Thanks again Colette, I had a great time staying in Monkstown-- it truly is magnificent! I know it is cliche and all, but it's like home away from home (far away from home in my case). Warm, comfortable, friendly, clean... I could go on and on.
Monkstown is a great locality to discover Dublin city/ south (Dalkey, Bray, Greystone); the Dart, Bus 4 and 7, easy walking for as long as one may desire, bicycling, and swimming too! (okay the last one is a bit chilly, but it's a great walk to the "forty foot", and once you make the plunge you know you're alive).