We unravel the fascinating world of the absolute BEST hostels in Dublin. On top of that, I add for you my own super-duper secret hidden gem that I highly recommend doing.
For the intrepid traveler, the city presents not just popular landmarks such as the Trinity College and Guinness Storehouse but also holds the charm of secret gardens, hidden street art, and bespoke underground bars, revealing its secrets one layer at a time to those willing to seek them out.
Here’s a sneak peek into these hostels that offer much more than just a bed to crash on.
Your Shortcut:
- Jacobs Inn Hostel - best for Solo Travellers
- Gardiner House - best for Female Solo Travellers
- Generator Hostel - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Jacobs Inn Hostel
2. Gardiner House
3. Generator Hostel
We make sure all your comfort and safety needs are met in the midst of Dublin city center. We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Dublin.
Hot off the press: 24 best hostels in Ireland
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What about Northern Ireland? Check out our guide to the best hostels in Belfast.
Yes, even those looking for a great party hostel in Dublin are catered for. Just keep scrolling. We traveled around the country for a full month.
It is such a beautiful country, and it is said Ireland has the highest variety of green coloring. We urge you to head over to Dublin but also step out of the city and explore the land itself – from Cliffs of Moher to Ring of Kerry.
One of our 3 handpicked budget places to stay in Dublin also happens to be our absolute favorite hostels! We also cover cheap hostels in Dublin.
Quick Introduction to Dublin Hostels
Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 14€ per night up to 25€ per night. This is a rough average price per night just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Hostel Location: All hostels mentioned in this article have a great location. In general, Dublin is really walk-able. It is not a big city like Paris or London. Therefore, I would not worry too much about it. That being said, hostels in the area of Temple Bar are popular.
Pub Crawl and Free Walking Tours: We highly recommend joining pub crawls for the nightlife as well as a free walking tour on your first day. This is a big thin in Dublin. Any hostel offers them or has a tour partner.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Dublin are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Dublin.
- Jacobs Inn Hostel – best for Solo Travellers
- Gardiner House – best for Female Solo Travellers
- Generator Hostel – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Dublin. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Jacobs Inn Hostel
2. Gardiner House
3. Generator Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Jacobs Inn Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Gardiner House |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Oliver St. John Gogarty Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Generator Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Jacobs Inn Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Generator Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Gardiner House |
1. Jacobs Inn Hostel (great location + for solo-traveller)
Jacobs Inn Hostel is a spacious, bright accommodation in the heart of Dublin city center.
This is our #1 recommendation for the coolest hostels in Dublin, especially for solo-travelers! There are rooms suitable for every traveler. Choose between private, female-only and mixed dorms. Sleeping up to 12 people!
Read: overview of different hostel room types
In need of some down time but want the social vibe of a hostel? Check out the pod-style dorms. The curtain adds that (sometimes) necessary privacy to a dorm stay.
A free continental breakfast is available every morning before you set off on an adventure around Dublin.
Get social at Jacobs Inn Hostel by making use of the common areas. There’s plenty to do including movie streaming, Foosball, pool and board games.
Also find:
- Bike Hire
- Secured lockers under the beds
- Free WiFi
- Tour booking
- Free breakfast
Location is important and Jacobs Inn couldn’t be in a better spot.
There is a direct 25-minute link to the airport right outside the hostel. All main sights and attractions are within a 10-minute walk. Just around the corner is The Celt Bar – a perfect place to enjoy a cold Guinness.
Jacobs Inn is the best place to stay in Dublin for:
- solo-travellers
- groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Here is the video of jacobs inn.
2. Gardiner House (excellent social vibes)
Hands up if you’re keen for a super social hostel that throws in a bunch of freebies! Errr, yes please!
Gardiner House is an easy choice to plonk in second place.
For one thing, this hostel is set in a historic Georgian building and offers the chance to sleep in converted church with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings and a holy water stoup!
Tip: Ask the staff about their famous and highly booked “Chapel Experience”.
