Expensive return to Ireland

On Monday, May 6, my wife and I returned from a winter break. Exiting the airport we hired a taxi from the official rank and requested to go to Heuston Station.

Although not being very conversant with Dublin, on our departure the taxi had taken us along the Upper Drumcondra road and I expected to return that way. However, I soon realised that we were going through Finglas and Glasnevin and were virtually in the countryside. I was a bit concerned and said “You seem to be going on the scenic route”. His response was that he had to go that way as the gardai had O’Connell Street closed for a parade.

After some time we arrived at Heuston and I asked him how much and he said “€48 would do”. I paid but felt it was exorbitant.

At the station we thought we would leave our cases in the Left Luggage department, and go across the road to the Aisling Hotel, relax and have lunch. On enquiring where the Left Luggage area had gone, we were informed that the station no longer had that facility. As there was no way we could take our cases around with us, we caught the 11am train to Mallow. Knowing how important the tourist industry is to our country, I thought to myself “Some welcome to Ireland”. I must add, however, that the staff at Mallow station were very helpful.

Cliff O’Hanlon

Mallow

Co Cork