We have decided to try not to drive to most places while in Ireland from Oct. 4 - 15. We hope to stash our bags in a locker at the Dublin bus/train station and spend a day wandering there. We've heard that we should make lodging reservations the first and last nights (leaving out of Shannon). Would anyone recommend a place in Dun Loaghaire for the first night? We would like to stay outside of Dublin, if possible. Will we be able to find lodging after that fairly easily without making prior reservations? Our general plan is to leave Dun Loaghaire/Dublin and go to Kilkenny, S. Tipperary Clonmel area, Cobh, Kinsale, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula,and the Galway area. Thanks for any recommendations!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I haven't stayed overnight in Dun Loaghaire, but here are the listings from Rick Steves' Ireland 2005 guidebook. Near the Sandycove DART station: Seaview B&B, Windsor Lodge, Annesgrove B&B. Near the Dun Laoghaire DART station: Lynden B&B, Innisfree B&B, Mrs. Howard's B&B, Mrs. O'Sullivan's Duncree B&B.
And from the Lonely Planet Ireland guidebook: Rosmeen House, Glandore House.
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk, Maine, USA
4 posts
Thanks, Tim. I have the Rick Steve's book but not the Lonely Planet one. I was hoping to make a decision based on others' experiences, but I've not seen any postings about Dun Loaghaire!
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
389 posts
We stayed with Mary O'Farrell and her husband at Windsor lodge in July (www.windsorlodge.ie) and loved it. It is handy to everything and we really appreciated their help.
I think finding lodging should be fairly easy if you seek out a book or some info. Many of the coolest places we've stayed are in small towns that may not have TIs to help you. If you are doing bus and train travel only you will probably end up in stations that have Tourist Info and should be okay or you can walk down the street and knock on doors. I've seen so many signs just as we are going down the road that I'm sure you'll find rooms readily available in October.
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk, Maine, USA
4 posts
Thanks, Linda! I'll give it a try.
Posted by
COCONUT CREEK, CARENCRO, FL., LA., USA
152 posts
We stayed in Dun Loaghaire a couple of years ago. I will have to look through my pictures to find the name of the B&B. I would not staye there again. The curtains were falling down off the bedroom window. Cute town and no problem getting trains everwhere.
Due to problems with my first trip to Europe in many years I now make reservations for the 1st and last night. It was 11 o'clock at night before leaving Brussels the next day. We were saved by finding an Ibis. The Accor chain is a good one that has several chains. We stay in small towns except for coming and going and use the Ibis then. Galway has a nice Ibis. Don't know about Dublin. We stayed at a Best Western in downtown Dublin before we left. It was grea, central and when I got tired I could go back without my husband.
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
We also stayed at Windsor Lodge.It is well run by friendly people and is close to the Dart Stations.We took the double decker bus to the airport .Great ride thru Dublin.
Posted by
OP
Kennebunk, Maine, USA
4 posts
Thank you, all! Mary Jo, if you come across that particular place, let me know as I'm sure it would be the very one I pick!