Thanks for the excellent feedback on what to do in Dublin.....last question....The Merrion, The Fitzwilliam, or some place else..if you had your choice, where would you stay. Thanks again!

If I had the cash I would stay at the Merrion. The fitzwilliam is nice as its just at the top of Grafton Street. I was there last Sat in the bar. Myself and the botfriend treat ourselves every once in a while to a Margarita there and people watch. The Clarence is nice in Temple bar as well and has a lovely restaurant. I have never seen the rooms but its a nice atmosphere in the bar and restaurant.

Another vote for the Merrion - I think it's the only 5-star hotel in the city centre. Very central but away from the general hubbub so not too noisy, has a lovely bar/lounge area with big comfy sofas that does great (if expensive) afternoon teas - perfect after a day's sightseeing. The restaurant - Patrick Guilbaud's - is meant to be excellent. Plus it has a nice gym and pool to work off all the calories.

I prefer the Westbury - it's right on Grafton Street and within walking distance of almost everything you'll want to see - and often has good deals on its web site.

There is a Westin Hotel on Westmoreland Street, which opened a couple of years ago. (Between O'Connell St & Grafton St) It has great character, and was actually a bank from the 1860s.
Definitely 5 star, and it has the Westin Heavenly Beds which are great.

The westin is on a very busy street which is the only thing that puts me off and I feel takes from the character. The WQestbury off Grafton Street is a good one as well. I forgot about it. They have really spruced it up over the past 3 years so its a nice location just in a cul de Sac off grafton street. Great if you are a shopper. The Merrion would be for the ultimate luxury and there are a few good restaurants in the neighborhood i.e. Unicorn, Bang, Ely Wine Bar, some good thai and inian places as well.

We stayed at the Fitzwilliam in September and loved the hotel. We had a fabulous room facing the park with a huge terrace complete with heaters. I enjoyed being near Grafton Street also.

Check their website. I was able to get very good rates.
June

NO to the Tara Towers. It is south of the city in Black Rock and no good place to eat around there except in the hotel itself.

I would suggest the Brooks Hotel. It is in a great location (Temple Bar) with many super restaurants and pubs within walking distance. Excellent full Irish breakfast included, and good, small bar. Did not eat in their restaurant, but menu looked inventive. Rooms pleasantly decorated, and while not large, not tiny. For an extra E25 or so you can upgrade to a slightly larger room with small sitting area.

I believe the Clarence is owned by the rock group U2, and if it is the one I am thinking of, is very cutting edge modern -- may or may not be your style.

Be aware that P. Guilbaud restaurant requires coat/tie for men.

Does anyone know anything about the Townhouse of Dublin? Thanks in advance.