We are looking for a room for four in August and are coming up short with names of decent places that even have family rooms. Any recommendations? We're going to be in Ireland for three weeks so for this part of the trip we wanted to be in the city to get the contrast between city life and the more rural experience we'll be having later. We need three nights at the beginning of our trip and two at the end (just to give you an idea of length of stay). Hotels, B & Bs both fine. Even self catering if they don't have a one week minimum.

Monica, try the website www.accor.com
I always check their hotels first when going to Europe. I have stayed in all the various levels and they've been fine. Obviously the Sofitel are a bit more luxurious but all have been clean and safe. They are family owned smaller hotels for the most part.

Last summer we stayed at the Aston and it was really nice. The rooms were large and very clean, the staff was very helpful and the location was perfect. And the price was good too. I'm not sure if they have family rooms, but it's worth checking out.

www.aston-hotel.com

Suggestion for last two nights-the area called Swords is very close to the airport, yet far enough away so that you don't feel like you're staying at an airport. Town and Country Bed and Breakfast Guide lists wonderful B&Bs-We have stayed several times at one called Hollywood, just outside Swords. It is a semi-rural setting, but you can easily park your car in Swords and hop the bus into Dublin-when it's time to depart, you have a very short and easy drive to the airport. Driving in Dublin is as crazy as driving in any other big European city-medieval city plans are tough to get around in...Town and Country B&Bs have never disappointed us-you can pick up an all-Ireland guide when you get there.

Thanks for the help. Aston does have family rooms and they do have availability so that's cool. I'll also check out Town and Country B & Bs as well. We plan on ditching our rental car as soon as we're back in Dublin so that's one less thing to worry about.

I stayed at the Pembroke Townhouse in Ballsbridge which I liked very much. Give them a try. I know they had triples, not sure about 4.

http://www.pembroketownhouse.ie/

Bill