Neighborhoods in Dublin?
 

Dh and 15 yo are tentatively planning a trip to Ireland for spring break. What is the best Dublin neighborhood to stay in in terms of ease of transportation, safety, and access to good cafes, bars and restaurants. The Dublin equivalent of the 5th or 7th arrondisement in Paris?

For access to what you are looking for, stay somewhere near St. Stephen's Green. However, assume that the more centrally you are located, the more expensive.

What about Drumcondra? I am planning on going to Ireland in April and was thinking of booking a B&B there.

Drumcondra is okay, but not very exciting. Some good pubs, not much in the way of good restaurants, frequent bus service to city centre.

We were very happy with the Lesson Bridge Guest House last week. It's locatated on Lesson St, just south of St. Stephen's Green with excellent bus service.

The neighborhood around the American Embassy looked very nice, but it's further out.

We loved the Schoolhouse hotel about in Ballbridge, about 10 minutes walk from all of the tourist places. It's the cutest place and the walk was pleasant, by Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green.