We booked our flight with ryanair. 2pence each, there and back, a bargain!!! That was the only saving we made. Of course, we trawled through tripadvisor for hotels, and decided on Eliza Lodge Hotel, £90 for the night, which considering Dublin prices was great. The hotel is on Wellington Quay, opposite the Fitzwilliam Hotel, and had a great view of the Liffey.
Our room was small, but had a huge bed, which we found was actually twin beds pushed together,it was fine really. The bathroom was nice,small, but had a good shower. The only drawback was the sink didn't drain easily, but seeing we were only there for one night, we didn't complain.
The room had hairdrier iron/board tea/coffee kettle etc, plenty hanging space and drawers, all you need. And toiletries in bathroom.
We decided to visit the guiness storehouse, and duly walked all the way there, which was easy enough, as long as you have a map, which we got at the tourist board. 14 euros later we were in,
(that was each, by the way) (mmsturtles,$6 in2007? inflation?)
I'm sorry to go on about cost, but Dublin really is EXPENSIVE.
Anyway, it was ok, not worth the money, and as i don't like the stuff, i didn't even have a drink!!
Next, we needed to eat, so I consulted Dublin in your pocket and we thought Davy Byrnes on Duke Street sounded a good bet.
NO. NO. NO. Not going to say anymore.
Next a pub, and of course Dublin in Your Pocket.
Can I say don't rely on this book!!
We wandered around looking to have a drink where we didn't need to take out an overdraft, and as we were only there for one night, that was not going to happen.
Going back to the airport, well that was a joy. Every ten minutes they say. NO Forty minutes we waited, and it was Baltic, and Pouring, before a bus pulled up
The thing is, we really like Dublin, despite what I've written.
The people ARE really really nice, the city is lovely, the weather is just as unpredictable as ours, BUT and it is a great big BUT, now it is no longer a place to go on a budget. Or is that the intention?
How do the ordinary folk manage there?
Well, we would like to go back to Ireland, but maybe not Dublin
Just to say, the staff at our hotel were lovely too.

Great location in Temple Bar. The staff was very helpful. Room was very small but adequate with a great view of the river. Breakfast was fine. Lots of things to see within walking distance.

We just returned from our European holiday which started out in Ireland. In Dublin we stayed at the Eliza Lodge Guesthouse in the Temple Bar district. Our room with a double bed was very comfortable and we had a nice view of the Millenium Bridge and the Liffey River. We thought it might be noisy because we had heard that Temple Bar is very busy at night but we had no trouble getting to sleep. A full Irish breakfast was included and was served in the restaurant on the main floor. The staff was very friendly and were more than helpful with recommendations and requests. The location was perfect as well. We were able to walk almost everywhere and there was so much to see and do nearby.
We would definitely recommend this hotel and hopefully we will be able to stay there again ourselves!

My mother and I were very happy with our stay at the Eliza Lodge. Despite the reviews complaining about the noise and the ones saying it wouldn't be recommended for older travelers (I'm 53 and my mother is obviously older), we had no trouble with noise, either from the street or the hallways although we were there for a Friday and Saturday night. The location is perfect -- with views of the Ha'Penny Bridge across the Liffey and many major attractions of Dublin within walking distance. We enjoyed dinner at a Temple Bar restaurant called La Med, located on the street behind Eliza Lodge. The room was comfortable and clean, and the staff at the reception desk were friendly and helpful. Breakfast on the Saturday morning was acceptable, though not the best breakfast we had in the course of our stay. The only negative at all was that breakfast wasn't served until a bit later on Sunday morning, too late for us because we had a morning flight to catch. But that was a very minor glitch. All in all, if I were planning a trip to Dublin again, I wouldn't even think twice before booking a room at Eliza Lodge. I would happily recommend it to anyone.