To Dublin From the Airport
Dublin is served by Dublin International Airport, which is located north of Dublin city centre. The easiest way to get from the airport to UCD is via the Aircoach (Route 700: Dublin Airport – Leopardstown) which stops at UCD. Further details available at http://www.aircoach.ie
If you are travelling first to your hotel, you can find frequent connecting bus services from the airport to the city centre via Aircoach and Airlink.
For further information about transport links to UCD go to UCD Commuter Guide.
From Dublin to UCD
The easiest way to get to the UCD Belfield campus from the city centre is via Dublin Bus. The 46A, 145, and 39A buses go through the centre of town and come directly to campus. Timetables tend to be suggestions rather than schedules, and buses can be quite busy around rush hour times. From the city centre, allow yourself at least 45 minutes to catch a bus and find your way across the UCD campus.
NB: All Dublin Bus buses should have WiFi.
Catching a bus
Have loose change, as Dublin Bus does not accept banknotes. The machines on the buses do not give change. Just tell the driver you are going to UCD, and she or he will tell you the fare. From the city centre, the cash fare is €2.85. You can plan your journey on http://www.dublinbus.ie/
Arriving at UCD
The 39A bus terminates at UCD, so no need to worry about getting off at the right stop. If you catch the 46A or 145, just press one of the red stop buttons when the electronic sign on the bus says UCD, or ask the driver to point out the campus. Since many people get off at campus, you are unlikely to miss the stop, but be aware that the campus is difficult to see if you are on a 46A or a 145 bus.
Both the 46A and the 145 set down on the Stillorgan Road. With your back to the bus, walk back towards the overpass you’ve just passed. You’ll turn left at the light, cross the overpass/bridge over the motorway and be on campus. You will probably be able to follow the crowd.
Taxi
Taxis are very easy to hail in town or from one of many taxi stands on main streets or in front of hotels. If you need to pay by card, be sure to ask the driver before you get in whether she or he accepts cards.
If you like pay-by-phone apps, MyTaxi is the most prominent taxi app in Dublin. You can download it, add a credit card, and call a taxi wherever your phone is internet-connected.
Driving
Avoid driving to campus if at all possible. Parking is extremely tight, though there are a few spots available for a small fee per day. For driving and parking directions, see here: http://www.ucd.ie/humanities/about/wheretofindus/