LisainSA

Hello Amyb. As the person who put the original question to Fodorites on this thread, can I just say that anyone is free to offer an opinion.
You could have offered your opinion without having a go at someone else purely for voicing, or writing, theirs.
I've done searches on Siobhan and Cailin's names and discovered a wealth of information for which I am really grateful.
Likewise, people would be grateful for any information you could offer.
Thanks.
Lisa.

Mischka

Hi Lisa,
I too am from SA (Cape Town)
I really don't understand why Lower Gardiner Street is supposed to be so awful, to be honest, it really isn't too different to a lot of Dublin.
My daughter moved to Dublin aged 21-ALONE, and stayed at the Anchor Guest House for about a month before she found a house to rent. She loved her room and the people and says the breakfasts were wonderful and was made to feel very at home.
I have walked that area many times and although it is a bit run down it has nice pubs and is certainly not worth rejecting. I have walked around areas in London and many other places that are not much different.
Good luck with your trip planning

LisainSA

Hello Mischka in Cape Town. I'm in Port Elizabeth, freezing and rainy at the moment.
Thanks very much for the information. I'm very grateful any time someone takes the time to answer my questions. It definitely takes a lot of the guesswork out of holiday planning. Doesn't the exchange rate drive you mad?
Lisa

Mischka

Hi Lisa,
For sure the exchange rate drives us nuts, but it has been worse, so trying to count our blessing, and hoping it gets even better.
I'm freezing my butt off here too, although we had a wonderfully sunny day. Im off to snuggle up in bed with a steaming cup of coffee and my book, maybe I'll get warm. Unfortunately DH is travelling in the USA at the moment, so no one to keep me warm. Doesn't it blow your mind how cold we live over here in 'sunny SA', when freezing Europe, USA, etc, never get cold in there homes, no matter how deep the snow is outside!!!
mmmm..... gotta travel more

LisainSA

I know, we are just not geared to dealing with the cold. I do have an electric blanket though. Does that count?
I can't wait to travel. We are going to try and squeeze Paris, Ireland, Edinburgh and a little of Scotland and maybe London into a 21-25 day trip. Probably impossible and we'll have to cut back once we have an idea of flights, but Ireland is tops. I want to spend the most time there. At least 10 days. I've started dreaming about it and we've ages to go and mega saving to do until we leave.
I'll just dream on, shall I?
Lisa

Mischka

Well I guess an electric blanket is better than nothing, but central heating would be better! I must say we love hanging out around the fire place in the lounge, and we even eat lunch there often on the weekends.
Sounds like a wonderful trip you have planned, and you would be suprised how much I can squeeze into a trip if I really want to Although I think it's more fun it you take your time and enjoy all the places instead of racing to get to the next.
We were in London and Italy in March/April- now we've just booked flights to Austria over New Year, but this time we will be visiting family(in-law).
Good luck with the savings, know what that feels like, but look on the bright side.... just think of the voyager miles you'll earn with all that flying!!!
If there's any way I can help please feel free to mail me.
[email protected]

LisainSA

Thanks for the email address. I just we would be there already - especially when I read the amazing trip reports on this forum.

LisainSA

I've decided to email Tavistock House in Ranelagh (probably my favourite because of what I've read about the area), Glenogra and Mesphil (for the glowing reviews here.
I'm hoping to get an idea of 2005 prices, or at least an idea of when 2005 rates will be decided on. The ultimate decision will, of course, depend on price, but I'd like a little charm too. It is Ireland afterall.
Lisa

SiobhanP

amyb...talk about making assumptions...I am a northsider you silly ejit. I own an apt on the northside and most of my family live in CLontarf, Killester etc. Relax sweetie. I personally think Gardiner street is fine in the dayy but at either end in the evenings it is a bit seedy and I would hate to see someone get mugged when I reccommend a place. CHances are it will not happen but I think for exactly the same price you get better in the place I reccommend. I am not a little rich southside gal and even if I was who care its just advice. Phibsboro is not an area with lots of B&B's and not wher I would consider quick access for tourists to town. There are no hotels to my knowledge and a few crummy B&B's. Its more of a student area. I do not live far from here myself.

SiobhanP

sorry hit the bloody button again. I also have a problem with Gardiner street as many places are a rip off and seedy. My relations used to have a B&B outaside Dublin so I am well aware of how they run their businesses. I met someone who was stuck over here on a bank holiday and he paid 50 punts for a room with no electricity and just a bed on Gardiner street....that is robbery. I found him a better place but was annoyed at how he was ripped off.

