So, I'm leaving the US for the first time and headed to Dublin for 5 days in late March/early April. Several questions
1. I've done a lot of research on Dublin. What aren't the books/internet telling me that I should go see? Dublin is my home-base for all 5 days, but I'm more than up for some day trips. Bus trips to other towns and back? Train? Being my first trip, I really want the "safety" of a home base.

2. What don't I know about international travel that I should?

3. Best way to get to my hotel in Dublin from the airport? (Brooks Hotel)

4. I'm very much looking forward to hanging in pubs in the evening. Got a favorite? Advice for engaging locals in conversation?

Thanks all!

Again, I'm committing blasphemy here but Rick Steve's Ireland is a good reference. I lived there for 2 months so I might be able to help you out a little. first: transport from the airport, taxi is the best (IMHO the ONLY) way to go. They're not terribly expensive, be sure to ask the fare before you get in. There was only one time when I had a problem with the taxi driver overcharging.
as for what to do and see in Dublin, what are your interests? Are you a history buff? love art? Literature? architecture? the club scene? What do you want out of the experience? If you're interested in ancient history/anthropology New Grange is a can't miss. I suggest a tour because of the distance from Dublin and also the fact that the lines are long and it's hard to get into. I have heard that it may be closed to the public altogether in the next few years so might be a great thing. it's a paleolithic passage tomb, older than the pyramids and Stonehenge. Glendalough is beautiful too, a lovely lake and ruins of early christian church and tower. It's in the Wicklow mountains. We used Mary Gibons tours for New Grange and were quite happy with it, although it did take the entire day.

As for engaging locals, Dublin is a big city, and just like most big cities not as friendly as they are out in the countryside. If you really want to engage the locals, I would suggest a day trip or even an overnight out to the western area where they speak Irish. Unfortunately, the trains are not like they are in most of Europe where you can get to almost the smallest village. they only go to the cities west. And our experience with the bus system was awful: layovers, delays, the buses were consistently 3-6 hours late in arrival! maybe others will have better suggestions.
I also had a terrific time in Wexford, which is not far from Dublin at a B&B, I think it was in Tramore. The lady who ran it was so friendly, and funny and had great suggestions for me. So, for the locals get out of the city. even the smaller towns near Dublin you will probably have better luck with.

As for what don't you know about international travel, it's really not much different going to Ireland than traveling in the US as far as I can tell, except for the money. you'll get varying opinions on where it's best to change money before you leave or after you get there or use ATMs. my experience was that the ATMs were a good idea. HOWEVER, make sure before you leave that you notify your banks and credit card companies that you'll be overseas so they don't lock you out like what happened to my brother. Have a backup ATM with another bank, my son's got eaten by the first one he put it in. Also, some ATMs and banks charge an outrageous fee. Buy train tickets online, its' cheaper than at the station. but they're usually nonrefundable so be sure you're going before you buy.

Ireland in general: it rains. everyday. or at least count on that happening. Be prepared for it. The food is quite expensive. In fact, almost everything is quite expensive. Make out a budget and then expect to spend half again as much and you'll not have any unpleasant surprises. The people are fantastic and it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

A relatively decent place to eat( late lunch) was The Bank..Lunch is much less $ than dinner. Also pub food is filling and ok $ wise. There is a food fair sort of place in St. Stephen Mall Building (can't remember the correct name) and if your budget can deal with it high tea at The Merrion. Do not miss Newgrange!!!And yes a tour is the way due to restrictions of # of people allowed.

I agree with farmer_annie about her recommendation of rick steve's ireland. Although there are a lot of guides out there, I enjoy using his guides as a basic manual for a city. They help you get a feel for a place before you arrive, basics like transportation in and around an area. I love the green guides and the eyewitness guides but don't discount the basic knowledge you can gain from rick steve's books also.

Greasefire-My husband and I did the same trip (slightly longer) back in '09 with Dublin as our base due to the incredible package deal we got.
We went on a day trip to Glendalough (site of monastic ruins in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains) and also to the southern city of Kilkenny. We went on a tour (there are plenty of tour offerings to this area available in Dublin) but there is a public bus that goes to Glendalough every day, you'll need to research the name of the busline.
We also took the DART, Dublin's suburban rail line out to Kiliney (sp), a village along the bay. Not much there but beautiful views from the top of a famous hill.

Good luck, we had a great time and can't wait to return.

traveltalesfromtheredheadedtraveler.blogspot.com/
(My travel writing blog!)

'Advice for engaging locals in conversation?' - The economy and bankers in particular!