Ann Marie’s apartment was spacious and clean and we felt very comfortable and safe. Ann Marie was an exceptional hostess and made our stay in Dublin so special and memorable.

A group of PhD students were traveling from Texas, USA to Leeds, UK and one other student and I wanted to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. I contacted many Airbnb hosts and hostesses close to Parnell Square (where the St. Patrick’s Day parade began) only to be rejected time after time because we were only staying one night during a holiday weekend. When I contacted Ann Marie, I expected to be rejected again despite the location being a little farther out from the main festivities (about 20-25 minute walk) but to my surprise, Ann Marie accepted our request.

Leading up to our trip, Ann Marie sent a few suggestions for activities in Dublin during our stay and mentioned that 2016 is an important year because it is the 100 year anniversary of the Easter Rising events that took place leading up to Ireland’s independence. Ann Marie also allowed us to check in early (8:30am) when she could have easily told us to wait until she woke up on her day off and honored the typical afternoon check-in time on this national holiday.

Upon our arrival, Ann Marie supplied specific directions for entering the building and met us at the door. She connected us to the wifi, offered us a shower and a nap, and wrote down specific instructions for breakfast and taking the LUAS to the city center, and offered suggestions for local pubs. My friend and I had done a lot of research regarding the places we wanted to see in Dublin, but we weren’t too sure of transportation. If Ann Marie hadn’t helped us with our itinerary, transportation route, etc. we would have probably wasted a lot of time.

My friend and I toured Kilmainham Gaol, had a lovely Full Irish Breakfast at Berrylane, went to the parade, saw City Hall, the Dublin Castle, the Christ Church Cathedral, the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, went to the Guinness Storehouse, then met up with Ann Marie at the Old Royal Oak local pub. Ann Marie was such great company and I was kind of surprised that an Airbnb hostess wanted to hang out with us, but I was so glad that she did. After some time there, we walked to Patriots and had a blast hanging out with Ann Marie and the locals. Ann Marie had us try some of the local snacks at the bar and when we got back to the apartment, she made us an Irish sandwich with Taytos, Irish butter, and Irish bread. We chatted with Ann Marie for quite some time at her apartment and had many laughs until it was (unfortunately) time to pack and go to sleep.

We are so grateful to have met Ann Marie and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts.