Known for the array of traditional Irish pubs, vibrant culture and gothic cathedrals, Cork has a rich history mixed with its Irish charm will have you hooked and make you never want to leave.
Whether you’re in town to see the history, or here to tour every single pub that Cork has to offer, you are in for a treat with the little gem of a town. However, it’s not all fun and games, finding the right hostel for you is no easy task and my friend, is where I come in.
I’ve compiled the best hostels in Cork – along with a solid selection of top-budget accommodations in Cork, to make your life easier and wallet do a little dance.
So, let’s jump in.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Best Hostels in Cork
Sheilas Cork Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $98
- Address: 4 Belgrave Place, Wellington Road, Cork, Ireland
Cheap and cheerful, Sheilas Cork Hostel is a great place to stay if you’re backpacking Ireland and need somewhere to sleep for the night. Yep, it’s pretty unspectacular but it’s the best cheap hostel in Cork: it’s got everything you need and the staff are super friendly, which is a plus.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Walking distance from the best bars in Cork
- Shared Kitchen & movie room.
- Super cool chill out spaces.
With loads of pubs, bars, shops, cafes, all that good stuff, right on the doorstep, staying at this place means you get to experience what this city has to offer. Communal kitchen helps when you need to heat up a tin of baked beans and stick a bit of toast to keep costs down.
This Sheilas Cork Hostel has a friendly, fun and social atmosphere with a sauna, movie room and epic outdoor terrace, you won’t struggle to meet fellow travellers. The rooms are on the cramped side and get get stuffy in the summer but overall if you’re looking for the best hostel in Cork, look no further.
Bru Bar & Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $42
- Private Room: From $107
- Address: 57 MacCurtain Street, Cork City, Cork, Ireland
If you’re wondering where to stay in Ireland, Cork should be top of the list- it’s bursting at the seems with a load of great pubs, rich history and vibrant culture. And this place has exactly one of those great pubs underneath it. Classic pub atmosphere, featuring live music nights, open mic night (get onstage for a free drink), and all that jazz. Guests at the Bru bar and Hostel get decent drink deals, which is partly the reason it’s the best party hostel in Cork.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fun, social vibe with event nights.
- FREE breakfast
- Close to bars and pubs
Upstairs the hostel itself is pretty simple, but modern and comes with a free breakfast to soak up all that alcohol from the night before. Good news budget backpackers, if you want to save a few quid and whip on the finest eggs on toast Cork has ever seen, they have a shared kitchen with all the equipment you will need.
They have mixed, female and male-only dorms or private rooms so whatever you fancy, Bru Bar and Hostel has you covered. The rooms aren’t anything special but a decent place to crash, especially after a night out in Cork. The beds are more than comfy with underneath storage for your bags. It’s no surpise this is one of the best hostels in Ireland.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Cork
Okay so there might not be heaps of Cork hostels but I’ve done you a solid and found the best budget-friendly stays that still allow you to stay in this fun Irish city and stay in your budget. Keep scrolling if you need some more help on where to stay in Cork.
Belvedere Lodge
- Private Room: From $123
- Address: Lower Glanmire Road, Tivoli, T23 X751 Cork, Ireland
Boutique in style, this is one of the coolest budget Cork hotels. Definitely a bit of a step up from a hostel (that’s putting it lightly), here you get to stay in an old Georgian building – it’s all high ceilings and rose gardens, and I love it.
Do you like breakfast? well, you’ll love this one: it’s huge and extremely delicious. Elsewhere at this budget hotel in Cork, the rooms are spacious, and it’s located just a lil’ bit outta the city center. But that just means a bit of peace and quiet, right?
Shandon Bells Guesthouse
- Private Room: From $101
- Address: Western Road, T12RC63 Cork, Ireland
Want a bit of Irish charm? This Cork hotel is a great place to get it. At the reception desk you’ll get a warm welcome, and if you have any problems or requests they’ll be more than happy to sort it all out for you.
This place is on the banks of the River Lee and close to the University College Cork, the city’s a 5 min walk from here, which is decent if you don’t need to be right in the middle of town. Whether you have a weekend in Cork or two weeks, this is an ideal place to perch up and explore.
