Dublin Stay - in city or suburbs?
 

We will be visiting Dublin in late September/early October. We will have a car. Is it better to stay in the city center (anyone know parking costs?) or in the Malahide or Dun Laoghaire areas and take the DART in (cost of train?)? Any reasonable hotel or B&B recommendations for either choice?
Thanks for any help.

The town of Swords /Slathill is a good location and town for a B&B a good one is the Hollywood B&B has very large rooms .Also across from the Hollywood golf club if you want to play a round or two You can catch the bus into Dublin or Try the Ashling hotel (Best western)in Dublin on Parkgate street is reasonable and short walk to Temple bar,O 'Connel street accross from Guinness and train station . they have a garage for parking. its along one side of the Liffy easy access from the M 20 and airport .

I've stayed in both Dublin and Dun Laoghaire and Portmarnock on the northern side of the city and all are fine. It really boils down to whether you want a city experience or a suburban experience. And what your tolerance for public transportation is. Some people don't mind commuting in (and in Ireland it's really no trouble at all) but other people want to step out their door and be right in the thick of things. Only you know what would suit you better.

Conlet

If you are visiting Dublin and renting a car, you will be paying for rental that you won't use. Dublin is a hassle to drive in, especially now with tons of construction. Parking is expensive. The city center is quite compact and easy to get around. Here is the link to the Dublin bus website. Public transit is the way to go.

http://www.dublinbus.ie/home/

If you have the option, either rent the car when you leave Dublin or drop it off when you arrive if Dublin is at the end of your trip. Save yourself some money and hassle.

Staying outside the city will be much cheaper but will involve more transportation problems. I'm sure there are some good places to stay. I believe some have suggested the Ballsbridge area but I've never stayed there.

Bill

we stayed in swords and drove to Dublin (would have taken the bus but the bus drivers were on strike). It was very easy to drive in - just down the main street from swords and turn left at the big Guiness sign. FOund a parking garage and then took the city tour bus. Our B&B was less than $30 each (Holly Tree House)