or Gaeilge), the official language of Ireland, is only spoken in pockets of rural Ireland. In Dublin, and throughout the rest of Ireland, English serves as the primary language.
Jet Lag Many travelers experience jet lag when traveling across multiple time zones. A few steps you can take to minimize symptoms include: •
Pack several days before your trip to avoid a hectic departure
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Leave home well rested
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Limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol the night before and day of travel
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Use the flight to rest and reset
Pubs
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Eat lightly and stay hydrated
With Dublin sporting more than 1,000 pubs, it should not take much effort to find one that suits you. Drinks are typically served until 11:30 p.m. with some pubs serving until 2:30 a.m. The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18.
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Upon arrival, stay awake until an early local bedtime
Business Hours Shops are usually open Monday through Saturday from 8 or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and may be closed on Sunday. Banks and public offices are usually open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Post offices are also open on Saturday in addition to weekdays.
Temple Bar The famous Temple Bar is not one specific bar (although there is a bar that boasts this name), but instead an entire historical area. The Temple Bar district offers a mixture of food, drink, shopping, and music. The narrow cobblestone streets invite you to step back in history, right in the heart of the city.
Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi is available in an ever-increasing number of cafés, bars, restaurants, hotels, and other public areas. All major Irish airports and most train stations provide Wi-Fi access. Most Irish hotels offer high-speed Internet services in the lobby or guestrooms. There are alternatives if wireless and ethernet service is not available, including cellular cards and Wi-Fi hot spots. Please note that Internet charges are the personal responsibility of each traveler.
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P R E - D E PA R T U R E Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your trip, please be sure to:
Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin
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Verify your passport is valid throughout your stay in Ireland
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Make two color copies of your passport: one to bring with you, and one to leave at home with someone you trust
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Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and locations to set up a “Travel Alert” on your account
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Purchase travel insurance, if desired
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Call your cell phone carrier and add an international roaming plan, if desired
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Prepare multiple forms of currency (cash, cards, etc.)
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Check with your healthcare provider to find out if you are covered while abroad
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Reconfirm flight details 24 hours prior to departure
Passport A valid passport is required for all travelers for entry into Ireland. Your passport establishes your identity and US citizenship and guarantees your admittance back into the US. You do NOT need a visa for tourist or business stays for up to three months in Ireland. You may be asked to present all documentation relating to the purpose of your trip to Ireland to the Irish Immigration offices upon your entry. To ensure access to this important document at all times, we recommend making two color copies of your passport before your departure. Leave one at home with a trusted person and keep one in a safe place at your destination.
Non-US Resident Documents Before traveling, check your specific needs and status carefully. Contact your embassy for instructions. If a visa is required, you will not be permitted to enter the country without one.
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Trinity College, Dublin
P R E - D E PA R T U R E Currency Tips
International Calling
Before leaving the US, call your bank and credit card companies and let them know about your travel plans, as most banks will put a hold on accounts if they detect unusual spending patterns. When you call them with your itinerary, they can provide a phone number to access in case you have any questions, or your card is stolen while you are traveling. It is also recommended to travel with two different credit cards.
Smartphones and tablets often work in Europe but please be aware that you may incur charges for data roaming fees. Most cellular service providers offer international calling plans that can be added to your account. Please check with your provider to understand any applicable fees for international use.
ATM Cards ATM cards are often the best, most convenient, and efficient way to exchange money abroad. ATM cards are widely accepted across Europe and will usually give you the best rate of exchange, however, it is a good idea to check with your bank regarding potential fees. In addition to your ATM card, it is a good idea to have another source of money, such as cash or traveler’s checks, in case of an emergency.
Credit Cards Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Dublin. American Express is often not accepted at smaller establishments. Be aware that some credit card companies will charge a fee of between one and three percent for purchases made outside the United States. Be sure to check with your credit card company and bank in advance to learn about the fees charged, as well as to advise them of your travel plans.
Additional options to stay in touch while you are away include buying a world phone, renting a phone, or purchasing phone cards. With phone cards, you can dial the appropriate US number from a public pay phone and have it charged to your phone card. A small handling fee may be applied to the bill. To avoid high fees, use public phones instead of the phones in your hotel room. Calling Abroad To call abroad, dial 00 (or “+”), followed by the country code (USA is 1), area code, and local telephone number of the person you wish to reach. (e.g., 00 1 214 363 0073)
Medical Information
Travel Insurance
It is always important to have ready access to your medical information when you travel. Make note of your doctor’s name and number, your blood type, special allergies, and your insurance information, and keep it in a safe place at your destination. While abroad, be sure to carry enough of your regular medicines in their original containers, as well as extra prescriptions in case needed. We also recommend taking care of any necessary medical and dental check-ups prior to your trip.
Purchasing travel insurance for your trip can assist you in the event of a natural disaster, medical illness, or even lost luggage. Travel insurance is highly recommended and special programs are available to Anthony Travel guests through Travel Guard Insurance.
Additionally, before you leave, check with your health care provider to find out if your insurance plan covers medical care you may receive in a foreign country.