Hostel Vienna Woods
- Private Room: From $137
- Address: Glanmire, Cork, Ireland
Hang on, weren’t we in Cork? Well, this place is actually located a little far outta the city center, but it’s definitely not Vienna. It’s quite an upmarket option, with room options from basic twin all the way up to a lavish villa. Seriously.
But the staff at this budget Cork hotel know how to do comfort – nothing’s too much trouble for ’em. And they all work hard to make what is essentially an 18th-century mansion feel welcoming. Not exactly one of the cheap Cork hostels but still pretty cool.
Redclyffe Guesthouse
- Private Room: From $106
- Address: Western Road, Cork, Ireland
While there are only two cheap hostels in Cork, this guesthouse is a great budget-friendly option in Cork. You’re nestled just a short walk from the city center, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Plus, you can enjoy the view overlooking Fitzgerald Park and you’re opposite University College Cork, How’s that for location?
The interior is simple but has everything you need, the owners are super friendly and they serve a delicious traditional breakfast – plus all facilities are cleaned and well maintained. That’s some pretty good bang for your buck if you ask me. Ireland doesn’t have to be expensive, if you’re backpacking Cork and looking for somewhere cheap and homely to perch up this is the place for you.
Ashley Hotel
- Private Room: From $148
- Address: Coburg Street, Cork, Cork, Ireland
Alright budget packers listen up, this gem is located in the heart of Cork, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and most importantly, Irish pubs. You’ve got the choice of private, double or triple rooms, with clean, comfortable beds and a private ensuite. If you aren’t expecting 5-star luxury, you won’t be disappointed. Whilst this might not be one of the cheap hostels in Cork, Ashley Hotel is a solid budget-friendly option that isn’t going to break the bank.
Muskerry Arms Bar and B&B
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: The Square, Blarney, Ireland
Nestled in the centre of Blarney this budget Bed and breakfast is in the perfect location to explore Cork and within walking distance from Blarney Castle. The rooms are cosy, modern and spacious and with beds so comfy you’ll struggle to leave.
The restaurant and bar is full of Irish charm, serving delicious homemade food for breakfast and throughout the day. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a pint and some live music. If you’re travelling as a couple this is an ideal place to perch up.
Acton Lodge Guesthouse
This is a B&B, which means one thing mainly (or two things) – a bed and some tasty breakfast. The rooms themselves are pretty comfy and spacious and there’s a shared kitchen, which at least gives this place the touch of a Cork backpackers hostel about it.
With friendly and welcoming owners, you’ll get suggestions and recommendations on where to eat and where to see live music around the area – especially good if you’re into that sorta thing. It is a lil’ pricey, however.
Creedons Traditional B&B Cork
This is a nice, traditional, hearty place set right in the historical centre of Cork. If you like charm, you’ll love it here. The owner greets guests with a warm Irish welcome and tells you all the tasty places you can eat (and drink) within walking distance of his place.
Plus point: there’s a pub downstairs. That means plenty of decent atmosphere in the evening, and you don’t have to go wandering around the streets looking for a place to drink. And if you were missing hostels at all, this budget hotel in Cork has shared bathrooms and a communal lounge.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Cork
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Cork.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Cork
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Cork Hostels.
What to Pack for your Cork Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Cork?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, the price starts at $20 – $37+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Cork for couples?
Muskerry Arms Bar and B&B is ideal for you love birds in Cork. They have cosy rooms and comfy beds plus a delicious restaurant perfect for date nights.
What are the best hostels in Cork near the Cork airport?
The Cork airport is quite far from the city center, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I recommend Destiny Student – Broga House Cork, close to the city center and just a 17-minute drive from the Cork airport.
Final Thoughts on Cork’s Hostels
And there we have it, that brings us to the end. I hope my epic guide to the best Cork hostels has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you’re still undecided about where to perch up, I’ll recap my top picks for ya.
Sheilas Cork Hostel is one of the best cheap hostels in Cork, it has everything you need including a movie room and an awesome outdoor terrace.
Bru Bar & Hostel if you’re looking for a social hostel, this is the place to be. With regular events and walking distance from some epic pubs and bars, you’re guaranteed a good night out.
Now, it’s over to you. Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you have an incredible time exploring Cork. Adios Amigo.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Ireland for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Cork before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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