Midweek break in Dublin

[Novacane]

Hello all,

we are going to Dublin for a midweek break in April. It will be DH. DS (4) and myself.

I don't know what to do about a hotel, and was hoping some of you guys that have been before or live there could offer some recommendations?

We basically need this holiday to be as stress free as possible- so would like a hotel that it is near to an airport shuttle bus stop.

We need it to be close to public transport, or the sight seeing bus, so in a good location, but as we have LO, we would like somewhere that is not rowdy/nightclubs/noisy etc- Family friendly hotel?
We would love to spend time at the zoo, and the park that is there, am I right in thinking that is the west of the city? So would it be easier to have a base near there?

so really we need a nice hotel (good 3 star, 4 star), in a nice location but not rowdy, near to public transport and is family friendly.

Are the Dublin passes (3 days) worth getting, do they save you a lot of money?

SOOO many questions I know, but this break means so much to me, I don't want to mess it up, we really need something to go right, just for once!

PS, Any dubliners know if the Viking Exhibition is stil going?

I brought English bf to that yrs ago,a nd it was v. interesting and there was a viking willage 'acted' out. Plus some big viking long boats that a 4 yr old boy might like.

I agree about the guinness thing. It is a cool building, but I was still underwhelmed by the experience. I think it's a man thing. My then bf enjoyed it.

lol madame about the guiness thing, have heard the jamiesons one is supposed to be better all round.

I have bought an AA pocket guidebook thing, and they have walks for each part of the city and am thinking about doing one of them each day (child permitting, he is going through 'no' phase)

Would love to get out to 'beach' one day- preferably a really pretty place thats not too far away, so I can get some good photos.

Am looking forward to visiting the zoo definately, and we are going to the gaol as well for a bit of history.

novacane
the zoo is great. its not run down as one poster thought.

also theres an aquarium in bray which is a great way to se the coast, go on the dart to bray and its a very quick walk from the station, have fish and chips on the beach there.

theres a playground in stephens green , so if u stay in the mespil thats a very quick walk.

the ark in temple bar can have some good things going on. its a cultural centre for kids, you can check it on line.

he might or you! the viking bus tour which then goes on water, mad thing altogether!

top of the smithfield centre is a great vantage point to see the centre.

hth

Imaginosity is in Sandyford not sandymount.
beside dundrum shopping centre - close too.

I'm so pleased that you are staying in Cassidys. I mean the Mespil is nice too but you are really in the heart of Dublin at Cassidys and within spitting distance of buses, the dart, shopping!!!!!