***Best.Airbnb.Ever***
Okay, this was my first Airbnb experience, but I can't imagine anything better! The very affordable accommodations are outstanding in every way: clean, comfortable, charming, convenient. The lovely home is a short stroll from main buses into nearby City Centre, taxicabs abound, and there's ample parking if you've a car (as I did.) Lots of shops and dining within walking distance too, and Rathmines is a very safe and pleasant area. Although the room was an excellent excellent value in every way, the really priceless gem was our host; Rory made us feel as if we were staying with good friends or family, and was available and attentive to our every need throughout our stay. Traveling from the States to the Royal Dublin Horse Show, our planned accommodations fell thru at the last moment. Shocked at hotel prices (and with most sold out) I turned to Airbnb, found this place, and sent Rory a panicked email as we boarded our plane from NY. He replied immediately and saved the day, with a room both much nicer and far less expensive than I had originally booked elsewhere. Once we landed in Dublin, he communicated immediately with perfect directions, and when we arrived in Rathmines, he made us a perfect (and much needed) cup of tea, and set us up with directions to the RDS. Rory is personable and professional, and our entire stay was perfect (only wish we'd left more time to spend around the table sharing stories with Rory and the other guests; next time!) Rory was kind and flexible about check-in/check-out times too, which was much appreciated as our plans kept changing. However, the coup-de-grace was on our departure day. My traveling companion had lost her wallet in town (including some very important documents), and was beside herself with worry. While we sat at the Airport, Rory went into town, found the shop the wallet was left in, put it in a taxi and got it to us before our departure - he was an absolute hero!!! Rory really delivers on the Airbnb slogan: Belong Anywhere. I've never felt so welcomed (even in a five star hotel at 10x+ the price), and I can't wait to return! It's Airbnb for me from this point forward, and I wouldn't bother with anywhere else in Dublin if Rory has room for me in the future.