When I came back to Dublin from my travels through Europe I was effectively homeless. So I decided to stay in a B&B until I found some place to stay permanently.
I found the Blackstone House online on Daft.ie. They offered exactly what I needed: A private room with a bathroom, always on broadband, a fridge and a water kettle for an affordable price (for a week or longer). Also it's located in Rathmines which is a good central area to live in.
The owners Kate and William are nice people, very discrete and helpful. For instance I was offered a bigger room if I had to stay longer. I appreciate that.
What I don't understand with many Irish B&Bs, especially in Dublin, is why their owners decide to neglect their property. Why no development and investment. Why is there no effort to maintain or even increase the value of their premises? My room - despite being ridiculously small - is extremely dark, old and patchy. I am looking at the backyard which is a disgrace. It's full of rubbish with old tins of paint and dirty cloths on the half built terrace. The whole house is dark with too few windows. It has potential though. It would need some reinvestment to make it a warm, bright and welcoming place.
That said: All inside - despite being old and messy - is pretty clean. And I guess for me that's a priority. So I still recommend that B&B. Just take the lack of standard as the full touristic experience. You didn't want some faceless Hilton or InterContinental so you found the somewhat dark character of the Blackstone House. read more