Let’s make it quick and easy for you with this list of the main reasons to stay here…
- Awesome beer garden
- Free tea, coffee & hot chocolate
- Free breakfast
- BBQs in the summertime
- 24/7 reception & superb staff
We really like the common areas here which have been well set-up to encourage strangers to become friends.
The TV room comes complete with Netlix access and a huge range of DVDs for those wet days.
Yet, if you prefer to enjoy a chat or a few games, we suggest the living room. Here you’ll find a pool table and foosball, plus plenty of comfy sofas.
To make life easier (and cheaper), there’s a guest kitchen that coomes fully equipped for making tasty meals.
Other little perks include free wifi, no curfew, laundry room and a check out time of 11am.
As for rooms? Well, there are plenty to choose from that’s for sure!
Dorms come in all different sizes with 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 18-bed options! The 6-bed is strictly for ladies only.
Otherwise, you could treat yourself to a private room. The options include a twin and double room, both with shared bathrooms.
Location: Everything you need is within an easy walking distance. Temple Bar is a 15 minute walk, and Dublin’s main street is just 5 minutes. Easy peasy.
Gardiner House is a great hostel pick for:
- Female solo travellers
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Generator Hostel (fun bar and design)
Generator Hostel offers state-of-the-art facilities, a fun atmosphere and central location all for the right price.
The design is a real mix of modern and quirky, leaving the place feeling super hip.
Check out the freebies:
- Free WiFi
- Bed linen and towels
- Lockers – don’t forget to bring your own padlock!
- Walking tour
There are also FREE events happening every night, including drinks promotions. Get ready for karaoke, DJ’s, quizzes, pool competitions, monthly themed parties and more.
The famous Temple Bar district is also just a 10-minute walk away. Read more about the temple bar and the temple bar district below.
Read: Generator Hostels – a complete guide to this hostel brand.
Reception is open 24hrs – that helps, right?! Friendly staff are at hand to point you in the direction of all the major hot-spots in Dublin.
Also, on-site this boutique-style hostel is a bar and cafe.
Generator Hostel is a great hostel pick for:
- Couples
- Hip traveler
- digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Party Hostels in Dublin
Let us talk a little bit about the best party hostel in Dublin for all the party animals out there.
Jacobs Inn is the perfect place to stay. Located in the heart of Dublin, Jacobs Inn is a budget-friendly hostel that offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and excellent service. Jacobs Inn offers a range of amenities that make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook your meals and save some money. There is also a cozy lounge area where you can relax, read a book, or chat with fellow travelers. The hostel also provides free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and laundry facilities.
The hostel has its own bar AND runs its own Pub Crawl.
- Free Walking Tour!
- Dublin’s BEST Pub Crawl – with Free shots and FREE VIP Club entrance!
- The hostel also runs live music events on a regular basis
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best hostels for solo-travellers in Dublin
Hostels in Dublin and all over Ireland are the first choice for solo travellers as they make socialising easy and fun.
As for the Irish Capital, the coolest place to stay in Dublin as a solo-traveller is Jacobs Inn!
It has a perfect location to get a drink at night, it super safe, stylish and sparkling clean.
Oh, and of course they organize several events like movie nights, game nights etc for the people to mingle. So again, make it Jacobs Inn when traveling solo to Dublin. You will love it and have a great time, like I did!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
If you are looking for lodging in Dublin, search no more, we have added one more to this guide: The Abbey Court Hostel in Dublin.
Located at the famous O’Connell Bridge this modern hostel in Dublin offers:
- All you can eat breakfast
- Game and music room
- Relaxing lounge
- Night pub crawls events
- Snacks and drinks available 24-hours a day
- Self-catering kitchen
- And free guided walking tours every day
Yes, free walking tour to start your visit to Temple Bar, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Christchurch Cathedral which are both just 15 minutes’ walk from Abbey Court Hostel.
This hostel is the best places to stay in Dublin if you are a social solo traveller who enjoys pub crawl events which they definitely offer as well.
