Youth hostels and other super-cheap sleeping options in Dublin
In recent years, Dublin has shed some of its expensive reputation. Since the Celtic Tiger crash, prices have become more reasonable and there are deals to be found throughout the city. Dublin is also cheapo-friendly because it is very compact (walking everywhere is simple, no transportation required) and also because there are several affordable places to stay directly in the city center.
Unlike other European capital cities, you don’t have to stay outside of the center to find good prices, especially if you’re open to staying in one of the city’s hostels. Wondering what to expect in Dublin hostels? Keep reading for everything you need to know before you book your bed.
Hostel Overview
Dublin is home to a handful of popular, central hostels with solid reputations. They all have some things in common, such as free Wi-Fi, free linens, and often a free continental breakfast (that includes hot tea in Ireland) but be sure to read the fine print:
• Some hostels offer only dorm-style rooms (with as many as 12 or 16 beds), while others have private rooms for one to four people.
• Some hostels only have shared bathrooms while others do have a few private bathrooms (all the more reason to make reservations in advance).
At almost every hostels, you can expect a common space for meeting fellow travelers. In Dublin, this is often a bar or lounge, and in the case of one unique property, an upscale coffee bar. Though metal bunkbeds seem to be the norm across the city, hostels are generally clean, safe, and offer lockers for easy storage of your backpack.
Enjoy a hot cappuccino at Isaacs Hostel.
EuroCheapo Hostel Picks
Isaacs Hostel
Read review
From $19
Located near the River Liffey on the north side of Dublin, Isaacs Hostel might surprise visitors with its charm. The hostel is housed in a building that was once a wine cellar and warehouse, so expect lots of stone walls and vaulted ceilings throughout.
Both dorms and private rooms (for one to four people) are available here, and an exterior courtyard bar is a fun touch. While all bathrooms are shared, there’s a nice basement lounge with a pool table and guest kitchen for meeting fellow travelers. Both Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included in the room rate.
Avalon House
Read review
From $16
Walking by the Victorian building that is home to Avalon House, it is hard to believe this could be a hostel. The beautiful building is located on scenic South Great Georges Street, a central south-of-the-Liffey spot that is both quiet and near the pub action.
In addition to free Wi-Fi and some private bathrooms, Avalon House is also home to the Bald Barista, a coffee bar that draws locals off the streets with a perfect espresso. A comfortable basement lounge area is also another bonus.
The Globetrotter Tourist Hostel offers more comforts than your standard hostel.
Globetrotters Tourist Hostel
Read review
From $16
While many of the other hostels in Dublin offer metal, almost barracks-style dorm beds, Globetrotters focuses a little more on comfort. Both dorms and private rooms are available here, with cozy beds and linens included.
A big breakfast is served in a bright, cheery space where it will be easy to meet other travelers. Globetrotters has genuinely appealing spaces to relax after a day of pounding the pavement in Dublin, including a Japanese garden.
Jacobs Inn
Read review
From $19
One of the most contemporary options in Dublin is Jacobs Inn. Although this is one of the largest hostels, it is also one of the most bright and modern with a fresh paint job and spacious rooms with large closets. Here you can choose between dorms or private rooms (for one to four people).
Unlike other properties, all rooms at Jacobs Inn have their own private bathroom (and they are new and clean to boot). Wi-Fi and breakfast are free and a number of social events, such as pub crawls, are frequently organized.
Other Super Cheap Options
For Cheapos, hostels are often the default bare-bones-budget option. In Dublin, there are some other choices depending on the time of year you visit. During the summer months (when students aren’t in session), dorm rooms at Trinity College Dublin can be rented. These rooms are clean, comfortable, and offer an incredible central location along with free continental breakfast (or full Irish for an extra few euro).
Outside of the summer months, Cheapos will want to investigate guesthouses and inns. Particularly in the low season, a charming room in a privately owned guesthouse can run the same price as a private room in a hostel (and include a big, filling breakfast too). To see all hotels recommended by EuroCheapo’s editors, please visit our Dublin hotel guide.
Pingback: Blog Round Up #58 – The Happy Dance Edition | Military Wife Blog