Stephanie is a wonderful host who was very helpful and really helped get us settled in and provided us with lots of useful local information. Prior to the visit she was very helpful in making sure that the arrangements were suitable for my elderly mother. During the visit, she left us to our own devices but was quick to respond anytime we messaged her.
The flat is in an apartment complex just off the south bank of the River Liffey. It is in a gated courtyard with pedestrian keypad access so feels very safe and secure. We drove down from N. Ireland and found it quite easy to get to (it’s basically at the end of the N1) despite Dublin’s notorious one-way system and my satnavs, both of them, deciding to go on the fritz. Stephanie was also there to guide us in over the phone. Parking is for a small to medium-sized car (by European standards – a large SUV would not really fit) and is inside the powered gates which are controlled by one’s phone so, again, very safe and secure. We stayed for a week and used the flat as a base for sight-seeing.
The flat itself consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The living room is clean and bright and opens onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard. There is a sofabed which is quite comfortable and takes about a minute to convert. It was great for me and mum had the bed in the bedroom – also very comfortable. All the linen and bedclothes we needed were provided. Internet access is fast and stable, TV reception is good. The bathroom has a pumped shower and there was always loads of hot water without us having to change the timer settings. The kitchen has a fridge, microwave, toaster, halogen hob, oven and a washer-drier – so no going home with a suitcase of smelly smalls! Stephanie kindly provided bread, milk, butter and cereal among other things so we didn’t have to trek out to the shops as soon as we unpacked.
Locally there is a garage and chip shop ‘around the corner. A short walk up the hill takes you to Thomas Street where there are more takeaways restaurants and churches of various denominations. The city centre is about 20-30 minutes’ walk away but there is a Luas (Dublin’s tram system) stop just on the other side of the river which is the easiest way to get into town.
All in all highly recommended.