See you there¡
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Dublin?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Dublin.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Dublin
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Dublin best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/ bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Fancy my Top Hidden Gem in Dublin?
As mentioned in the beginning, we spend a whole month around Ireland. It was FUN! In the process, we experienced many different landmarks, landscapes and hidden gems.
Therefore, we created a Travel Guide including 32 coolest things to do in Dublin!
But what about my super-duper hidden gem?
Discover the 40 Foot: Dublin’s Special Spot
If you’re backpacking in Dublin, you must visit a special spot called the 40 Foot. This is a place where people come to swim in the open sea. It’s located in a nice area called Sandycove, not far from the city. A long time ago, only men were allowed to swim here, but now everyone is welcome. It’s more than just a swimming spot; it’s a place where you can feel the true spirit of Dublin, meet friendly locals, and have a great time.
Getting to the 40 Foot is easy. If you are in Dublin city centre, take the DART train from any city station to the Sandycove & Glasthule station. The journey is quick, around 20-30 minutes. Once you get off the train, it’s just a short 10-minute walk to the 40 Foot. Follow the crowd or ask any local, and you’ll find your way to this hidden treasure.
Grab your swimming gear and head to the 40 Foot for a fun day of swimming and making new friends in a beautiful setting!
Things you need to know about Dublin
Okay, we have the hidden gems covered, but what about the things you need to know beforehand?
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, English is the language and EURO the currency. It is not the capital of Northern Ireland, that is a whole different story. Once you are traveling around here, you will for sure come across more information.
Dublin and Ireland as a country is not party of the United Kingdom, but Northern Ireland is.
The most famous bar in Dublin is the super popular “Temple Bar”. Now, everybody knows this bar or let’s say term.
Yet, it is interesting to know: Temple Bar is actually the very central neighborhood.
Again, Temple Bar is a name of an area.
A very smart business guy or girl picked up this name and called his/ her bar: TEMPLE BAR.
Now this bar “Temple Bar” is a tourist magnet and maybe the most photographed sight in Dublin. Since we talk about a bar, remember you have the Guinness brewery right around the corner – it is right here in Dublin!
It is said (and we can confirm) that Guinness beer tastes different inside Ireland.
Certainly true, we think. Give it a try!
Last but not least: We recommend to join a Walking Tour at the beginning of your stay.
There are many free walking tours to pick from. Just go with the one your hostel teamed up with. All of the top hostels in Dublin we recommend work with a Free walking tour, just ask the reception desk for more information.
Need an eSIM Card for Dublin?
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Our Favorite Hostels in Dublin put on a map + sights
For your convenience, we’ve added our top 3 Best Hostels in Dublin, plus the party hostel on the map below. Along with some super cool sights, you should check out!
Can we assume you’ll be visiting the Guinness Storehouse? Save time and guarantee a visit that suits you: book tickets here
The absolute top Things to do in Dublin are:
- Guinness Storehouse
- Dublin Castle
- Temple Bar (the bar itself)
- Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Dublin
- Jameson Whiskey Distillery
- last but not least: The most fun Pub Crawl in town
Good tip: Guinness Storehouse has a super cool roof top terrace!
Any questions about hostels in Dublin?
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FAQs
If you don’t know where to start, here we shared your most asked questions.
What are the best hostels in Dublin, Ireland?
The best hostels in Dublin are in this guide we have written for you.
Here's your shortcut:
- Jacobs Inn Hostel - best hostel for solo-travellers
- Generator Hostel - best choice for couples and digital nomads
- Sky Backpackers - best party hostel
What are the best hostels in Dublin for solo travellers?
If we have to pick up one from our list, we recommend visiting Jacobs Inn Hostel in Dublin.
This hostel in the center of Dublin offer female-only dorms, pod-style dorms and private rooms, so they have rooms for any type of solo travellers.
And if you are a social butterfly, make use of the common areas since there are plenty to do from movie streaming, football, pool and board games.
What are the best hostels in Dublin city centre?
If you are looking for the best hostels in the heart of Dublin, we recommend you check out our three we have picked up for you.
