Dublin City

Best Hostels in Dublin

The Ultimate Dublin's Hostel Guide - Find the Hostel you are looking for

Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital, is a city steeped in history and alive with modern culture. From the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar to the historic landmarks dotting the cityscape, Dublin offers a unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary buzz. Whether you're drawn by the lure of ancient castles, the warmth of Irish pubs, or the city's rich literary heritage, Dublin promises an unforgettable experience. This guide is designed to help you navigate the myriad of hostels in Dublin, ensuring you find the perfect base to explore what this enchanting city has to offer. Whether you're a solo traveller seeking adventure, a student on a budget, or a family looking for a comfortable stay, our comprehensive guide will point you to the hostel that best suits your needs.

Explore our curated guide to Dublin's finest hostels with ease. You can use these quick links to navigate directly to the section that best fits you, or you can read along our full comprehensive guide.

Quick Answer

Overall Best Hostels in Dublin

Jacobs Inn

Jacobs Inn

Rating: 8.8 over more than 14,200 reviews
💲 Prices: from €22

What do guests say?

Guests love Jacobs Inn for its innovative pod beds, ensuring privacy and comfort, and the helpful staff. Its prime location makes exploring Dublin easy. Social events at the bar and the overall warm atmosphere enhance the stay.
Pros:
  • Near Connolly Station and tram, easy city access
  • Private POD beds with secure lockers and amenities
  • Helpful and informative staff
  • High cleanliness standards
  • Secure environment, especially for solo and female travellers
  • On-site bar and restaurant, social events
  • Varied breakfast and menu options
Cons:
  • Limited hangout spots outside bar/reception
  • Pods can be hot

Abbey Court Hostel

Abbey Court

Rating: 8.7 over more than 13,200 reviews
💲 Prices: from €22

What do guests say?

Guests love Abbey Court Hostel for its superb location, friendly staff, and great amenities. Its central location allows easy access to Dublin's main attractions. The atmosphere is welcoming, with events and a hammock room enhancing the experience.
Pros:
  • Overlooking Liffey River, central to major attractions
  • Facility variety: cinema room, hammock room, games room, large kitchen
  • Great rates with an array of amenities
  • Accommodating and welcoming staff
  • Events, pub crawl, and communal areas for meeting new people
  • Beds with curtains for added privacy
  • Offers a substantial breakfast selection
Cons:
  • Long queues during breakfast hours
  • Reports of rooms being hot

Ashfield Hostel

Ashfield Hostel

Rating: 8.6 over more than 8,700 reviews
💲 Prices: from €20

What do guests say?

Guests love Ashfield House for its central location, cleanliness, and friendly staff, who provide valuable recommendations. The hostel's central location makes it convenient for exploring the city's attractions, and the comfortable beds ensure a good night's sleep.
Pros:
  • Conveniently situated in the heart of the city
  • Easily accessible to museums, nightlife, and shops
  • Well-equipped kitchen with complimentary essentials
  • Excellent value for the price paid
  • Peaceful common area without loud music
  • Staff members are polite and courteous
  • Ideal for those seeking a social atmosphere
Cons:
  • Some rooms felt crowded and cramped
  • Noise from the street could be bothersome to light sleepers

Abigails Hostel

Abigails Hostel

Rating: 8.5 over more than 13,400 reviews
💲 Prices: from €17

What do guests say?

Guests love Abigails Hostel for its cleanliness, friendly staff, central location, and comfortable rooms. They appreciate the upgrades, cleanliness, and helpful staff, making it a perfect choice for a stay in Dublin. The common area and kitchen create a positive vibe.
Pros:
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Clean rooms and well-maintained common areas
  • Central location near Temple Bar and Trinity College
  • Easy check-in/out process
  • Accessible common areas with a great atmosphere
  • Spacious and well-equipped kitchen
  • Complimentary tea, hot chocolate, and coffee
Cons:
  • Noise from outside the hostel in the city centre
  • Limited charging options in some rooms

Generator Dublin

Generator Dublin

Rating: 8.2 over more than 6,000 reviews
💲 Prices: from €20

What do guests say?

Guests love Generator Dublin for its fun atmosphere, safety, supportive staff, cleanliness, and convenient location. The bar area is a hit, and the hostel offers opportunities to meet people. Some mention that rooms are cosy, and the staff is friendly.
Pros:
  • Fun and vibrant atmosphere
  • Excellent bar area and pub crawl recommendations
  • Cosy and quiet rooms, conducive to a good night’s sleep
  • Budget-friendly option with a lively bar downstairs
  • Supportive and helpful staff
  • Clean and modern facilities
  • Phenomenal food and lots of activities
  • Good value for money
Cons:
  • Restrictions on bringing in outside food and drinks, limited cooking options
  • Beds in the dorms are a bit short for tall individuals

Cheap Hostels in Dublin

Hostels with Private Rooms in Dublin

City Centre Hostels in Dublin

Student Hostels in Dublin

Youth Hostels in Dublin

Hostels in Temple Bar in Dublin

Hostels near Airport in Dublin

Best Areas to Stay in Dublin

Dublin, a city rich in history, culture, and nightlife, offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own charm and attractions. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to delve deeper into its offerings, choosing the right area to stay can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s a guide to the best areas to stay in Dublin:

