We arranged for a cab to take us to the airport. Andrew didn’t want to go, so we said our goodbyes at Essex Quay. Our cabbie was one of the nicest people we met in Dublin.
We got to the airport plenty early and it’s a good thing we did. Organized chaos might be the best description. They are building a new terminal, so hopefully that will improve things. We checked our bags pretty easily, but trying to get our VAT refund was more challenging. They told us to be at the gate by noon because it would be closed.
On the way to the gate, we saw some Trinity College items, so we got some souvenirs after all (Connor will have to wait for his Trinity rugby ball). What we didn’t know was that we had to go through US immigration to get to our gate. They told us to be there by noon, but Immigration was closed for lunch from 11:30 to 12. By the time they opened, there was a huge line behind us. We made it through just fine.
Waiting at the Gate in Dublin
We ended up taking off about 20 minutes late, but landed in Chicago a full 30 minutes early. We had no bag problems or customs problems and called for the limo to take us back to Karen’s. There was no snow this time, so the trip was much faster. Thanks again Josh & Karen.
We made it to Joliet in time to meet up with Mamaw & Papaw. Jill went back to Columbus. We’ll see her in a few days. Kathy, Connor & I headed for Iowa. We made it home about 2 am on 12/31/08 – over 24 hours after we had gotten up in Dublin.
Thanks to everyone who followed along and/or made comments along the way. We have a few hundred pictures to sort through, so you’ve only seen a portion of them. Thanks to Andrew for hosting us and sometimes having to put up with us.
McGuire Irish Christmas Blog 