Dun Laoghaire or Howth?

I've been searching for months for a place in Dublin in July and finally made reservations yesterday in Dun Laoghaire. We stayed in Malahide (near Howth) last time and were really happy, so I guess what I'm saying is, the south area is slightly more expensive, but everywhere I've been there is good access to public transportation. We enjoy staying on the edge of town where life is just a wee bit slower than central Dublin and beds and hospitality are better. Howth is closer to the airport; D L at the ferry port for Holyhead, etc. Those are the things I weigh plus availablity. Sometimes you take what you can get.

We stayed in DL and liked it very much.Nice B&B and near the Dart which took us into Dublin quickly.A double decker bus took us to airport thru downtown Dublin.DL has some very nice restaurants.jack

I was about to recommend the Mount Herbert Hotel as a relatively inexpensive Dublin hotel (although a bit outside the center)... then I checked their website. Ouch! Their prices have increased quite a bit since I stayed there two and half years ago.

While I have fond memories of Howth, have you tried the option of staying at Trinity College in Dublin?
Sure, fairly spartan conditions (empty dorm facilities), but relatively inexpensive and right in the heart of the city, and with lots of available rooms during the summer when the nice hotels fill up.
Just a thought.

Thanks everyone! We bit the bullet and are paying 110 EUR a night for a guesthouse in central Dublin. After two weeks of countryside B&Bs, a city stay will do better at rounding out or Ireland experience.

I stayed in Dun Laoghaire it was great with easy bus trips to Dublin. Ck Ricks book we stayed at a B&B from his book list, Innisfree B&B excellent and great value near everything incl local entertainment and reasonable restaurants.