  • Temple Bar: Often the first stop for many visitors, Temple Bar is the heart of Dublin’s nightlife and cultural scene. Known for its cobblestone streets lined with pubs, galleries, restaurants, and live music venues, it’s the place to be if you want to experience Dublin’s vibrant social life. Ideal for younger travellers and those looking to stay in the thick of the action.
  • St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street Area: If you prefer a mix of greenery, shopping, and culture, this area is perfect. St. Stephen’s Green offers a peaceful escape with its lush park, while Grafton Street is a bustling shopping hub. The area is also home to cultural institutions like the National Museum of Ireland and The Little Museum of Dublin. Great for those who want a bit of everything.
  • Smithfield and Stoneybatter: Just a bit northwest of the city centre, these adjoining neighbourhoods offer a more local and hipster vibe. With artisanal coffee shops, traditional pubs, and the Jameson Distillery, they’re perfect for foodies and those interested in a slightly off-the-beaten-path Dublin experience.
  • South William Street and the Creative Quarter: This area is a haven for creative souls and fashionistas, known for its boutique shops, creative agencies, and vibrant street art. The nightlife here is eclectic, with trendy bars and clubs. It’s a great spot for those looking to explore Dublin’s creative scene.
  • The Liberties: One of Dublin’s oldest and most historic areas, The Liberties is a great place to stay for history buffs. With attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and St. Patrick's Cathedral, it offers a mix of old-world charm and the buzz of local markets and artisanal shops.
  • O'Connell Street and North City Centre: This area is the commercial heart of Dublin, known for its monumental spire, shopping centres, and historical sites like the General Post Office. Staying here puts you within walking distance of many attractions and offers a broad range of accommodation options.

How to Choose a Hostel in Dublin

Choosing the right hostel in Dublin is about striking a balance between location, price, amenities, and the overall vibe. Dublin, a city renowned for its vibrant history, rich culture, and lively nightlife, offers a range of hostels catering to different traveller needs. Here’s how to ensure you pick the perfect spot for your stay:

  • Define Your Priorities: Before diving into the options, consider what matters most to you. Is it being close to the city centre for easy access to attractions? Are you looking for a social atmosphere to meet other travellers, or a quiet spot to relax after a day of exploring?
  • Location: Dublin is relatively compact, and many of its major attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, choosing a hostel in or near the city centre (like Temple Bar or around Trinity College) can save you time and transportation costs. If you prefer a quieter area, look for hostels in neighbourhoods like Rathmines or The Liberties.
  • Check the Amenities: What’s included in your stay can make a big difference. Free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and laundry facilities are common, but some hostels go above and beyond with free breakfast, en-suite bathrooms, or even a bar or café on-site. Decide what amenities are must-haves for you.
  • Understand the Vibe: Each hostel has its own personality. Some are party hostels with nightly events and pub crawls, ideal for those looking to socialise. Others might focus on creating a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere. Reading reviews and checking the hostel’s website or social media can give you a good sense of what to expect.
  • Safety and Cleanliness: Especially for solo travellers or those new to the hostel experience, the security and cleanliness of the accommodation are non-negotiable. Look for hostels with secure lockers, 24-hour reception, and good ratings for cleanliness.
  • Read Reviews: Finally, take the time to read recent reviews from other travellers. They can provide insights into the hostel’s atmosphere, the helpfulness of the staff, and any hidden gems (or issues) not mentioned on the hostel’s website.

Tips for Staying in Dublin Hostels

Staying in a hostel in Dublin can be an enriching experience, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, social interaction, and an affordable way to explore the city. Here are some tips to make the most of your hostel stay:

  • Embrace the Social Aspect: Hostels are great places to meet fellow travellers. Don’t shy away from striking up conversations in common areas or joining in on hostel-organised events and tours.
  • Respect Dorm Etiquette: If staying in a dorm room, be mindful of noise, especially late at night and early in the morning. Use headphones, keep your area tidy, and pack a small light to avoid disturbing others when it’s dark.
  • Secure Your Belongings: While Dublin is relatively safe, it’s wise to use lockers for valuables and always lock your dorm room when possible. Carry a padlock with you, as not all hostels provide them.
  • Pack Light and Smart: Space in dorm rooms can be limited. Pack a small bag with essentials, including a towel (unless provided), flip-flops for showers, and a travel adapter for Irish plugs.
  • Explore Beyond the Hostel: Dublin is a city of stories, with each corner offering something new. Visit popular spots like the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, but also take time to wander through Dublin’s less touristy neighbourhoods and local markets.
  • Be Mindful of Budget: Dublin can be pricey, but many hostels offer kitchen facilities. Save money by preparing some meals yourself. Also, look out for hostel boards or apps for discounts on local attractions and eateries.
  • Ask the Staff: Hostel staff are usually locals or seasoned travellers with a wealth of knowledge about Dublin. They can recommend the best spots to eat, hidden gems, and tips for getting around the city.
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