Hi all; I’ve just gotten a 10-day dream sit in Dublin in Sept/Oct, & I’m looking for some advice. While I’m quite familiar with the UK, it’s my first trip to Ireland — and I’m SUPER-excited, to say the least!
I’m traveling from the US, & I’ve booked my flight to arrive 2 days early (allowing for potential flight delays, jet-lag, meeting the HO ahead of time, a slight bit of “me/chill time” etc.) The HO prefers not to host their sitters while they’re in residence, though — and I’m fine with that, as part of my goal for the trip is to get to know the country & people a bit on my own. That said, Dublin is a bit pricey and I can be a little bit picky, so I thought I’d ping my Forum friends here for advice on possible stays for those couple nights.
If it exists, I’m hoping for a B&B or friendly guesthouse in a safe, central/interesting location for under €200/nt. Preferably a double ensuite; inclusive of breakfast would be a bonus. A hotel would be OK as well, but I’m really looking for somewhere with friendly, mature hosts who don’t mind chatting up guests about how wonderful their country & city is 
. I won’t be using a car in the city, so walkability & public transport are considerations. (I know, I know…I’m not looking for much, am I?)
Anyway, when it comes down to it, I can definitely make compromises for a few nights, but I thought I’d ask what some of your favorite ‘hidden gems’ are as a start, and see where it might lead me.
(Of course, don’t be surprised if later on I come back and also ask for your favorites in Galway, Limerick, Cork & Waterford, if I don’t manage to pick up any follow-on sits for after my main sit 
)
Thanks in advance! 
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I’m from Dublin originally but live in Vancouver and have done two house sits there. I envy you as I definitely want to go back so I’m on the lookout for one next year. Yes, Dublin hotels are very expensive and we’ve never stayed in one as we managed to stay the night before and after with the homeowners so can’t really give you any recommendations. It might be an idea to stay somewhere just out of Dublin. Two of my favorite places are Dun Laoghaire - about a half hour by train out of the city or Skerries - about a 50 minute train ride. Both places are lovely and may be less inexpensive and you’ll see some scenery outside of the downtown core. An attraction I highly recommend in Dublin not to miss is “The Irish Epic Immigration Museum” - a very interactive experience giving an overview of the Irish culture. My second favorite attraction is 14 Henrietta Street which gives an overview on the tenement housing in Ireland. Also enjoyed the Temple Bar Rock n Roll Museum. You’ll probably receive more recommendations on here from people currently living in Dublin. You’ll have a terrific time ~ enjoy!
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Ah, I’m in Seattle, so we’re practically neighbors!
Thanks so much for these lovely suggestions. I’m really trying to get as much of a feel for the history & culture as I can. Not to put too fine a point on it, but as much as we love the PNW, my spouse and I are in the beginnings of exploring the possibility of spending our retirement a bit further ‘away,’ either permanently or just a lot more often. He’s quite the fan of Dublin, but this will be my first chance to make it over there. So excited to see as much as I can really, including the more rural areas!
I could easily live in Dublin where I was born - I’d say the cost of living is probably on par with living in Vancouver. You’ll find the people so friendly and welcoming. I also love Seattle - spending a night there next month prior to going on a Panama Canal cruise.
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How wonderful! Someone recently just told me their Panama cruise was the best one they’d ever experienced — I hope yours is just as enjoyable!
If you were here longer, and if I weren’t going to be on sits all month, I’d love to invite you to dinner…I always enjoy your thoughtful posts. But perhaps you’ll let me know if you make it down another time, or vice versa…I tend to head up your direction for fabric shopping, or for pet sits in Victoria every few months or so.
I am from Ireland, now living in Dallas. My family almost all still lives in Ireland, including my parents, so I visit often. I always stay a few nights in Dublin because most of my friends live there. I’ve done a few Dublin sits, but sometimes need to stay in a hotel. Yes, they are very expensive. A B&B will be less expensive - unlike B&Bs in the US which are usually more expensive than a cheap hotel. I’ve had good luck using the Hotelstonight app for last minute hotel deals.
Dublin is very walkable if you are in a lower-numbered post code. I mean that Dublin 1 and 2 are the very center, but if you are in Dublin 4, 6, 8 (sorry northsiders, I know the southside better!) you can still walk to the city center easily. Even if you can’t or don’t want to walk, public transport is excellent.
Whereabouts in Dublin is the sit?
