I have three that I place at the top of my list:

Eliza Lodge ~ On the outer edge of Temple Bar ~ "Penthouse" suites (2) over look the Liffey and have a balcony ~ Free Wi-Fi ~ Free Breakfast ~ Walking distance to most everything

Staunton's on The Green ~ Beautiful Georgian Buildings converted to a Guesthouse ~ on the edge of ST. Stephen's Green ~ havbe their own private Gardens which has access to the Iveagh Gardens ~ one of Dublin's "hidden gems" ~ free wi-fi ~

The Morrison ~ This is a "special Occasion" treat type hotel ~ Located on the opposite side of the Liffey from Temple Bar, it has a very cool vibe to it ~ most of, if not all of, the artwork, sculptures, carpets, etc are Irish made ~ Free Wi-Fi ~ The limestone floors in the bathroom were a delicious treat ...nice and cool on tired feet from all the sight-seeing of Dublin

If you are going any time around St. Patrick's day, it is best to look at booking soon, as that is when the City is most packed. The closer in to the month of March, the more teh rates will increase, as well.

Slan Beo,

Bit

It may depend on if you are in Dublin at the start of the trip (in a jet lagged condition) or later on (more rested and able to take in the night life). If it is at the start of the trip, our experience is that it is really difficult to do anything much beyond 8PM for the first 1 or 2 nights....so if you want to save money on lodging it would make sense to stay out by the airport. (the last bus back from downtown to Swords area is around 11PM). Bus 41 & 41C runs about every 15 minutes.

On the other hand, if you are staying in Dublin later in your trip after jet lag has worn off, it is nice to be able to stay in a convenient downtown hotel within easy walking distance of some great pubs and restaurants. These hotels will probably cost 2-3 times as much as the Premier or similar Airport/Swords area hotels, but some great shoulder season rates could also be available downtown in March. We landed a $75/room/double rate at the Monte Clare in late March of 2011! You are right...you don't really need a super fancy expensive hotel...when you only spend 7-8 hours there sleeping!

The 28 Euro 3-day freedom pass is a great value....and much easier than dealing with exact change every time you get on the bus, or dealing with taxis which are expensive. You can purchase this in Terminal 1 (on the left side as you exit) or at the downtown location right near where the bus drops you on O'Connel Street. The 3 day freedom pass on Dublin City bus will get you from the airport and  greater airport area to downtown, will get you most anywhere in the city proper, and also get you on the Green Hop-On Hop-Off bus, stopping at 24 major tourist attractions including Kilmainham Goal and Guinness Brewery, both of which would be a long walk or expensive taxi ride.  The HOHO bus stops at all 24 stops every 10-15 minutes from 9AM to 6PM, with ongoing live commentary about all things tourists might want to know about Dublin and  its attractions.  The brewery is a little overated for the price, but the 360 degree view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar on a clear day is probably worth it....esp if you have a desire to try the complimentary pint of the black stuff! The Goal is NOT to be missed, and probably my favorite attraction in all of Dublin.

We had a 2 day bonus stay in Dublin last week due to "Superstorm Sandy" and really enjoyed Dublin much more than I thought I would, despite having spent 1 1/2 days there 2 years ago. We felt we had hit the high points then, but am now of the opinion that if you really want to take in a lot of good stuff that Dublin has to offer, 3 non-jet lagged days would be optimal.

Dan

-- Edited by murphy on Wednesday 7th of November 2012 10:17:39 AM