For more information, please call Travel Guard at 866.211.8075 or visit TravelGuard.com and provide the Anthony Travel code (#45657010) to receive our special rates.
Emergency Services For all emergency services dial 999. The European standard 112 can also be used.
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A I R T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Confirm Reservation Due to airline schedule changes, we recommend confirming your departure information online or via phone 24 hours prior to departure.
Baggage Tips We recommend leaving all valuables at home. If you bring valuables, always keep them in your possession. Do not lock checked bags, as they might need to be inspected by security agents, and be sure to attach ID tags to all bags with your complete contact information to help if any bags are lost or misplaced. It is a good idea to measure and weigh your luggage when packing to make sure that it meets the guidelines for your airline. Avoid over-stuffing luggage, as bulging suitcases might weigh more than the official limit or be exceed size limitations, leading to excess charges.
Ross Castle, Co. Kerry
Luggage (Carry-On & Checked) Carry-On Luggage Personal carry-on items include, but are not limited to, small suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, purses, handbags, laptop cases, and diaper bags. Each airline has its own rules regarding the number of carry-on pieces as well as the dimensions and weight allowed. Passengers must stow carry-on items in overhead compartments or under the seat. Checked Luggage We recommend traveling with one piece of luggage. Some airlines charge extra for every checked bag, while others allow one or two checked pieces of luggage for free. For international travel, most airlines allow a maximum length of 62 inches and a weight of 50 pounds per bag. We recommend reviewing your airline’s policies as standards vary between carriers.
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Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry
A I R T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
L A N D T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
Customs
Walking
Every time you enter a new country or return to your own, you will need to clear customs. The primary mission of customs is to ensure that nothing harmful, potentially harmful, or illegal is brought into the country. Customs officials also question any purchased goods such as clothing, jewelry, electronics, or anything else that may be dutiable. When goods are purchased outside of your own country, you are subject to a duty fee upon returning with those items. The duty fee will vary depending on the item and its worth.
Dublin’s traffic is notorious, however, most of the must-see sights, shops and restaurants are located within the city center, which can easily be explored on foot. Although Dublin does not use a block system, there is a certain logic to the way in which the streets are organized. As in any large city, try to avoid looking repeatedly at maps as you can attract unwanted attention. If you do find yourself lost, most Dubliners will be happy to help with directions if asked.
Make a note of items packed, as any expensive jewelry, foreign electronics, or camera equipment can be questioned upon your return. If you leave the US with these items, you may want to bring along receipts or register the items before leaving home or they could be subject to duty fees upon your return. This is another reason we recommend leaving valuables at home.
Departure to Ireland We recommend that all guests arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure for international flights, regardless of whether you are checking baggage. Typically, travelers must be checked in 75 minutes before departure.
DART The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) is the rail line running along the coast of Dublin, from Malahide and Howth southward. Rates vary depending on the type of ticket purchased as well as on the distance traveled. Commuter as well as inter-city tickets are available for purchase either online or at the ticket vending machines located at each DART station. There are a limited number of wheelchair-accessible spaces on each train, so it is important to book your space at least 24 hours in advance. If you are planning to take DART to the game, you will need a ticket to Lansdowne Road.
Return to US
LUAS Light Rail
Please plan to arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure, as customs clearance from Ireland to the US takes place in Ireland.
Luas is a tram/light rail system in Dublin that can be used to travel to areas including Phoenix Park, Dundrum Town Center, St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and O’Connell Street. Tickets can easily be purchased at each station and operate based on zones. Visit luas.ie.
Sunday, August 28, is projected to be an extremely busy day at Dublin Airport. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time.
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L A N D T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Bus Dublin has an extensive bus network, but it can prove to be slow and unreliable due to the city’s traffic. When at a bus stop, do not be misled by the printed timetable. The timetables along Dublin bus routes only indicate when each bus leaves its terminal, not when it arrives/departs from this each stop, which can be very confusing for many tourists. Many stops now have real time information informing passengers of the actual arrival time of the next bus. If you will be taking a bus in Dublin, be aware that when you want to exit, you should ring the bell, and move toward the front doors. Even if the bus has multiple doors, it is customary in Dublin for drivers to only open the front doors for exiting passengers. Finally, buses only accept coin fares for most of their routes. If you do not have exact change, you will get an extra change receipt along with your ticket, which you can redeem for your change back at the main bus office.
Taxi With more than 12,000 licensed taxis working in the Dublin area, it is typically easy to secure a taxi. Taxis can be ordered by app on your phone or hailed on the street. Point-to-point trips in the city center should cost about €10-15, and many taxi drivers will offer a set fare if asked. If you are travelling more than 10 miles, you could try negotiating a fare; however, do this before getting into the taxi. FREE NOW is a taxi service app that works primarily with licensed taxi drivers to help you get a ride across the city. The FREE NOW app can be used to book and pay for a taxi in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Cork. For more information visit free-now.com/ie.
