We could not have done better than John’s place. He was always responsive and helpful, doing us a great favor after the very early arrival from the US. His place is in an absolutely perfect location, in front of the tram line, and just one long block from the 747 bus to the airport. There are groceries and cafes dotted all along that block, some even have late hours and Sunday opening. It was perfectly safe, with 3 locks to pass through, and young professionals, students and families living in the surrounding flats. John’s apartment was perfect for travelers; the beds are totally comfortable and I never knew IKEA had such cushy towels! He has it stocked with all the essentials (read: coffee!) and there’s a washer/dryer available - I could have gotten by with 2 shirts for a week! Thankfully, too, there were power adapters with USB ports conveniently all over the apartment. It was cozy warm, in fact the thermostat is kind of complicated so we gave up on attempting to alter it when leaving for the day. There were even umbrellas left out for use, and they were required almost every day. The place is just a bit worn overall, so I wouldn’t call it sparkly clean, but he has thought of everything a traveler needs in a base of operations.
I would stay at John’s any time I could return to Dublin.