Dublin Apartment for Two - our own holiday home
DUBLIN LET FOR 2
If you are looking for a quiet, well equipped (as a home from home) apartment, 10 to 15 mins by bus to Dublin city centre, suitable for two people, then our Dublinletfor2 might be the answer for you. Parking and wifi included.
Please don't be confused by the fact that this is on my English cottage website. It is just one page for Dublin on there and the headings at the top relate to the cottage, not the Dublinletfor2. On this one page you will find availability, the booking procedure and general information. We have a holiday apartment in a very conveniently placed location in Dublin, in the Donnybrook/Ballsbridge area. This is a very upmarket area of Dublin where houses in our road change hands in the several millions and it is popular with the foreign embassies as their Dublin base. My apartment which is in a seventies block in a private complex, built originally as an hotel (hence the large rooms) is 10 minutes on the bus to St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street or a leisurely walk (about a mile and half) through Georgian Streets. The aircoach from Dublin Airport stops yards from the door but if you want to hire a car for your stay then you have free parking (like gold dust in Dublin!) in a video monitored private car park in the apartment complex. This link shows you where Ailesbury Road is on Google maps. We are at the top end, close to the river which can be seen in blue. Ailesbury Road straddles both Donnybrook and Ballsbridge.
Booking details are at the bottom of this page.
Although a large apartment in terms of room size, we keep it just for a maximum of two people as it has only one bedroom. Because we use it ourselves, although our personal stuff is all packed away, it is ready and waiting for 'instant living'. We want you to enjoy it as if it were your own holiday home, and as such, it is equipped with all the normal paraphernalia of a home, not as a bare holiday let with nothing in the kitchen drawers or cupboards. You won't have to rush out to buy the salt, the sugar, the tea, the coffee etc as there is always a basic store cupboard ( not your entire holiday food!) and if you finish something you are just asked to replace it with something similar.
The kitchen is modern and well equipped. There is a dishwasher, two kinds of electric coffee machines, two non-electric ones (French press and hob top espresso pot) microwave, double oven, grill and hob. There is Cable TV on a 32" HD Smart TV (I have a Chromecast dongle so you can watch Netflix if you have a subscription and your home TV stations if you have the slingplayer app on your device) and a DVD player in a large light-filled sitting room which overlooks leafy Ballsbridge. There is plenty of comfortable seating and a dining table for six, should you have visitors. The bathroom (installed in 2018) has a bath and and over the bath power shower, basin and loo and a heated towel rail. There is a cloakroom as well with loo and wash basin and a washing machine. The bed is a super king base with two single mattresses, made up as an Austrian twin (separate duvets) so suitable for couples or close friends.
Parking and wifi are provided free of charge. Broadband is fast and for unlimited downloads. We leave comprehensive folders of how things work, what buses to take, things to see and do and of course emergency numbers should you need any help. Upright Chappell piano so any pianists are welcome to play it. Bring your own music!
It is not a serviced apartment so if you are staying longer than a week then you manage your own change of linen and towels from the plentiful supplies provided.There is a washing machine in the cloakroom and drying racks - no tumble drier as washing dries incredibly quickly, especially if the central heating is on.
We do not aim to let this all year round but just enough to cover our service charges and expenses. Therefore the starting days are completely flexible, subject to availability of course. Although I live in England I come over to personally clean and maintain the apartment to make sure everything is as near perfect as possible for your arrival.
Rates vary from €850 to €950 per week. Peak periods are St Patrick's Day Holiday time, Easter, Christmas and New Year. Price table below gives the all inclusive price for a week's stay. There are no extra charges, save for those involved in the transfer of funds to pay for the let. I only let on a weekly basis, because I travel from England for change arounds and maintenance. There are no hidden extras, no added cleaning fee, no security deposit ( currently, but this may change) and no 'service fee' as added on now by the major listing sites. Please enquire, having looked at the availability calendar. Booking and payment details at the bottom of this page.
