This was a great apartment; I would definitely recommend it. It is spotlessly clean and newly remodeled, so everything is modern and convenient. It is a basement apt. under the host's residence. The windows extend above ground, so plenty of daylight, and good shades if you are jet lagged and want to sleep. The lighting is also good with some nice touches like bright light over the bathroom sink, and reading lights on both sides of the bed, which is very comfortable. The closets have nice wooden hangers. The kitchen is well equipped, and there is a supply of reading material and DVDs. There is also a wood burning stove in the living room which the host will light for you, though I did not use this option in April.
The apartment is walking distance to the city center, but I would not call it easy walking distance. It is easy walking distance to Phoenix Park, and medium walking distance to the Botanic Garden. Also not a bad walk to Christchurch, Dublin Castle or St. Patrick's. However there are several bus lines which stop close by, and I found it very easy to hop a bus to get downtown or wherever you want to go. It is also 8-10 min walk from a small shopping center with a Tesco as well as pharmacy, Dr., barber, post office, Chinese take away, bakery/sandwich shop, and convenience store. The latter sells Leap cards for the bus. Though situated on a semi busy street, the apt is set back behind a low wall and is very quiet with little traffic noise. View from the front windows is basically trees and sky.
The host, Denis, is very genial and extremely helpful if you should have any problems, which you won't. Highly recommended.