Should I stay in Dun Laoghaire or Howth when visiting Dublin?

Question

Visiting Ireland for 10 days with 4 nights in Dublin in early September. I just finished school and will be going with my girlfriend who is also a bit money conscious. We will have a car but turn it in when we get to Dublin, i.e. we won't have it while staying in Dublin to save some extra dough.

Obviously, many places in Dublin are expensive. I've seen a good looking B&B in Dublin for 100E/night, that's in Parnell Square. However, I've also noticed that it is 20-30 E cheaper to stay in Dun Laoghaire or Howth. It also seems cheaper to eat there. My concern, however, is getting around. We want to do day trips to Newgrange & Trim, Glendalough/Wicklow Mtns, as well as some sightseeing in Dublin (Trinity College, etc...). Would it be easy getting to and from these places from Dun Laoghaire or Howth? Or it would it be worth the extra to stay in Dublin? We also plan on going to pubs at night, too of course, and I'm concerned about getting back if it's late at night...

Answer 1

If you stay in Dun Laoghaire or Howth make sure you B&B is close to the DART (Train) station as this will be the best method of transport to the City Centre although all areas are also serviced by buses. Both areas are nice and not too far from the city or the other places you mentioned.  Both will be expensive to travel too by taxi if you go out late in the city centre but you will find good pubs and restraunts in both Dun Laoghaire or Howth.

Newgrange & Glendalough are well worth a visit but driving there will give you more freedom so a car would be better for these tours as they are outside the city.

See Dublin city by bus or on foot and for your tours use a car would be my suggestion.

Enjoy your holiday.

Answer 2

Dun Laoghaire would get my vote.  It's a lovely area and close to vibrant Blackrock which has a very active pub scene and Monkstown which has lovely restaurants, both are within walking distance and it's a safe at night.  If you don't fancy the walk the DART runs between the suburbs and right into the city, with a stop beside Trinity College.  You're also right next to the N11 the main road south which will take you to through Glendalough, Wicklow, Newgrange, etc.  

Enjoy!

Answer 3

First of all the b/b in Parnell Square may be good but it is not a great area to be walking around at night.  It is near the centre of the city but also near some quite rough areas so you would need to mind yourself.  

Dun Laoghaire and Howth are at opposite ends of the bay.  You could stay somewhere in between so long as it is on the Dart line, e.g. Raheny (north side) Merrion or Blackrock (south side)you should get a reasonable b/b in these areas and the dart is the electric train which will bring you into the city.  However last dart home from the city is about 11.30/40 so if you are out for the night you will need a taxi.  

You will find pubs everywhere even in the smallest village! Eating is different but you can always go into the city to eat, lots of choice and all ethnic types available.  

You could also try Malahide on the North side.  Served by train and dart lots of cool pubs and plenty of choice of restaurants.  Its on the sea so nice walks and has a nice park too.

There is also a tram service (Luas) and this runs to Dundrum and runs later at night so that is also an option.  

Hop on hop off bus is the best value for the city.  Ticket valid for 24 hours and you can get on and off as often as you like.  It gives a guided tour of the city and leaves you at all the interesting places.

Bus tours are available to Newgrange, Glendalough etc. but if you have a car you can do them yourself and pick your day according to the weather.

Check out discoverireland.ie for details of whats on and where to stay.

Enjoy and cead mile failte! a Hundred thousand welcomes)