Coming to Dublin felt like coming home, and James, Kelly, and Matilda made me feel like family. Hands down the bests hosts I've ever had, and I hope to remain lifelong friends.

Hosts
James was quick to respond and provided clear instructions on how to find the home. He greeted me at the door and gave a quick tour of the house and introduction to his wife Kelly and their daughter Matilda before inviting me to join the family for dinner and a movie. I felt at home immediately. The hospitality continued all week with shared meals, late night conversations, and tours of the city. They're wonderful, charming people, very international and worldly, and have interesting points of view shaped by their past. Spending time with them - an Irishman and an Aussie - helped me make better sense of Irish culture (and my own Irish grandparents!). In all, absolutely marvelous. I can't thank them enough for making my experience in Dublin -- they will be the highlight of my conversations when I return home.

House
James and Kelly's house is gorgeous. It's an old Victorian contrasted by a modern renovation on the lower ground floor, where the kitchen and socializing space is. Kelly has a knack for DIY and has made many improvements in the house and yard - and has plans to continue upgrading the kitchen. I had free reign over the house as I needed - kitchen space and utensils, TV (including Netflix), etc. The bedroom is nice, bright, and large, and blackout curtains turn it into a sleeping cave to prevent the 19-hours of daylight from impacting my sleep. It has a large closet that fit all of my gear (for 7 weeks of travel), and I fell asleep immediately each nice once my head hit the pillow on the queen size bed. I slept soundly like I was in my own place every night of my stay. The house is clean throughout and clearly well cared for. I'm jealous of it!

Neighborhood
Drumcondra is a short 15-minute cycle from city center and Docklands where I worked, and it's a nice quiet walk to the nearest Dublin Bikes rental stand. It has a neighborhood/family feel with some nice restaurants and pubs within a 3-minute walk. The bike to Temple Bar was 10 minutes (cab was much shorter), so I got the convenience of seeing the touristy area without the hassle of the noise and the traffic. It's also located right by two big parks, so an afternoon run and enjoying a quiet afternoon stroll were easy and pleasant. Certainly a neighborhood I'd consider if I lived in Dublin.