I know this is really last minute. My daughter leaves Tuesday for her 4 month internship in Ireland. She's flying into Dublin, spending two days there and then going to Galway for the internship.

The woman who's arranged her internship, etc., is planning for her to stay in a hostel those two nights in Dublin. But we were talking it over at dinner tonight and all agreed that we'd rather have her stay at a B&B. For one thing, she's going to have all of her luggage, laptop, etc. with her. For another, as she pointed out, she's going to be jetlagged and will really need a good night's sleep. My husband, particularly, would feel much better if she stayed at a B&B those two nights.

Someone he worked with gave him a link for a guest house she had stayed in in Dublin. But I just followed the link and found that it's 70 Euro per night, single. That seems a little steep to me compared to what we paid when we were in Ireland last year. But we were in the West. So maybe I'm being unrealistic.

Can anyone recommend a B&B in Dublin that would be a good place for a 21 year old traveling alone? And that we could contact by e-mail to try to get a room for this coming week?

Thanks!

My daughter was 21 when she stayed here alone.

http://www.anchorguesthouse.com/

Thanks, Mischka. It looks good. But do you know how much your daughter paid? The web site lists a wide range of prices. And there doesn't seem to be any way to get an exact price without reserving.

How long ago did your daughter stay there?

Gardiner Street is not a good location for somebody with a lot of possessions.

Sorry that I cannot make a positive recommendation, but I never have reason to use B&Bs in Dublin. There are a number of B&Bs in the close-in suburb of Drumcondra, on the route from the airport into the city centre. Try http://www.dublintourist.com/directo...ty/drumcondra/
for a starter list.

Thanks, Padraig. You've been a big help with several issues having to do with this internship!

I've skimmed over that list. So far I'm having trouble finding rates. And, unfortunately, our internet is acting up. Probably the cold as it's hovering around 0 here! But our signal has been fading in and out. Anyway, I'll keep working at it. But wanted to ask you, if she stays in Drumcondra, will she have access to public transportation?

Thanks again.

Never mind my question, Padraig! Just ran across one on that list that shows rates and clearly gave directions from the airport via bus. So it's obviously convenient to public transportation. My daughter is being met at the airport so, considering her luggage, etc., I hope the woman will have a car!

Does anyone know anything about St. Martha's B&B in Drumcondra?

Again Padraig, I appreciate your steering us towards a safe and convenient neighborhood.

As you have worked out, it's a fairly convenient location. It's less than two miles to the city centre (she'll have to learn our spelling -- we don't have centers in our cities) and there are buses every few minutes.

I hope SiobhanP catches this thread, as she is based in that area.

Should your daughter run into any difficulties in Dublin or Galway, I can give you email contacts and phone numbers so that she can invite assistance. It probably won't be necessary, but it might be good for her peace of mind and yours that she have an extra line of support.

Padraig, what a sweet person you are. I feel like she is all of our daughter. CAPH52 is going to have to keep us posted.

Maybe I'm just a predatory dirty old man!

Yes, I understand and share your reaction: CAPH52's daughter has become our shared concern. We own her, and have to look after her.

I'm so touched! As is my daughter!

I would love to have those email contacts and phone numbers, Padraig. As Joan said, it's so sweet of you to make that offer. And so was your response, Joan. I'll keep you posted!

And, Padraig, if you were a predatory dirty old man, I hope you'd have sense enough not to go after a young woman who's interning with the Rape Crisis Network!

You can contact me via my website: http://www.iol.ie/~draoi/ (you need to copy and paste the url, because the software on this site seems to be upset by the ~ character).

Thanks again, Padraig!

Just saw this. I would check out http://www.applewood.ie/map.html Its on the main road in Drumcondra with a bus stop outside the B&B and a pub just down the road and a coffee shop durther down. Its safe and not an isolated area. St Martha's looks a bit crummy to me and is on a side street and she will be dragging luggage here. This is perfect to get into town on the bus (about a 15 minute bus ride. I would NOT reccomment Anchor as its at the top of Gardiner st and she will stand out like a sore thumb here. Its fine in the day to walk but I do not like the area and yes I do walk here but I also know the area and what parts to avoid and I do not look like a tourist who might have money to a junkie than may need a beer or a fix

Also the B&B above will be on the bust stop from the airport and its a quick ride from the airport. Avoid hostels with her laptop and gear. Normally I would say yes but she has too much expensove equipment with her.

Bus stop that is!

Thanks, Siobhan. That was our feeling about the hostel too. We'll definitely check the Applewood. In fact, we'll probably give them a call today as we're running out of time. I really appreciate your advice!

My daughter emailed the woman who's meeting her at the airport to ask whether they'll be taking public transportation. We're hoping that maybe she'll be meeting her with a car! We know that this woman is also going with my daughter to Galway. But don't know how they're getting there. Again, a car would be nice with all the luggage, etc. But at least she'll have someone to help her carry some of it! Trying to get everything she needs for a 4 month stay into two suitcases and a carry on is proving to be a challenge. But she has to also consider the fact that she'll be dragging this stuff around for a few days. And I'll be visiting in six weeks and can bring more then if necessary.

Anyway, again, I really appreciate your telling us more about the B&Bs and the neighborhood.

Tell her NOT to overpack. She probably will not use most of her stuff and she can get what she needs here. I would really advise one suitcase and you can bring additional things she needs. trust me I break my back when I travel from over packing and I carry work books in my suitcase. I try to pare down things and find its enough. My shoulder is a mess these days from my last trip.

Good advice, Siobhan!

Things finally really seem to be falling into place. And not a moment too soon! The woman in Ireland who's made all the arrangements called this morning. Apparently she realized that a hostel was probably not the best idea with a laptop, etc. So she'd already made reservations for my daughter at a hotel. And they're going to be taking a taxi from the airport.

Now we want to know which Hotel. I know that is a relief for all of you. She'll be met, taken to a hotel and then on to Galway in a few days.

CAPH52 Have been reading your threads about your daughter and hope your daughter got off ok

I would say, though, don't worry! Sounds like you are stressing out about this. If she's 21- she's a big girl now and able to look after herself.

She is travelling to Ireland-a country that speaks English, she is going to an internship where she will have some support, she is old enough to sort her life and her bank account out.

I just read the messages and all I hear are a "worried mom and dad"- sounds you and your husband have disected *everything* in her itinerary scanning it for potential risks. Let her go! She will face these challenges herself and grow into the young woman she already is- she will be strong and independent! She has to learn to solve her own problems and not rely on her parents to clean up for her. Honestly, what's the worst that can happen?

Regarding 70 euro for a B&B, yes Ireland is expensive, Dublin more so and your daughter will find lots of other things to be much more than you would expect to pay

Hi Joan, it's Central Hotel. And, yes, it is a relief!