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Oh, this is great advice, thank you; I’ll definitely bookmark that. I really do prefer B&Bs & guesthouses generally; I meet so many interesting people & learn so many things I’d otherwise miss.
The sit is in Sandymount which I’m also excited about, & I understand it’s only a few stops into the city center on public transport. But I won’t be taking the pup in with me and I don’t like leaving my charges alone for very long, so I thought it might be nice to have those first couple days to myself & be more in the thick of things.
Also edit to say, I don’t mind walking at all…as what’s a dog-sitter who won’t walk lol
Thanks so much MerryPuppins! Let me know when you’re up in Vancouver next. I’ve met up with two house sitters while they were sitting here and it was great fun!
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Make sure to add Kilkenny to your list, maybe substitute it for Limerick (although I haven’t been to Limerick….)
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I recently returned from 3 months housesitting/travelling in Ireland. I had 3 sits in different parts of Dublin, two of which were a bit far out to get into Dublin without leaving the dogs for too long so I only ventured into Dublin on one of those sits. I must admit I wasn’t overly impressed, probably because I started off with a guided walking tour of Temple Bar which really is quite seedy, touristy and noisy. I enjoyed a tour of Trinity College and went to the EPIC museum which was great. Luckily I didn’t have to stay in a hotel in Dublin but they are pricey, just like any other capital city.
I would thoroughly recommend a trip to Howth and doing the walk around the peninsula, also a trip to Bray and a walk (steep) up Bray Head.
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Have you tried Booking.com? You could also go on Google Maps and click on B&Bs that appear.
I lived in Dublin for 6 years previously, but have never stayed in a B&B in the city centre. If you can, try to get a place on the DART (train) or LUAS (tram) line. Buses are often very uncomfortable and get stuck in endless traffic jams. That’s not relevant if you stay in a place walkable to the centre, of course.
Finding chatty people will not be a problem in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland. It’s known as one of the friendliest countries in Europe or the world!
As for the other places you mentioned, I would not go to Limerick city as it’s not very nice. Galway is gorgeous though!
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Temple Bar is VERY touristy, and popular with young people. When I lived in Dublin, it wasn’t touristy at all. It was just a cute, old, part of the city that we went to occassionally.
I always recommend doing one of the Hop-On Hop-Off buses to get a feel for a new city. For something more in-depth, these are great: https://dublindecoded.com/. My history-obsessed mother loves them, which is high praise!
@MerryPuppins - I will send you a Word document that another friend and I created because we get asked for Ireland suggestions so often!
Sandymount is very close to the city center and a is gorgeous area by the sea. My last Dublin sit was next door, in Ringsend. There is an iconic walk to Poolbeg lighthouse (Visit Poolbeg Lighthouse with Discover Ireland), and you will see another iconic sight from the strand: Dublin Treasures - The Poolbeg Chimneys - Dublin.ie.
If you are a sports fan, you can check out what is happening at the Aviva Stadium which is walking distance from Sandymount. Aviva Stadium Event Calendar | Aviva Stadium
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You guys are all so fantastic, and the suggestions and insights are so much appreciated. Just getting ready to dash off to take my pupper to the vet but wanted to say a quick thanks until I can get back home with more time to delve deeper!
Was actually in Dublin around this time last year. While prices can be high, I found hotel rates to be quite reasonable actually.
Stayed at the Ariel House in Ballsbridge, which is one of the best and most unique hotels I’ve experienced. Its beautiful décor is impressive and extravagant, but the price was surprisingly affordable, could easily have been much higher, was about 70-90£ per night breakfast a la carte included. It was every penny worth it! Booked it about 10 days in advance (sometimes, but not always, booking last minute can pay off).
Locals and hosts advised me to avoid large parts of the north side of the river, which I did. Driving in from the airport, I got a firsthand look at it - was unlike anything I’d seen in Europe before. It’s not Hastings, but it’s definitely not good either. So, when choosing where to stay, I’d prioritize safety over price🍀
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This is fantastic Buttercup, thank you! And that price-point is better than I could ever have expected…thank you so much for the links as well!
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Happy to help! Oh, and if you’re thinking about staying at an inn instead, keep in mind that many wonderful Irish pubs offer accommodations, and they’re often centrally located. A great example is the iconic O’Donoghue’s, which is definitely a must try🍻
Also, Uber’s availability is limited in Ireland, so if you plan to use it from the airport, make sure to pre-book in advance.
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Oh wow; you guys are all making this so much easier for me; so glad I thought to post and ask for everybody’s advice!
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