O²K: Parking in Dublin

Moving, as we have, from Dun Laoghaire creates one significant problem: parking. Sadly, we have lost the advantages of free parking as the Royal Dublin has very limited parking, even for hotel residents.

Where possible we suggest using Public Transport. Full details of bus and train routes can be found in our first progress report, or on our web site.

If you wish to drive into the city, be prepared to pay for the privilege. Most city centre car parks charge £1.50 to £1.80 per hour, however there are some savings to be found.

The best place to park is in the Parnell Centre, behind the UGC Cinema on Parnell Street. While they charge £1.50 per hour for short stays, a 24-hour stay is £10.50. They also stay open late for late-night film-goers, while many of the others close early.

Another option is the car park at Connolly Station, which charges £5 per day, but it's a slightly dodgy area to go late at night and they close at 11pm.

If you need to drive, but wish to avoid the city centre, there are several options.

For free parking, you can park next to Blackrock Dart Station on the South Side, or Raheny (next to Raheny Church) or Sutton Dart Station on the North Side and get the Dart into the city centre. All of these car parks are reasonably safe places to leave your car during the day, but may be unwise for staying overnight.

If you're planning on staying in the city centre overnight, one sneaky option is to park in Dublin Airport Long Term Car Park (£7 per day) and get the Airport Coach into the city centre (£3).

While on-street parking isn't available on Saturday (the maximum stay is 3 hours), it is free all day on Sunday. There are lots of parking spaces on three of the four sides of Parnell Square. Be sure to get there early to beat the Sunday shoppers.

James Shields