I am sure Gavin Friday likes Phibsborough but guess where his pal Bono lives??? Killiney, Southside...and he was from clontarf

S
(Northsider

cailin

I have also had a friend that had a bad experience with a "hotel" (and I use that word in the loosest sense!) on Gardiner Street. When they got there the staff looked at them as if they were crazy to want to stay there - I think it is mainly used by prostitutes and homeless people if they manage to scrape enough money together for a room for a night. Anyway, they went on ahead and took a look at the room - it was dingy, damp, smelly and dirty. They had been told the room was "ensuite" but it turned out that the shower was actually in the room itself.

That's one of the reasons I wouldn't recommend the hotels along there. I believe the hostels are all OK, but the hotels/B&Bs I would avoid. And, as Siobhan said, the area is seedy at night.

SiobhanP

I am sure some of the more expensive ones are fine but if you were my friend coming over I have better places more central to stay. There are lots of B&B's and hostels on the street of varying degrees but a place like the Mespil hotel for the same price has no comparison. The Mespil is in a lovely area near town and pubs etc. As many other places mentioned above are. It's a nice walk was well as its on the canal.

Cailin and I both live here and would not steer you wrong.

LisainSA

Hello.
Just wanted you to know I was thrilled with the advice I received. Also, I think I mentioned I ran a search on your names Siobhan and Cailin and so have taken advantage of the advice you have given other people over the last couple of years. For example I have loads of info now about the airport bus, Dublin sights, restaurants and pubs, places with Irish music etc the list is endless.
Also got lovely email replies from Tavistock House and Glenogra when I got to work this afternoon.
Am planning to email the Mesphil today because I didn't have their email address with me at work last night.
Thanks again from another soon-to-be visitor to Dublin. Only wish it was sooner.
Lisa

amyb

Siobhan, "sweetie", sorry to make assumptions, but if you are indeed a northsider, I can't believe you don't better promote it...particularly Clontarf and Fairview which are extremely well-served by buslines and have tons o' (cheaper than Ballsbridge) B&Bs.

Funny though, Cailin thought Phibsborough was fine until you set her straight. Hmmm. When telling my Dublin friends about how adamantly you oppose north side accomodations, they said "she's either old or a southsider." ;-) I just think it's unfair and nonsense to send first-time travelers to Dublin into a dither thinking they're staying in the hood, when in actuality, it's not really that bad! I mean people actually consider switching their reservations just because you point out it's the north side!

To be factually correct, Bono was born and raised in BALLYMUN (Cedarwood Road, to be exact), which is *really* northside. I'd think a northsider would know that.

OReilly

Amy:

Can I wade in here as a former Northsider that always recommends the Southside to visitors?

If a first time visitor to Paris asks me if they should stay in Monmartre or around the Gard du Nord in Paris, then I say NO as there are fairly skuzzy, not as safe as other areas and certainly not as attractive.

Same with Dublin. I know the area around Gardiner street VERY well as my school, the Loretto North Great Georges Street, was IN that area ? nice school, foul area from the mid-19th century, when it was on the edge of one of the largest red light districts in Europe. Parts of it were "no-go" areas to the police in the 70s, petty crime was higher than almost anywhere else in Dublin. It has NOT improved. Why would I send visitors there? It is really depressingly "corporation/industrial" and there are much more attractive areas in Dublin.

I have no problem with Fairview, I practically grew up in Fairview Park, but I am also aware that the buses travel through the North Strand, which was bad when I lived in Dublin and now has become a pit. I never walked home through the North Strand or Summerhill at night, but I'd have no problem telling people they could walk from Grafton Street to Ballsbridge at night.

As far as being "old" is concerned, most people on this board are in the 40 ? 55 age bracket (I'd prefer the word "mature&quot, and most are middle-class, so a recommendation from someone in their own age bracket, who understands their priorities, is likely exactly what they are looking for. It certainly IS what I look for and am always grateful to those that warn me off "suspect areas". I can find out the cost differential myself and then decide if I am willing to pay the differential to stay in a more "up-market" area, which is certainly the case on this post.

If people visit a city many times, they get a feel for what they are comfortable with and can then make their own choices. When they visit a city for the first time and, unlike you (and I think this is a very important point), have no FRIENDS in the city, they need to feel safe. Also, I really want people to visit Ireland often. I don?t think they will be robbed , raped and murdered if they stay on the Northside, but I think there is a greater chance of them getting a favorable impression of Dublin, and therefore returning, if they stay in a better area.

Poor Lisa: you never guessed that your innocuous post would unleash the age-old battle of the North versus South side of Dublin. Its all good-humoured banter!

