I saved about 40 percent renting from Christine vs. renting a comparable room in the center of Dublin, and I think I had a far better time staying here than I would have had in the city. I was here three nights and on the only sunny day I took a day trip to Dublin via the DART train, which took about 35 minutes each way and cost only about €5 round trip. The Sandycove DART stop is less than a ten minute walk from Christine's house.
This is a wonderful neighborhood and rental is just one house from the ocean. One highlight is that you're just a five minute walk to the Forty Foot swimming spot made famous by James Joyce. I went for a swim all three days I was here and it was one of the most delightful experiences of all my world travels. Also, Christine's son-in-law turned me on to Fitzgerald's (Fitzi's), which has to be among the top five bars I've ever been to. Gorgeous interior, friendly staff and patrons, and perfectly poured pints of Guinness for just €5.50. Plus they sell excellent vegan pizza for €12, which kept me going most of the day (I've spent years in New York and have high pizza standards). Christine's a super nice person who has immersed herself in photography and Irish literature and she has thousands of books on the shelves around the house. A lovely, lovely stay!