Flights to Ireland from North America are overnight, which means you'll arrive in Ireland in the morning, leaving a nearly full day for exploration!

If you've rented a car and are ready to hit the road, I highly recommend a good breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead (your body ‘s fuel is food or sleep and since you're a bit jet lagged your body will be craving more than airline food to keep it moving).

Irish breakfast

Need jet lag tips? Find them here!

There are some very good options in the Arrivals Hall at Dublin Airport. Other than gas stations that is all that may be available before 9am.

But what should you do if your first stop is Dublin?

This article is also available as a podcast. Scroll to the bottom of the page to listen.

Early Morning Arrival in Dublin – Here's What To Do

If your first stop in Ireland is a day or two in Dublin you've made a good choice! You can adjust to the time difference without needing to drive and the city is terrific for walking and staving off tiredness.

But what about your luggage? And what should you do so early in the morning?

I loved my room at The Morgan HotelEarly Check-In in Dublin Hotels

You can always request early check in at your Dublin hotel, but it is never guaranteed.

If you must have a hotel room that you can check in to upon arrival you need to book for the evening prior – and be sure to let the hotel know you will be checking in late. This is the only way to guarantee your room will be ready when you roll in between 7am – 1pm.

If you don't want to spend money on the extra night's accommodation, most hotels will hold your bags in a secure space so you can jump right in to everything the city has to offer.

Can't Drop Your Bags at a Hotel?

If you're staying someplace that won't hold your bags there are spots across the city that will do so for a fee. Your bags will be stored securely and are insured.

Bounce is one company that offers bag storage across Dublin. Prebooking is not required.

The extensive Breakfast Buffet at The Morgan HotelEat a Good Meal

Just like my recommendation for those heading out in a car, you should find someplace for your first Irish breakfast.

At 7am the nearest breakfast spot may well be the hotel but as the morning progresses more spots will open up.

A few spots to keep in mind

• Keogh's Cafe on Trinity Street (6:30am except Sundays)
  
  
• Taste Food Company on South William Street (7am)
  
  
• Bewley's Cafe on Grafton St (7am)
  
  
• Stage Door Cafe on Essex St in Temple Bar (8am)
  
  
• Goose on the Loose on Kevin St (8am M-F)
  
  
• The Bakehouse on Bachelors Walk (9am)

Ha'Penny Bridge Get Moving

Many sites and attractions won't open until 9 or 10am, but there is still plenty to occupy your time in Dublin before then! I think Dublin has a different feel in the morning before people begin coming in to work and the tourists are awake. It's perfectly peaceful. Consider these activities:

• Wander through Temple Bar before the crowds arrive
  
  
• Grab a cuppa and stroll through St. Stephen's Green
  
  
• Hop aboard a city bus and head to Phoenix Park
  
  
• Shoot early morning photos on Ha'Penny Bridge and stroll along the Liffey
  
  
• Just stroll along the city streets and get your bearings

Average check-in time at Dublin hotels is 4pm. If you're room is ready before then – and you have left contact information with the hotel, they will let you know.

But I think the best game plan for your first day in Ireland is to eat well and stay active. Go to bed around 8pm (unless you've gotten a major second wind) and set an alarm for no later than 9am the next day. This will get you onto ‘Irish time' quickly and help alleviate jet lag during your vacation.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 248

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