Regards Ger

P.S. Amy, are you suggesting sending Fodorites to Ballymun???? If so, then I would also recommend pony treking around the wilds of Finglas and day-trips to discover the "unique" cultures of Darndale, Corduff and Tallaght

LisainSA

Hello Ger.
I'm sorry my query led to a bit of a row, but I'm thrilled with the majority of the responses.
I agree with you 100 percent. Making a recommendation to someone who doesn't know a city and has no friends there involves a rather big responsibility so you'd want to err on the side of caution. I know I would.
I'm thrilled with the help I've received through this post. I've narrowed things down to either Tavistock House or Glenogra. I love the look of the Mesphil, and what people have said about it here, but it advertises rooms at 150 euros - a bit over my 120 euros budget. Perhaps it will have specials when it comes time to make a booking? I'll keep checking the hotel web site. As I said, I love the idea of Ranelagh.
Other people (Ira and co) have helped me find a hotel in Paris so I consider the forum an invaluable resource.
Thanks everyone.
Any more tips gratefully received.
Lisa.

Frances

Not wanting to fuel the fire here but my daughter changed her reservation for a hostel in Dublin at my insistence having read the posts.She ended up still on the North side (but only marginally so) at Litton Lane hostel which seems to be right on the Liffey. She's obviously O.K. because I've had a text to say that she's on the boat on the way back!

LisainSA

It's great to know that she is safely on her way home Frances.
Can she be persuaded to post a trip report? I loved reading those, I learn so much.
Lisa

eri

Hi Lisa,
It is really digusting the way that some people behave. Almost like West Side Story. Especially since you just asked for help and advise.
I received so much help and assistance from nice people on this forum in the last years. It is a pitty that some participants can't understand that being nice and helpful won't hurt them.
I am sure that you will choose a nice place and have a great time.

SiobhanP

It's silly. amyb is mot even from Dublin and she is the expert. I am by no means an expert but I have lived in the city centre for 9 years and bought my place 2 years ago in the North city centre. I am not old (30's) and I am not a southsider (actually I am born in NYC and raised outside and back and forth to Ireland over my childhood).

Phibsborough is a residential area with no hotel to my knowledge and the only B&Bs I know are seedy or by the Mater Hospital/Womens Prison.

Most people looking for places on the board do not know anyone in Dublin and I try to give options that are safe and they can walk home to at night without having any hassle. Tourists are a target and yes we can usually spot you a mile away by your accent, colours of clothing, style of handbag, matching jackets etc....sounds stupid but its true on occasion and some people will assume you have money and may want to take it. It is more likely late at night to happen in certain areas thats all. If you live in any city you will know this.

The whole Northside/southside thing is silly and people who have a chip on their shoulder are hilarious. As I said my family are from the Fairview/Clontarf/Killester area that you seem to have adopted as yours. I think it's a lovely place to stay by the sea but I don't usually reccommend unless people are going to the airport the next day as the pubs are spead out and there are not a lot of places to eat other than the Dollymount house or Casa Pasta/Bilash. It's quicker from a hotel in town like Jury's Christ Church to get to the sights than Clontarf (it's 30 minutes on the bus lanes in the morning from Clontarf I take this often)

So why should I send someone to a crappy hotel when they can stay in a more modern place that doesn't screw them for money like many places unfortunately do at the moment because they can.

I don't promote the Northside to stay often as 1. its not convenient for tourist sights, 2. where I live is not suitable and does not provide accommodation for tourists bar 1 place that I would not reccommend 3. It's residential and we don't want to be overrun by tourist accommodation as it's our permanent homes and we like the residential atmosphere.

The only place I tell people not to stay is Gardiner Street and the top of O'Connell at the Gresham Hotel as its a rip off and not very nice at night. It can be an animal house on O'Connell street at 4am with the bars closing and noise from the crowds....yes I was there after a night out at 4am recently so I am not that much of an old fart.

It's funny how people make assumptions. I am female and not as old as you think but I am cautious for people on their first trips to Dublin and feel easy access and decent accommodation are the utmost of importance in a city that you can be steered wrong. MOst people are 50+ so I would send them to an area I would feel comfortable and I knew my mum was staying. I.e safe, good facilities nearby and not too bad a walk.

Ger - No need to go to Ballymun...you can see the horses the first Sunday of every month in Smithfield Square where they have the horsemarket. I can usually smell it from where I live. I am sure we can get you a pony for around 200 no saddle!

amyb -I just try to be realistic where I send people who are not from Ireland. I am in no way slagging the north side.

Off for my tea break now!