Getting To Showcase
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The RDS is located in Ballsbridge, a residential area just 3 kilometers south of the city centre with good public transport links.
Bus
Local buses to and from the city centre are the numbers 5, 7, 7A and 45. Bus services are operated by Dublin Bus.
DART
The DART (suburban rail) station closest to the RDS is "Sandymount", which is approximately 10 minutes on foot to the RDS.
Train
There are two main train stations in Dublin (Heuston & Connolly). The DART (suburban rail) connects from Connolly station only. The LUAS (light rail) links Heuston station with Connolly station.
Air
The RDS is 16 kilometers from Dublin International Airport, which is serviced by European, Transatlantic and International Airlines. Dublin airport is located to the north of Dublin city centre. The "aircoach" service operates from both the airport and Ballsbridge every 15 minutes.
Sea
Dublin is serviced by two Ferry companies - Irish Ferries and Stena Line - which operate out of Dublin Port (to the north) and Dun Laoghaire Port (to the south).
Car Hire
Budget Car Rental Ireland offers a great value and friendly service and has rental locations in Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Knock and Belfast airports as well as in the major cities. Their website also offers information on safe driving in Ireland, tourist tips, and other useful information that you might find helpful.
The RDS also offers car parking facilities (extra charge) onsite. The following are directions to reach the RDS by car:
City Centre
- From O'Connell bridge in the heart of Dublin's city centre, with O'Connell street behind you travel south onto D'Olier Street (one-way);
- Following the flow of traffic right at the end of D'Olier Street onto College Green (Trinity College will be on your left hand side);
- Veer left at the entrance to Trinity College towards Grafton Street (one of Dublin's main pedestrian shopping streets);
- Follow the flow of traffic left onto Nassau Street (one-way); proceed to the end of Nassau Street/South Leinster Street to the fork in the road;
- At this fork/set of traffic lights take the right onto Claire Street; continue straight along Merrion Square; Mount Street; over the Canal onto Northumberland Road; onto Merrion Road (Ballsbridge).
- The RDS Main Hall Complex is located on your right hand side (opposite the AIB Banking Centre) in Ballsbridge.
M50
- Traveling southbound/northbound on the M50 take the exit for Sandyford Industrial Estate;
- Continue in the direction of the Sandyford Industrial Estate as far as the Leopardstown Roundabout; take the second exit onto Brewery Road;
- Continue straight to the end of Brewery Road until you reach the N11; turn left onto the N11 (direction of the city centre);
- Continue straight passing UCD (on your left hand side) and RTÉ (on your right hand side) until you reach Donnybrook (Donnybrook Dublin Bus Garage will be on your left hand side);
- With Donnybrook Bus Garage on your left hand side & Donnybrook Church on your right hand side turn right onto Anglesea Road;
- For the RDS Main Hall Complex continue along Anglesea Road; just before the end of Anglesea Road, with the entrance to the Herbert Park Hotel on your left hand side there is the Anglesea Road entrance to the RDS Main Hall Complex;
Accommodation
Expotel has been appointed by Expo Events as the official accommodation agent for Showcase Ireland 2009. For more information, please see the accommodation page of this website.
Down Time
For those with time on their hands and in pursuit of some leisurely activities, we have compiled a mini guide to Dublin's best-kept secrets. As cities go, Dublin is an intimate and manageable metropolis, but don't let its size fool you, it offers choice by the hectare.
Download guide (193 KB, PDF)
Dublin Dining
Dublin's appetite for restaurants is insatiable. Our home-grown celebrity chefs have become household names, both home and abroad. And our nations understanding and appreciation for good quality food is destined to continue to grow. Culinary feasts to suit all palates, from fine dining Michelin rated restaurants to quaint dining affairs all deliver the promise of quality. A host of Dublin's finest eateries beckon. Ith go sláintiúil - eat well!
Download dining guide (170 KB, PDF)