funconf

funconf is fast approaching. If you haven’t already got a schedule or booked a hotel, here are some tips.

Relative to other European capitals and US cities, Dublin is really tiny. Like, really. If you stay anywhere within the city centre, pretty much everywhere is walkable. Even if you stay out a bit, you can still walk. And even if you stay a bit further afield; you should be fine. There are busses.

Try to stay a bit more central though!

For (un)funconf, a lot of our activity was around a small area near the junction of Dame Street and George’s Street. It’s pretty much the best part of Dublin; near some great pubs, restaurants, the main shopping area and a healthy lack of tourists.

There are loads of hotels in the area. The Central Hotel (http://www.centralhoteldublin.com/) has one of my favourite bars, the Library Bar, and I’ve heard the rooms are decent enough. It’s right next to where we’re planning drinks, dinners and brunch.

Le Cirk (http://www.lecirk.ie/) is a cool spot. Although I’ve actually never been there, I imagine it would get a bit loud, but it’s very chic. I expect it would be a nice place to stay.

I’ve also heard pretty good things about the Morgan, even if it’s a bit pricey.

Don’t stay at the Arglington.

If you’re feeling super bling stay at The Morrison, The Shelbourne or The Westbury.

OR, if you’re bling and foodie, two of Dublin’s top restaurants are in the Merrion (Guilbaud’s) and the Fitzwilliam (Thornton’s). Thornton’s has my vote for the best food in Dublin; you can even get haute cuisine tapas: tasty little morsels for small prices. Nom.

If you want to stay a bit out of town, I’ve recommended The Hampton Hotel (http://www.hamptonhotel.ie/) … mainly because it’s nearish to where I live ; not too far from the hustle and bustle of the city, but a really nice area.

Finally, in my opinion it’s ALWAYS a good idea to check out apartment accommodation in any city. Several of the (un)funconfers had good luck with this. I’ve already booked out some of the best ones for our speakers, but there are plenty of good spots.

If you contact Trinity, they might be able to give you a student dorm/apartment (http://www.tcd.ie/accommodation/Visitors/); no nonsense accommodation in one of the most historical parts of Dublin. Sleep next door to the Book of Kells! I lived here for two years, it’s awesome.

If you’re feeling super cheap, stay at a hostel. http://hostelworld.com is based in Dublin, so it has us covered. We know people in there, so we could probably get a discount, but … really? That said, I think Dublin hostels are quite expensive by European standards.

If you need any other help or advice, or you need to know whether you’re about to book a shithole, don’t hesitate to give us a shout funconf@gmail.com.