Posted: 21-08-2023 | August 21, 2023
Lively Dublin is known for its boisterous pubs, literary scene (William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett all lived here), Guinness and live music.
Dublin is quite compact and walkable if you stay somewhere central. Most hostels are relatively close together near Temple Bar, the riverside area known for its pubs and nightlife.
To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together my list of the best hostels in the city, based on my numerous visits over the past 15 years.
Price per night)
- $ – Less than 40 EUR
- $$ – 40-55 EUR
- $$$ – More than 55 EUR
1. Jacob’s Inn
This is one of the best rated hostels not only in Dublin but in all of Ireland. All dorms are super cozy pods with thick mattresses, as well as individual lighting, curtains and power sockets. There is also a bar and restaurant on site and every morning you can get unlimited coffee, juice and porridge for just 6 euros.
There’s also plenty of space for socializing, laundry facilities, lockers to store your belongings and key cards to access the rooms (so it’s quite secure).
Jacob’s Inn at a glance:
- $$$
- Cozy capsule beds ensure you sleep well
- Bottomless breakfast
- Bar makes it easy to meet other travelers
Beds from 57 EUR, private rooms from 269 EUR.
2. Garden Lane Backpackers
These hostels feel like home. I love the atmosphere in the common areas and there is a fully equipped kitchen in case you want to prepare your meals, plus a roof terrace where you can enjoy the view while eating and drinking with friends. The beds in the dormitories have curtains and the mattresses are super thick, so you can sleep wonderfully. Each bed also has its own light and socket.
Garden Lane Backpackers at a glance:
- $$
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Chill roof terrace to hang out and meet people
- Cosy, relaxed atmosphere
Beds from EUR 47, private rooms from EUR 143.
3. Generator
Generator is a chain with branches throughout Europe. The accommodations are stylish and have more of a hotel feel, although this location does a great job of keeping things fun and social. There are nightly events to help you meet people, including quizzes, karaoke, DJ nights, billiards and drinking games. It definitely has a bit of a festive atmosphere. The comfortable beds all have power sockets, lighting and USB ports. There are no curtains for privacy, but there is a small room divider.
Generator at a glance:
- $$
- Organizes many events
- Female-only dormitories
- Restaurant on site
Beds from EUR 47, private rooms from EUR 200.
4. Ashfield Hostel
Located right next to Trinity College, this is one of the most central hostels in the city (and therefore a great place to crash after a wild night out). A free walking tour is also organized daily. There is a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own food, and a simple but nutritious breakfast is offered every morning (not included). The dorms are clean and spacious, but the beds are quite basic (no curtains, thin mattresses). It is one of the more affordable hostels in the city.
Ashfield Hostel at a glance:
- $
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Budget-friendly
- Close to Temple Bar
Beds from EUR 35, private rooms from EUR 164.
5. Abigail’s Inn
Another super central hostel, Abigails, is just a five-minute walk from Temple Bar. The interior is covered in all kinds of art and murals and has a fun, social atmosphere. There are several large common areas where you can hang out and they also organize free walking tours daily in case you want to see the sights. Although the bunk beds are simple metal, there are lockers under each bed and individual lamps. The Dublin Express airport bus also has a stop right by the hostel, so it’s easy to get there. It is also one of the most affordable hostels in the city.
Abigails Hostel at a glance:
- $
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Free guided walks
- Close to Temple Bar
Beds from EUR 35, private rooms from EUR 160.
Dublin doesn’t have many hostels, and the ones it does have are not all the same. But you can’t go wrong with any place on this list. Whether you’re looking for a social place to meet other travelers or a relaxed hostel for a good night’s sleep, you’ll find what you need in the list above!
Book your trip to Dublin: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know there is nothing going on.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the apps I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Would you like more information about Dublin?
Be sure to visit our robust Dublin destination guide for even more planning tips!