I no longer advertise on VRBO where I had 30 5 star reviews. Some of these are now on Houfy.com/1034 I also briefly advertised on TripAdvisor where I had just four reviews, all five star.
WHAT'S ON - DUBLIN 2020 (a little summary with more to follow as times are announced)
There were special exhibitions, tours and events to commemorate the Easter Rising of 1916 in the centenary year. Some of these have become permanent exhibitions so visitable in 2020 onwards also.
the Dublin Galleries:
Casino Marino
Chester Beatty Library
Douglas Hyde Gallery
Dublin City Gallery - Hugh Lane
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Royal Hibernian Gallery
Rua Red
The National Gallery of Ireland
Temple Bar Gallery and Studios - all of these have changing exhibitions throughout the year.
For foodies: Have a look at the Delicious Dublin website.
There are many parks in Dublin. Our local one (five minutes walk to get to it) is Herbert Park.
There is a Farmer’s Market every Sunday from 11am to 4pm in Herbert Park. Lovely in the summer as you can sit on the grass and eat a delicious freshly-cooked lunch. Herbert Park is a great place to go jogging. It covers 32 acres and the jogging/walking circuit is just about a mile although if you take all the paths and meander you will cover a much greater distance. There are outdoor tennis courts, a football pitch, playground, croquet, boules and family trails. It is a lovely place to go for a wander. There is a large pond with ducks on and countless trees and flower beds with handy benches if you need a rest.
Suggestions for a day out in Dublin
For scenic train trips on the Dart try these suggestions
and more events to follow, but here are a few
February 2020
Racing Festival at Leopardstown (very near to the apartment - short drive or bus ride) beginning of February
Dublin International Film Festival
At the Abbey theatre : Hansel and Gretel 8 - 15 February
The Fall of the Second Republic 24 February - 14 March
also Backstage Tours All year round on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays at 4pm and Saturdays at 11am
At the Gaiety Theatre : The Lieutenant of Inishmore 27th Jan. - 14th Mar.
At the Gate Theatre In this transformative new version of the Greek tragedy Medea, a slight shift of perspective can change everything. Seen through the eyes of Medea and Jason’s children, we are offering a new take on two of the most tragic siblings of all time.
From 27 February 2020 Our New Girl An upmarket London family unravel before our eyes. Irish writer Nancy Harris (The Red Shoes & The Beacon) returns to the Gate stage with the Irish premiere of her startling psychological drama. A plastic surgeon has embarked on his latest charitable mission, leaving his wife alone with their troubled 8 year old son Daniel. An Irish nanny arrives on the scene with her own agenda, leading to a climactic ending when tensions boil over.
Dine in Dublin Restaurant Week TBA (generally end of Feb, beginning of March )
At the National Gallery, Merrion Square -exhibitions Countess Markievicz; Canaletto and the Art of Venice 5 December 2018–24 March 2019
At 3Arena see here
Dublin Chinese New Year Festival
March 2020
St Patricks Day Celebrations 5 day festival
National Gallery Of Ireland Merrion Square exhibitions Countess Markievicz; Canaletto and the Art of Venice 5 December 2018–24 March 2019
Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival
At the Gate theatre: Our New Girl An upmarket London family unravel before our eyes. Irish writer Nancy Harris (The Red Shoes & The Beacon) returns to the Gate stage with the Irish premiere of her startling psychological drama. A plastic surgeon has embarked on his latest charitable mission, leaving his wife alone with their troubled 8 year old son Daniel. An Irish nanny arrives on the scene with her own agenda, leading to a climactic ending when tensions boil over and from 26th March The Little Foxes
At the Gaiety Theatre The Lieutenant of Inishmore until 14th March; The Mai 24th Mar. - 28th March; The Mousetrap 30th Mar. - 4th Apr.
