May 5-10, 2018
We had an excellent 5-day stay at the Brendan Behan studio.
We took advantage of the offer of a driver to meet us upon arrival at the airport and Garry was there, as arranged. He transferred us to the apartment, let us in, went over the map of the area and pointed out highlights etc. We made arrangements for transfer back to the airport at that time as well. Garry’s very nice and was quite helpful in getting us quickly settled. It made our arrival very seamless which was convenient.
The apartment is as described - bright with views of the Irish hills and overlooking the city. Kitchenette was ample for our purposes, tea and coffee, a few snacks and the odd take out food. We picked up groceries at Lidl conveniently around the corner, and had everything we required for the stay, including wine and beer at good prices.
The Murphy bed was easily opened and stowed and was very comfortable. Good hot showers and clean towels and linens are always a welcome addition!
We like to walk and take advantage of public transportation and were able to walk to all attractions in town including the Guinness Warehouse, Jamieson’s, Phoenix Park, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar, pubs and restaurants. We also used the trams on occasion and had no difficulty getting tickets at the kiosks at the stops when necessary.
We took a one day Paddywagon Tour to The Cliffs of Moher, and we’re glad we did, despite the fact they were ‘misted in’ the day we went and we didn’t see much of the actual cliffs. We saw the baby cliffs which were beautiful, and saw some of the lovely Irish countryside on a nice sunny day.
We booked the Guinness tour and can say they’ve taken full advantage of their massive advertising skills to provide a glossy tour. While we now have bragging rights and a certificate to prove our pint pouring prowess, it was an expensive pint. The highlights were the excellent and ample servings of Irish stew and curried chicken in one of the restaurants, and the views from the (over crowded) Gravity Bar. Not to detract from the tour, but it’s not something we normally would do, and unsure we would recommend it as ‘value’ for money. Having said that, there were those who raved about it, so to each their own.
We found an incredible pub, filled with friendly locals and nightly live Irish music and had, what we considered, a true Irish experience we won’t soon forget. (J. McNeill Music Shop). Stay for the music!
We will be back.
Sláinte!