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Best area in Dublin/just outside to stay

Posted by on

Hello!

My family (me, husband, sister, BIL, mom, dad and our just shy of 2 year old daughter) will be heading to Ireland at the end of April/early May. Prior to our daughter and covid, my husband and I were huge travelers - those type of rent a car, drive across the country, take the trains to a million places, ETC. We have been to Dingle and just loved the western part of Ireland, but realize that won't be feasible for our trip with our 2 year old. We will be going for 5-7 days. We are flying into Dublin.

Best area for us to stay in? Walkability is a huge plus for us, but as aforementioned towns like Dingle are more our speed, so we're hesitant to stay in the heart of city center. Any and all tips welcome! Also looking for any great day trips outside of Dublin. We all enjoy hiking, castles, ETC. Our daughter is a very good traveler and easily goes with the flow (and it doesn't stress us out or stop us when she doesn't), so that's less of a factor for us. We're used AirBNB with good success in the past, although I know this has changed a bit since 2019. We would like to ideally rent a place we can all stay together, so any other outlets anyone can share would be wonderful.

Should also mention we're coming from Boston - a quick flight for us!

Posted by
2267 posts

Regarding location in the city, the north side of the river is just a bit little more low-key than the south, while still being central and connected.

Glendalough for a day trip into the mountains.

Houth for a half-day on the cliffs over the Irish Sea.

Posted by
23 posts

Thanks! I guess I should add on - if we were to go for 8 days and do a split stay, what towns/areas do you recommend north or south of Dublin?

Posted by
8682 posts

Been ages but I enjoyed my stay in Carlingford which is North of Dublin.

Posted by
6525 posts

Walkability means a hotel in the central part of Dublin, near the river, on either the north or south side. I'll plug Buswell's Hotel, about a block from the Aircoach stop from the airport, across the street from the National Archeological Museum, and a few blocks from Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, and other popular sights. It's also about a block from the north-south LIAS tram that can be very convenient. Having its own restaurant could simplify some meals. But there would be many other choices, including big chain hotels a few blocks west of Buswell's. See what you find on booking.com.

I took Mary Gibbons' tour to Newgrange and related sights in the Boyne Valley north of Dublin. It was a highlight of my trip, but your daughter may not appreciate it as much as she is 76 years younger than me. It's worth considering for the destinations and also the fascinating (to me, not a 2-year-old) narration of Irish prehistory and history along the way. About an hour each way by bus as I recall, maybe too long for the kid.

Posted by
1376 posts

Your daughter may enjoy the Leprechaun Museum In Dublin. It’s less museum and more audience participation in the myths and legends around leprechauns. Please note that when I checked their Website to confirm they made it through the pandemic I saw a notice saying that it may not be suitable for children under the age of 7. https://leprechaunmuseum.ie/

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