Well it is 2008 and the trip planning has begun in earnest.  My mother and I are departing the US on May 21 fllying into Dublin and making our way west to Shannon to return home on the 30th.

My question is this:  we will be arriving in Dublin at 9:30 am.  Do you know of any hotels that will let us check in that early so that we can rest and freshen up for a couple of hours?  My mother can never sleep on a plane so she would like to be able to nap for a couple of hours, shower and then we could head out mid afternoon to explore.  We will  have the rest of that day and the entire next day to explore Dublin but would like to rest FIRST.  

Is it better to stay near the airport or downtown?  I will be renting us a car but do not want to get it until we are ready to leave the city.  Are they cheaper in the city or from the airport as I know sometimes car rentals cost more from the airport due to taxes in some places. 

And finally, since my mother uses a walker and I have heard from the hop on hop off bus that they are not "kneeling" buses, can you suggest another way to get around Dublin seeing the sights at our own pace?  Are cabs cheap or should we take a tour to see most and then do extras on our own?

Thanks everyone!