Sam and his partner Ab welcomed me into their home like I was an old friend visiting from out of town. I spent three nights at their place. Their flat is right in city center with great access to sites and transports. The room was clean and neat, as was the rest of the place. The shared terrace was gorgeous with all the flowers and I was able to spend substantial time out there (more on that later).

Communication with Sam was smooth. My plane ended up late but I contacted them through the AirBnB app. I called them once I got near. After dropping off my luggage, we went to the Panti Bar around the corner for drinks that they bought for me. It ended up being a late night and we had great conversation to top off the night back at the flat.

Sam is very knowledgeable about the area. He has lots of suggestions for places to visit and eat/drink. I wish I could have gone out of town to Glendalough but given my limited time, I went to Howth instead. I tried Brother Hubbard right across the street for breakfast and it was fantastic! I walked to Guinness Storehouse in the morning and had a lovely time.

When I booked, Sam had warned me that they were having a party on Saturday night. I was free to join, so why not? After my day of tourist activities, I met their friends and neighbors for a gathering on the terrace. Great party! The beers and conversations were flowing. I begged off at 2AM but they went a lot later.

Sunday I did my own tourist thing and went to Howth for half a day and visited museums in the afternoon in Dublin. When I got back, I spent my time out on the terrace relaxing.

OK, having said all the good things, here are a few words of cautions. Most of this is already in the description. I booked knowing all of this. You should too.
1. It's on the fifth floor (if ground is first) with only stairs to get you there. It keeps you fit.
2. There is only one bathroom that you share. It's recently remodeled and it's nice. My schedule did not overlap with theirs so I had no problems.
3. Your room faces Capel Street. It is city center. Bring earplugs. The seagulls were worse than the street sounds.
4. There are two wonderful cats, Tab and Skype, to keep you company. Skype loves to be petted.

This was such a wonderful experience. If I ever make it back to Dublin, I will for sure see if Sam's place is available again.