When we return to Dublin, we will stay here again. I can’t recommend this flat enough to do them justice, and can’t overstate how great our stay in Alan’s place was. The flat, the neighborhood, the host were all wonderful. Alan is a very kind and gracious host. He greeted us warmly and was available, while also being discreet and staying out of the way.
Flat: beautiful, spotless, comfortable, cozy and very well-equipped. As described. Has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and a family/sitting/ tv room, which is very cozy, with desk, sofa, plants, reading chairs and lamps. All rooms have windows and are sunny and bright, but have shades to sleep undisturbed. Kitchen is sunny, spotless and well equipped. Bedrooms are roomy, comfortable, w/ good beds, good linens, plenty of closet space. Good heating. Hot water. Good showers. Place is private, quiet and great to come home to in the evening.
Host: Alan is very nice, is very helpful and available but unobtrusive, provides guests excellent information about the area, sights, transportation, and Dublin in general. Has a wall in the kitchen “decorated” with very useful information about Dublin. He posted little notes everywhere that we found useful (about the heating, how some things in the flat - like the tv remotes, hot water, etc, work). He was even kind enough to drive us to the airport for our return trip. And he is someone interesting to converse with, if you are so inclined.
Neighborhood: excellent. The flat is in a very nice, quiet, “upscale”, safe residential neighborhood. Is out if the way from the noise and the other fellow tourists in the city center (Temple Bar, etc). But it is very close to these sights, is a very convenient hub to visit everything and then go home in the evening (or wee hours, if that’s your thing), and rest well. Several bus stops are only 3 minutes away. And the bus ride to temple bar and most parts of the city is 15 minutes long. It is also a nice, (and safe) 45-minute walk, if you like walking. And 10-15 min. by car. Everything u need is walking distance, literally 5 minutes away: grocery store, bank, pharmacy, neighborhood pub, restaurants, cafes and places in which to have a good coffee & breakfast. A pub and an excellent take-away Indian restaurant both just around the corner. Also: Some stores, a beauty salon, etc. We loved staying here.