What are the best hostels in Dublin for couples?
If you are looking for the best hostel in Dublin for couples, we recommend you to check out The Generator Hostel in Dublin.
This hostel offers state-of-the-art facilities, a fun atmosphere and central location all for the right price. The design is a real mix of modern and quirky, leaving the place feeling super hip. Great for couples, at the heart of Dublin.
Flights to Dublin?
Your backpacking trip through Ireland kicks off most likely in Dublin. The Irish capital is well connected with major cities in Europe and you can score cheap flights.
Especially since Ryanair has their headquarter based in Ireland.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides for Ireland and Europe
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Dublin in style and on a budget.
If you’re road tripping around Ireland, be sure to check out our guide to the absolute best hostels in Ireland.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in London and backpacker hostels in London
- best hostels in Galway
- best hostels in Brighton
- best hostels in Manchester
- best hostels in Edinburgh & best hostels in Glasgow
- 19 BEST hostels in Scotland
- best hostels in Cardiff
- best hostels in Isle of Skye
- best hostels in Cork
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
We also have guides on the best hostels in Europe, the best party hostels in Europe, and the best coworking hostels in Europe.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Dublin guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
Safe travels!
– – –
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CLOSED: Sky Backpackers (Backpacker Place)
Update: Sorry folks, this hostel has permanently closed its doors. We keep this content here for your information.
A former recording studio, Sky Backpackers has been recently renovated into a cosy, colourful, musical themed youth hostel in Dublin.
Super cool: big names such as Van Morrison, David Bowie and Sinead O’Connor recorded albums here.
All linen is included in dorm rooms, some of which have en-suite attached. Towels are available for hire.
What else..
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- Free luggage storage
- Free walking tour every day
- Computers, books and games
The common room is the place to be – it used to be the rehearsing studio! Meet fellow travellers and enjoy the free themed nights here. Sunday is perhaps the best with an offer of cookies and ice-cream. I can practically hear your mouth watering.
Sky Backpackers is in one of the best Dublin city centre locations. Just around the corner are Liffey River, O’Connell Street and Temple Bar area.
Sky backpackers is the best hostel in Dublin for:
- party traveler
- backpacker on a budget
- solo-traveler
CLOSED: Oliver St. John Gogarty Hostel (Party Hostel!)
If you want to be quite literally attached to a bar; Oliver St. John Gogarty Hostel is for you.
It’s located on the cobbled streets of Temple Bar area – the liveliest and most popular area of Dublin city centre.
Gogarty’s consists of 3 bars. It is, in fact, the only hostel in Dublin to have a public bar on-site!
Feeling peckish? Indulge in a traditional Irish meal at the pub downstairs. Stick around for the nightly live music and then hit the 18th-century streets for buzzing nightlife.
24 hour reception = no curfew. Enjoy a free continental breakfast the morning after the night before.
CLOSED: Isaac’s Hostel
Update: Sorry folks, this hostel has closed its doors. We keep this content here for your information.
Coming in as #2 party hostels for Dublin: Welcome to Isaac’s Hostel. This beautifully design hostel will give you the sensation that you are staying at a wine store.
Located in the heart of Dublin, at just 200 m from Connolly Station and 100 m from the central bus station. Also, very close to the main sites in Dublin such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Temple Bar which is located just at 10-minute walk.
What can you expect at this hostel:
- Rooms w/ shared bathrooms
- Hairdryers
- Hair straighteners
- Ironing equipment and
- Sauna
Yes, sauna, luxurious, right!
This hostel is one of the best hostels in Dublin for couples that we have picked up for you. Why?
It also offers:
- A communal kitchen (so you can prepare you own meals)
- Free tea and coffee available all day
- Free WiFi
- Free breakfast
Isaac’s Hostel offers cheap accommodation in Dublin, best for backpackers as well.
Best Travel Websites we recommend ❤️
(Fresh Update 2023)
Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Airalo.com - eSim Cards for traveling worldwide
- Onward Ticket - get proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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