April 2020
"Strolling through Ulysses" at the Stag's Head from March to November
Sugar Club Lower Lesson Street events
Bord Gais Energy Theatre War Horse
At the Abbey Faith Healer; Ireland's Call 1 - 11 April
Gaiety Theatre :The Mousetrap until 4th Apr; Maeve Binchy’s Circle Of Friends 6th Apr. - 2nd May
National Gallery Merrion Square
The Dublin Tech Summit
May 2020
Dublin Dance Festival
Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park often has exhibitions. Event TBA Admission Free.
At the James Joyce Tower and Museum, Sandycove The Spring Into Heritage festival. The Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown area celebrates its historical heritage with free tours around the iconic Martello tower. Enjoy thrilling views over Sandycove Beach and hear the Martello towers on Dublin's coastline were built and the association with James Joyce.
National Concert Hall.
At the National Gallery
The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre To Kill a Mockingbird; Katherine Jenkins
At the Abbey Faith Healer until 16th May; The Patient Gloria (Brighton) 5 - 9 May; ANΩNYMO 19 - 20 May; aSH 22 - 23 May ; A Love Supreme 29 - 30 May
At the Gate The Little Foxes until the 9th May ; The Shadow of a Gunman 14 May - 11 Jul
At the Gaiety Theatre Maeve Binchy’s Circle Of Friends until 2nd May; An Inspector Calls 5th May. - 9th May; Holy Mary 11th May. - 16th May; The Abduction from the Seraglio 2020 19th May. - 23rd May; Menopause The Musical 2 26th May. - 6th June
Exhibitions at the Hugh Lane (Dublin City Gallery) Parnell Square
June 2020
National Gallery of Ireland Merrion Square.
Dublin Port River Festival
Women's Mini Marathon
At the James Joyce Tower and Museum, Sandycove, The Spring Into Heritage festival. Lots of free tours and events during this festival.
The Hugh Lane Gallery (Dublin City Gallery) Parnell Square exhibitions of paintings
Bloomsday Festival
Archaeology Museum in Kildare Street
At the Gaiety - until 6th June Menopause The Musical 2 ; Riverdance 2020 11th Jun. - 13th Sep
At the Abbey - a very varied programme RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival 3 - 5 June ;This Beautiful Village 6 - 27 June;Me, Mollser 16 - 20 June; Into the Dark Woods 25 - 27 June.
At the Gate The Shadow of a Gunman
Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square click for programme Girl on a Train; Doctor Dolittle
Dalkey Book Festival The Spring Into Heritage festival. Lots of free tours and events during this festival.
Taste of Dublin in the Iveagh Gardens
at Bars all over, The Irish Gin and Tonic Festival.
Exhibitions at the National Gallery -
Indie Beer Week
July 2020
The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta will see four days of racing by Irish and international teams in one of the most picturesque areas of Dublin Bay.
Merrion Square. Street performers featuring in "spectacular events" , fantastic exhibitions and absorbing interactive workshops. Admission Free
Gaiety Theatre Riverdance 2020 11th Jun. - 13th Sep
Gate Theatre until 11th July The Shadow of a Gunman
Curragh Races includes the Irish Derby.
At the Abbey Everything Not Saved 1 - 11 July; A Taste of Honey 6 July - 1 August ; Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks 22 July - 1 August
"Festival of Curiosity". Following on from last year, July 16-19 From Playful Days to Curious Nights – experience a cultural feast of unique, visual and interactive experiences in Dublin that merge cutting-edge technology, design, arts and science in playful, immersive & curious ways.
August 2020
See Dublin light up at night with science and art installations, film and multiple presentations to keep everybody entertained.
Dublin’s International Piano Festival, at various venues including the National Concert Hall and the Hugh Lane Gallery.
Exhibitions at the National Gallery August 2020
Summer of Heritage. Lots of free tours , places to visit and events.
Gaiety Theatre 'Riverdance'
At the Abbey Good Vibrations 5 - 21 August ; Two Pints (Olympia Theatre) 18 - 29 August
At the Gaiety Riverdance 2020
Craftmakers at the RDS Craft Awards Exhibition.
