Cheap and decent Dublin neighborhoods?

Hello,
I will be coming to Dublin around May of 2012. I plan to stay for a month so price is an issue. I don't need anywhere fancy or hip or anything, just decent and safe enough to walk at night, etc. It would be great to be able to find groceries and a good cup of coffee nearby...maybe some good trad music? On the south side, I have seen some cheap and (seemingly) nice short term rentals in the area between Trinity college and the Grand Canal. On the North side there seems to be a lot on Marborough St and around there. I was only in Dublin for a week last time and did not see either of these areas. What do you think? Any other areas I should consider that aren't too far outside of the city center? Any thoughts or advice would be really helpful. Thank you so much!

Southside is that bit more pleasant. In Dublin they have the DART electric train which serves the coastal areas of Dublin both Northside and Southside: http://www.dublin.ie/transport/dart.htm This will give you a lot more options. I've mentioned on another thread that Dun Laoghaire is a great base for Dublin. 20 mins from city centre on DART. It has nice views over Dublin bay with pier and promenade walks. Also has Irelands biggest marina and a nice Sunday market. Plenty of cafés and shops too. When you move in a little from seafront you can find cheap rooms in nice houses.

Check this website out for accommodation sharing all over Dublin: http://www.daft.ie/sharing/

Just taking a room for one month might be an issue though? If price is an issue then what about couchsurfing at a few hosts over the month? http://www.couchsurfing.org/ Best of luck!

Thank you! I do need to stick to the city and money's not enough of an issue to couch surf--I'll have a lot of work/research to do while I'm there and need my own space. But thank you for the information on the north vs south issue! I can't sort that all out from here. Also, I now plan to take the short trip to Dun Laoghaire when I am there. It looks beautiful!

see......forum : BOARDS.IE /
and......................DAFT.IE /

Marlborough Street area is junkie heaven.

I agree on Marlborough Street being a shthole! Would strongly advise staying away from that North Inner City area. Check out Rathmines / Ranelagh areas. Big student area with lots of accommodation and just a short walk / cycle from city centre. Has some character too. Another area that would suit even more so is Portobello on the Grand Canal. Great variation of rooms available here too.

Check out the walk along the "Vico Road" between Dalkey and Killiney when you make it to DunL area. Stunning part of Dublin!

The problem with Dun Laoghaire/Dalky/Killiney is the cost. Great to visit but don't think about staying. Stay away from Marlborough St /Gardiner st area. Drumcondra and Phibsborough on the Northside are "respectable" areas but not as villagey and studenty as Ranelagh and Rahtmines.

Around Rathmines or Portobello, possibly Ranelagh, is probably your best bet. The city centre areas you are considering are certainly a bit less pleasant to walk around alone at night, though not really dangerous.

Maith thú fear rua!

Thank you all SO MUCH for the information on Marborough and Gardiner streets! There are a lot of places listed in that area and this helps a lot!

+1 on Portobello, really nice and probably a bit quieter than Rathmines (from a sleeping perspective!).

Portobello is a winner all round!!! :)

Beatha agus sláinte a Stiofáin!

Myseal - I'm not sure about where the places between Trinity and the Canal that you mention are - but if they are to the south/west of Lower Mount Street they should be fine - too far the other side (i.e. nearer the river) is not so good.

Thank you all SO MUCH for the help! I feel a lot better about choosing a place now....I just wish I didn't have to wait so long!