The 5 Best Hostels in Dublin

Lively Dublin is known for its rambunctious pubs, literary scene (William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett all lived here), Guinness, and live music. I never get tired of pub-hopping here, mingling with the locals and listening to traditional music.

While Dublin has a lot to see and do, the city is quite compact and walkable if you stay somewhere central. Most hostels are relatively close together near Temple Bar, the riverside neighborhood known for its pubs and nightlife.

Below is my list of the best hostels in Dublin to help you plan your trip and save money. They’re the places I stay at when I visit so you know they’re the best of the best. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Dublin and why I love them:

Price (per night)

• $ – Under 40 EUR
• $$ – 40-55 EUR
• $$$ – Over 55 EUR

 

1. Jacob’s Inn

This is one of the top-rated hostels not just in Dublin but in all of Ireland. It’s my go-to hostel whenever I need a cheap place to stay. All of the dorm beds are super cozy pods with thick mattresses, as well as individual lights, curtains, and outlets. There’s a bar and restaurant on-site too and every morning you can get bottomless coffee, juice, and porridge for just 6 EUR.

There’s also plenty of space to socialize, laundry facilities, lockers to store your stuff, and key cards to access the rooms (so it’s quite safe and secure). Overall, it’s a fun and affordable spot that’s perfect for budget backpackers.

Jacob’s Inn at a glance:

• $
• Cozy pod beds ensure you get to sleep
• Breakfast available
• Bar makes it easy to meet other travelers

Beds from 37 EUR, private rooms from 139 EUR.

Book here!
 

2. Garden Lane Backpackers

This hostel feels like home. I love the vibe of the common areas and there’s a fully equipped kitchen in case you want to cook your meals, plus a rooftop terrace where you take in the view as you eat and drink with friends. The dorm beds have curtains and the mattresses are super thick so you can get a good night’s sleep. Each bed has its own light and outlet too.

The hostel isn’t in the best area of the city, but it’s nevertheless a great spot for travelers looking for a quieter stay.

Garden Lane Backpackers at a glance:

• $
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Chill rooftop terrace for hanging out and meeting people
• Cozy, laid-back atmosphere

Beds from 34 EUR, private rooms from 116 EUR.

Book here!
 

3. Generator

Generator is a chain with locations all around Europe. Its properties are stylish and have more of a hotel feel, though 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 party vibe. The comfy beds all have outlets, lights, and USB ports. There are no curtains for privacy, but there is a small divider. Overall, it’s a more upscale choice for travelers who want something more stylish but still affordable.

Generator at a glance:

• $$$
• Organizes lots of events
• Female-only dorms
• Restaurant on-site

Beds from 83 EUR, private rooms from 184 EUR.

Book here!
 

4. Ashfield Hostel

Located right beside Trinity College, this is one of the most central hostels in town (and thus a great place to crash after a wild night out). It also runs a daily free walking tour. There’s a fully equipped kitchen for cooking your own food, and a simple but filling breakfast is offered each morning (not included). The dorms are clean and spacious, but the beds are pretty basic (no curtains, thin mattresses). It’s a bit of a no-frills choice, but it’s one of the more affordable hostels in the city and you really can’t beat the location. If you plan on partying in Temple Bar, stay here.

Ashfield Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Budget friendly
• Close to Temple Bar

Beds from 44 EUR, private rooms from 188 EUR.

Book here!
 

5. Abigails Hostel

Another super central hostel, Abigails is just a short five-minute walk to Temple Bar. The interior is covered in all kinds of art and murals and it has a fun, social atmosphere. There are several huge common areas where you can hang out and they also organize daily free walking tours in case you want to see the sights. While the bunks are just basic metal ones, there are lockers under each bed and individual lights. The Dublin Express airport bus has a stop right near the hostel too so it’s easy to get to/from the airport, which I appreciate.

Abigails Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Free guided walking tours
• Close to Temple Bar

Beds from 50 EUR, private rooms from 202 EUR.

Book here!

***

Dublin doesn’t have many hostels, and the ones it does have are not all created equal. But you can’t go wrong with any of the places on this list. Whether you’re looking for a social place to meet other travelers or a laid-back hostel for a good night’s sleep, you’ll find what you need on the list above!