Rugby Matches at Aviva
Exhibitions at the National Gallery -
September/October/November 2020
Dublin Festival Season September 5th to 20th 2020 The Bram Stoker Festival. The Fashion Festival. Open House architecture festival a weekend in October.
Culture Night in September -hosting arts and cultural organisations and venues. Special and unique events and workshops are specifically programmed at participating locations and everything is available free of charge.
The Dublin City Marathon end of October The route passes very close by!
Exhibitions at the National Gallery -Exhibitions at the National Gallery
At the Abbey The Boy 17 September - 7 November ; Éist Liom 25 September - 3 October ; From Eden / Northern Lights 10 - 21 November
At the Gaiety Riverdance 2020 until 13th Sep
December 2020
December Mansion House - live animal crib.
For theatres : the Gate: the Abbey: Bord Gais Energy Theatre the Gaiety.
Christmas at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park: Christmas Food and Craft markets, Puppets Shows, Storytelling, Crib, Carol singing, Horse and Carriage rides and Magic shows - the three weekends in December, before Christmas.
National Concert Hall concerts:
National Gallery of Ireland
New Year Festival - 3 day city-wide festival of Arts, Culture and Live entertainment
Science Gallery, Trinity College Exhibition
Happy Feet Swing at the Grand Social Lower Liffey Street. Jive the night away like they did in the 1950's every Monday
Racing at Leopardstown - the Christmas Festival
January 2021
National Concert Hall.
Temple Bar Trad Fest
At Trinity College Science Gallery and exhibition
At the National Gallery, Merrion Square -
At Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane,
Happy Feet Swing at the Grand Social Lower Liffey Street. Jive the night away like they did in the 1950's every Monday
TradFest in Temple Bar. Irish Music and Culture - Traditional Music Festival January
BOOKING PROCEDURE AND PAYMENT
Email through my booking form on this page, not on the Sansome Cottage booking page! Please let me know your preferred dates. If these are available and you indicate that you would like to book I then ask you to download the booking form from this page (below), in conjunction with the pdf of the terms and conditions/contract. I would expect submission of the booking form within 48 hours and initiation of the deposit payment. A deposit of 25% of the rental rate (33% for Easter and Christmas periods) is required to secure a booking and the balance is due 12 weeks in advance of the arrival date. If I don't receive the booking form and receipt (or initiation of) payment within 48 hours then I assume that you are no longer interested and no longer hold the place. I allow 7 days between the initiation of the payment and receipt but please tell me this has been done and how!
I can take credit card payments through another listing site (the rates are necessarily a little more here) Houfy.com/1034 when I have this sorted...
Bank to bank transfers within the EU are free through SEPA. All other types of transfers are also made in Euros to my Dublin account. Please ask for my Bank details. There is a receiving charge at my bank of 10 Euros per transfer for non-Euro overseas transfers, so I ask you to add this to your payment. Of course domestic transfers, Euro transfers from the EU or payment by Irish cheque are fee free.
The cost of transferring money can be greatly reduced by using a service such as Transferwise , xetrade or Xoom and with some of the currency exchange services (they aim to beat the banks at their own game!) you can use a credit card. There is no charge at my end if the money is deposited in my bank already converted to Euros. Please ask me for details. The price you see here is the price you pay (excluding transfer costs, if any). Canadians have recommended http://www.canadianforex.ca/ to me. The 1st transfer made through Transferwise is free if you use my referral link https://transferwise.com/u/felicitya4 For a small fee, Transferwise also let you use a credit card.
I pencil in bookings which are more than a year in advance and confirm a year ahead. Only at this time do I ask for a deposit (25% of the booking). The second payment is due 12 weeks in advance of arrival. Here is a link to Dublin online booking form.
and a download for the Terms and Conditions Dublin
Reviews here . Houfy is a relatively new site which is completely without any service fees to guests and set up to counter against the big corporations - online travel agents - intent on squeezing both ends for profits. In its early days, it caters mainly for North American properties. I can take credit cards through there.
Text and Photographs