The Aer Lingus flights come into Dulles (IAD) airport, which is probably about 60 miles or so from Annapolis. So taking a taxi would cost a fortune.

As a frequent visitor to Ireland, I can tell you it's not all that stressful to drive on the "other side". And leaving Dulles you would be on major highways almost the entire way to Annapolis, I find it much easier to acclimate on those roads instead of minor ones.

You could use the car to see a bit of Maryland's eastern shore or to do some shopping at Annapolis Mall if shopping is on the agenda there are some good options there.

The only way to get to Annapolis from Dulles without paying around $100 for a shuttle is to take a bus from Dulles to the Washington Metro station at West Falls Church. metwashairports.com/dulles/…metrorail (1/2 hour)

Then take the Orange Line out to New Carrollton. (1 hour)

There is a bus that connects downtown Annapolis with the New Carrollton Metro stop.

mtamaryland.com/services/commuterbus/schedul… (1 hour)

That total trip is going to be at least 3 hours, and doing it with a 2-year-old...well, God bless you.

Annapolis is very walkable -- once you get there. I agree a car is your best bet.

Another option is to fly thru New York/JFK into BWI. Then taxi to Annapolis for about $50.

As far as other recommendations, I like the Calvert House for a central place to stay.

www.historicinnsofannapolis.com/home.aspx

Book a tour of the Naval Academy, and if you can attend a service in their Chapel, that is worth doing. There are sailboat races every Wednesday while the weather's nice. You can actually watch them from a boat (www.schoonerwoodwind.com).

Have fun.

If you can get a flight into Ronald Reagan airport which is in the heart of Washington DC, than you are at least 30 miles closer to Annapolis. They do have SuperShuttle Services which are shared van rides that do go to Annapolis, but you would have to call them or e-mail them and confirm. You can link to their site thru the Reagan airport site.

Also, I have used a taxi service from Annapolis as I always travel by train and sometimes can't get a ride to Union Station in DC. He would drive or pick me up for $50 one way. Don't know if he's changed his rates. I'm not sure if any Annapolis Hotels would offer their shuttle services to travel that far, but it may be worth a try. Westin, Lowes, and the Marriott are three big luxury chains that have properties in the historic district.

Renting a car wouldn't be too terrible if you were well versed with the route after studying a map or using the GPS if it is available in your rental vehicle. Once you can get to RT. 50 it is a straight shot to Annapolis. Once here, you can park and forget about your vehicle unless you would want to take some day trips.

"If you can get a flight into Ronald Reagan airport which is in the heart of Washington DC, than you are at least 30 miles closer to Annapolis. "

True, but the Aer Lingus flights from Dublin arrive at Dulles - might be difficult to get a flight from IAD to DCA. :)

Well... no where on flowertree's post did I see a specified airline, so no I was not commenting on any Air Lingus flights, just flying into Reagan in general. Relax.

I'm very relaxed, thanks!

You must have missed this part of flowertree's post:

"We could fly direct from dublin to dc "

"Direct" is the same as "nonstop" to Europeans, if they're flying from Ireland to DC it's definitely going to be Dulles.