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1st Trip to Ireland

We will arrive in Dublin on August 25th for 7 nights. Can you recommend any hotels, Inns and B & Bs and restaurants in the city. We will rent a car and tour the area and would appreciate same regarding places to visit, stay and eat.
We will then fly to Edinburgh for same time period and would appreciate any insight Thanks John

Posted by
398 posts

We stayed at Staunton's on the Green and loved it: http://www.stauntonsonthegreen.ie/. It's on the south side of St. Stephen's Green, so it's close enough to be walking distance to almost everything in Dublin, but quiet at night. The breakfast (included) was very good, and the staff was friendly and helpful. There are a whole host of great hotels in Dublin though, so you won't have a hard time finding a good one.

Do get out and see the country - Dublin is great, but I wouldn't devote more than 2 or 3 days there (with so much else to do an see).

Posted by
346 posts

We have stayed at the Buswells Hotel twice and recommend it. It's moderately priced, and well located near Parliament, Trinity, and good shopping (Avoca, in particular). In walking distance are two restaurant recommendations -- Lemon for crepes and breakfast items (nice for a change, open all day), and Carluccio's, which is Italian. We also like the Boxty House in Temple Bar.
Within easy driving distance are New Grange, north of town. The sandwich shop at New Grange is surprisingly good and economical. South of town, the Kilkenny area with Jerpoint Abbey and Kells Priory, plus Kilkenny Castle are well worth your time.

Posted by
8572 posts

Been YEARS but check reviews online for Harvey's Guesthouse. 15-20 minute walk into the city center. Working class neighborhood.

Posted by
17 posts

Thanks for the info - please keep them coming. John

Posted by
1806 posts

Trinity College offers accommodations for tourists during the summer months. You cannot get more central in Dublin than staying where the Book of Kells is located and within easy walking distance to Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green, Merrion Square and Temple Bar. If you stay there, try to book a room or one of the apartments that is located in the historic part of the campus (they also offer accommodation at another building the college owns that is located nearby, but not on the main campus itself).

Try Chapter One if you want one splurge meal while dining in Dublin - the prices at lunch are a bit cheaper if you want to make that the main meal of the day. A visit to Howth (King Sitric restaurant if you enjoy fresh seafood) just outside of Dublin. For other places to visit, besides Trinity College and the Book of Kells, visit Kilmainham Gaol, the National Museum of Ireland (particularly if interested in Natural History or Archeology), and St. Michan's Church (the crypts underneath the church are worth a look).

Posted by
15560 posts

You won't need (or want) a car in central Dublin. If you want to spend several days seeing other parts of Ireland, you won't want to stay in Dublin. Though distances aren't great, driving is slow, much slower than you think it will be. It's best to stay in whichever area you choose.

For more replies on Edinburgh, either edit your subject to add "and Scotland" or post a new question with Scotland as the subject with the same text. People here who know Scotland may not even look at a post about Ireland.