What area to stay in Dublin, and planning our itinerary
 

I have been doing a lot of research and reading, but it is now time to get serious about planning our itinerary. I am doing the planning for 2 couples, and am feeling overwhelmed just trying to figure out the itinerary. We have almost 3 weeks and hope to see many of the highlights without running ourselves ragged. Any suggestions on the itinerary are welcome.

We do know our first stop is Dublin as we fly into there. I had planned on 3 nights there, the day we land and 2 full days to sightsee. We are going to rent a car, but on recommendations of others on the forum will not do that until we leave Dublin.

What is the best area to stay in Dublin to make it the easiest to see the sights? Are we best to look at a hotel, B&B or a self catered apartment? What is the best way (most economical) for the 4 of us including probably 4 large suitcases and 4 carry-ons to get to our accommodations?

Thanks in advance for your help. :)

<i>What area to stay in Dublin, and planning our itinerary
Posted by: Pattie on Nov 24, 13 at 11:21pm
We have almost 3 weeks and hope to see many of the highlights without running ourselves ragged.</i>

Before deciding on an itinerary maybe you could rent a donkey to carry your <i>4 large suitcases and 4 carry-ons</i> or you will run yourself ragged no matter what you do.

With that amount of luggage, just get a cab from the airport into town. It's minimum hassle as opposed to lugging cases on and off buses.

As far as accommodation is concerned, how much are you looking to spend per room per night?

we are staying near st stephens green at staunton on the green (for 286 aud 193 euros) for the three of us for one night
..ireland is not cheap...we have a triple room..and we wanted to stay somewhere central..it has pretty good reviews but who knows..

friends of ours stayed near trinity college and enjoyed staying in that area

Can't begin to help until you give us a budget per room - or if you are trying to stuff 4 adults into one room (can be done but in europe most hotels have one double bed per room - anything else is much more expensive.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ty_Dublin.html

I loved this area. I have stayed three other locations but this was my favorite. Quiet at night yet close to Grafton St and the museums and parks. There is also a new Travelodge close to St Stephen's Green now. They always have great rates. Three nights might get you an apartment. We know someone with an apartment by the liffey. I will check minimum days. You really need to think about your packing. Even if you rent a car you are going to need a big one to handle the luggage. You can find laundry facilities in Ireland.

http://www.vrbo.com/388025
http://www.vrbo.com/401014
The second one is a great location, the first is more over by St Patricks.

You will have to ask about the three night stay which many seen to allow if it there is not something going on.

We stayed in an apartment right at the Jervis Luas stop, rented from staycity. The location was very convenient--across the street from a Tesco, lots of restaurants nearby, about a 10 minute walk to Temple Bar.

We used Aircoach; the down side was that we ended up waiting 40 minutes for a bus. It was a quick ride into town, and the O'Connell St stop was only a few blocks from our apartment. With 4 people, the cost difference between the bus and a cab may not be that great.

I'd recommend that everyone in your group read some guidebooks and make a wish list of sights/activities. They review the lists to make sure everyone gets to see what they really want. Plot the favorites on a map to plan an itinerary. As you plan, expect to average no more than 35 miles per hour unless you're driving on M roads.

One challenge will be renting a car large enough for so much luggage, but small enough to be comfortable driving on narrow roads.

Hi there! 17 family members went to Ireland in 2011! Amazing!! We stayed in Dublin in the Temple Bar area! Perfect for night life and sightseeing, as you are in the heart of all. This is where some family members stayed, as they had accommodation to suit all!

http://www.gogartys.ie/

Hope this helps! BTW we did hire a cab from the airport, but alot of others did take the bus, which was convenient and very friendly!

flpab, I am so glad to read this advice on Buswells. I booked Buswell's for 3 mights with my sweet mother for our very quick add-on to our Scotland trip. It does look very nice and seems reasonable.

We stayed at Buswells in April--loved it and the location. We only travel with 1 carryon each.

Car: to fit all those folks AND all the luggage I would suggest you carefully check out the vehicle to make sure it can hold you all comfortably for 3 long weeks.

Luggage: find sites to suggest how to pack and remember if you are staying places for 2-3-4-5 days, do you really care about having a different outfit for every day/occasion. Are you ever going to see the natives again. We cruise a lot, from 5-21 day cruises and I pack the same and give no consideration at all that I appear night after night, day after day alternating tops and bottoms. (Carnival has w/d or there is always the bag laundry deal). Who wants to lug all that stuff around.

ctoner
http://www.gogartys.ie/

gogarty's is one of my favorite places. I always go up on the second floor and get a good table before the set starts. Get the cheese platter and a beer and I am set for the music.
Did the noise bother you at all staying here? I was more disturbed by the kegs rolling down the streets early am. I know it is super touristy but they usually have great music non the less.

Pattie:


I agree with Lanejohann's assessment of Staunton's-on-the-Green...can't beat it for location, literally across the street from the "green"..two-three blocks to Grafton Street, Trinty College, O'Connell Street, Moore Street, Temple Bar, etc. Handsome-looking, fine old colonial brick building, large rooms. We've stayed there twice and several family members have also. Full Irish breakfast. Check current rates/

stauntonsonthegreendublin.h-rez.com/


Enjoy your Irish travels. Smaller bags, please! 22" max!

stu

Just a note about a car - I don;t know any car in europe (versus a van or a station wagon) that will hold 4 large bags and 4 carry-ons. Be sure you either rent a vehicle large enough or cut back on your packing.

Like many other experienced travelers have suggested... lighten your load! Trust us on this!
We like to stay in Dun Laoghaire, Glennagarry is a nice neighbourhood,has it's own charms on the seaside, on the DART line, and public transit into Dublin.

flpab,

Wasn't bothered by the noise at all! We partied on into the wee hrs without noticing. Yes, the second floor was the place to be for sure. The area is so central, Pattie that you can get to all the hot spots!
Enjoy!

Thanks for all the great info, sorry for the delay in responding.

DH loves the idea of the donkeys and wants to know where we can get a couple. LOL Seriously though, I know it sounds like a lot of luggage but there are 4 of us and we are combining our Ireland travels with a 15 day European River cruise plus a stay on each end so we need a slightly different wardrobe for that portion of the trip. I do confess to being a notorious over-packer but am seriously going to try working on that.
Perhaps we can get rent a small van or something similar for Ireland travels?

As for how much we want to spend on a room, I can't really answer because I don't know what to expect. We just want something clean and comfortable but doesn't have to be 5 star. If there are times we can 'bunk' together that is fine, or a self catered house or apt is great. This truly is a learning curve for me so I appreciate all suggestions. We all do understand it isn't cheap there so will have to go with the flow.

As for the others contributing, it just isn't going to happen. DH is easy going and just wants to go along for the ride, no worries. :) The other couple agreed to join us if I would plan the trip so no input there. They all say they are happy with whatever I plan. Sooo... feeling a little pressure here trying to plan the perfect vacation. ;)

Thanks for all the links and suggestions on where to stay. This will be a great help.

Once I get more of an itinerary together I will be asking for help in critiquing it.

Any suggestions on must sees or any other tips will be apreciated.

Looking for a 3 night apts rental hopefully in area of the green. We are a family of 8 for sure probably 10
Would like a van with driver if possible. Am I asking to much for a group? Thanks