CowboyCraic: I am so proud of you! You are doing so great with re-arranging your best-laid plans. I'm glad I'm not the only one who prefers to book airline tickets far in advance, and I pefer to pick out my exact room even before a guesthouse is built so that I can get first pick of the rooms! 

Did you solve the problem of getting a blender? I wonder if anyplace carries used blenders? Can you ask the owners of the self-catering if there is any way to borrow or rent a blender? Good luck blending!

Did you book a room for Dublin yet? I agree you are worth a splurge and if you want Staunton's I hope you got it! Sometimes for big cities or airport areas, you can find a deal on hotwire.com . However then you wont' know what you are booking until you have already booked it. I"ve had good luck when booking hotels on hotwire for 1 night, by choosing a minimum of 3 stars. I prefer 3 1/2 or 4 stars on hotwire.

Have a wonderful trip full of unexpected magic!