Uber Although Uber exists in Ireland, the app works differently than it does in the US. Ireland has prohibited Uber from hiring out private cars and only allows licensed taxi and limousine drivers to operate. So, when you order a car from Uber you will simply be hiring a taxi pick-up. 22
Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
KEY VENUES
G A M E D AY
Guinness Storehouse
About Aviva
Welcome Experience Location St. James’s Gate Dublin 8, Ireland
Lansdowne Road Dublin 4, Ireland
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Thursday 9:30 AM to 6 PM Friday and Saturday 9:30 AM to 5 PM Sunday
Merrion Square Pep Rally Location Merrion Square S Dublin 2, Ireland
Temple Bar 47-48, Temple Bar Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland
Trinity College College Green Dublin 2, Ireland
All seating in Aviva Stadium is under cover; however, the roof does not extend over the field. The redeveloped stadium was designed to ensure all spectators have an excellent view of the pitch while retaining the unique Lansdowne Road atmosphere. The stadium provides superb facilities for spectators and players, as well as the media and the many support personnel needed to stage all events.
Stadium Regulations Please be aware of the following stadium policies: •
Aviva stadium is a no smoking environment. Smoking is not permitted in any part of the stadium.
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Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the stadium. Persons who are or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be removed or refused entry without refund.
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Fireworks, bottles, knives, glasses, cans, flag poles, banners and other similar articles or containers – including anything which could or might be used as a weapon – are not permitted within the grounds.
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Umbrellas are not permitted to be used within Aviva Stadium. We recommend bringing a rain jacket.
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No bags (with the exception of small handbags, no bigger than A4) will be allowed into the stadium. Handbags will be subject to search.
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Strollers are not allowed in the stadium.
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Full stadium policies can be viewed here: FAQs and Ground Rules | Aviva Stadium.
The taking of photographs, video photography, or other recordings inside Aviva Stadium - whether by mobile phone or otherwise - is prohibited, except for people holding official accreditation.
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G A M E D AY Bus Transportation Round-trip transportation will be provided from hotels that are not within walking distance of Aviva Stadium. Please refer to your Personalized Itinerary for game day details including times and locations. Your credential is required to board all travel package transfers.
Game Tickets – Ticketmaster Tickets will be emailed to the address associated with your reservation by Ticketmaster in August prior to the game. ADA seating must be requested in advance. Email Ireland@onlocationexp.com with questions.
Stadium Map
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Aviva Stadium, Dublin
D E S T I N AT I O N S
DUBLIN, IRELAND
Trinity College Long Room Library, Dublin
Temple Bar, Dublin
Phoenix Park, Dublin
D E S T I N AT I O N S
IRELAND ’S ANCIENT EAST
Hook Lighthouse, Co. Wexford
Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
D E S T I N AT I O N S
THE HIDDEN HEARTLANDS
Fowley’s Falls, Co. Leitrim
Cloughoughter Castle, Co. Cavan
Glencar Lough, Co. Sligo
D E S T I N AT I O N S
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Titanic Experience, Belfast
The Dark Hedges, Co. Antrim
Giants Causeway, Co. Antrim
D E S T I N AT I O N S
T H E W I L D A T L A N T I C W AY
Slieve League, Co. Donegal
Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry
Kinsale, Co. Cork
DUBLIN HOTELS Dublin Hotels Academy Plaza Hotel 10-14 Findlater Pl, O’Connell Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 X2X0, Ireland
Belvedere Hotel Denmark Street Great, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 W1C0, Ireland
Clayton Ballsbridge Merrion Rd, Dublin 4, D04 P3C3, Ireland
Clayton Cardiff Lane Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 YT21, Ireland
Clayton Hotel Charlemont Charlemont St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 H9C1, Ireland
Dylan Hotel Eastmoreland Pl, Dublin, Ireland
Grand Malahide Grove Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XT65, Ireland
Herbert Park Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
Hilton Garden Inn Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, D01 V9X5, Ireland
Hotel 7 Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, D01 V9X5, Ireland
Intercontinental InterContinental Dublin, Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
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Jury’s Christchurch 8 Christchurch Pl, Dublin 8, D08 REK7, Ireland
Marlin Hotel 11 Bow Ln E, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland
Moxy Hotel 1-5, Sackville Pl, North City, Dublin, DO1 TY75, Ireland
Radisson Blu Golden Ln, Dublin, D08 VRR7, Ireland
Staycity Dublin Christchurch High St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 E188, Ireland
Staycity Dublin Trinity Trinity City Hotel, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 FW96, Ireland
Trinity City Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 FW96, Ireland
The Davenport 8-10 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland
The Mont 1-4 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin, D02 H525, Ireland
The Morgan 10-12 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 AT86, Ireland
The Green 1-5 Harcourt St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Westbury Balfe St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin
OFFICIAL HUSKERS IRELAND TOUR
The information in this guide has been prepared to the best of our knowledge. While we strive to ensure all information is correct, certain details are subject to change, including times, dates, addresses and phone numbers. Please visit CollegeFootballIreland.com for the most up-to-date event information.