Hosting experts Liz and Mick tell us why they host
Liz and Mick know about hosting. Since they decided to welcome guests into their home in 2013 they haven’t looked back. The couple live with their four children and their two Labrador retrievers, Miley and Izzy in the south Dublin suburb of Leopardstown.
Leopardstown is a close commute by tram to the city centre and provides spectacular views of the Dublin mountains and down into Dublin Bay. Liz and her family are such experienced hosts that when it came to making our new branding video, we couldn't think of a family who would better convey the warmth and sense of reward from a homestay experience. I asked Liz and her family a bit more about why they continue to host and what they feel makes a homestay so special.
One of the guest bedrooms for Homestay guests.
How long have you been a host for?
Since 2013 - time flies!
Why do you host with Homestay.com?
We host with Homestay because we love meeting people from other cultures and getting to know new people. We also wanted to introduce our children to diversity. We have made lifelong friends from Homestay and we have been doing it for so long now it just feels a part of our family! It has been a great experience for our whole family.
Liz and her family enjoying some quality time with their guest Sebastián (centre).
Lots of travellers have Ireland and Dublin on their bucket lists of places to see. What do you love about Dublin?
The people! I love the sense of humour and the ability the Irish people have to find something funny in every situation. I love that there is something for everybody and everyone is made feel welcome. I love the vast choice of restaurants and pubs, walking in Stephen’s Green and the Iveagh Gardens. I love that it is a small city where you can access everything really easily and always meet someone you know!
What is something about your neighbourhood in Leopardstown that you love?
I love that it is so close to the mountains and the sea. I also love that it is so easy to travel anywhere with the Luas tram outside our door. Of course I also love that it is 10 minutes away from Dundrum Town Centre where you shop till you drop or see a movie at any time of the day!
Their pets were keen to be part of the action when the photographer arrived.
What is something that every guest to your city should see or do?
It might sound like a cliché but some of the main tourist attractions are really great and definitely worth a visit. The Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, Collins Barracks museum on the Quays of the Liffey, Riverdance in the Gaiety theatre just off Grafton Street, Trinity College in the heart of the city. Also the experience of pub culture in Dublin is second to none- explore the pubs in the city and find a place with traditional music if you can.
Liz and Mick are one of the hosts featured in our new Homestay.com video. Watch below to find out more about what to expect from their homestay.
Written by Mary Plunkett
Mary’s curious personality means that she is forever looking to explore new places and cultures. Like many Irish kids, Mary first got a taste for travel on family camping holidays to France.
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