Backpacking Dublin is an absolute treat. The city is surrounded by amazing sights, history, food, and legendary breweries that could make a leprechaun weep with joy.
Dublin’s a bit off the typical backpacker’s radar, which means you get to enjoy a slice of the Irish capital without the touristy trample you’d find in places like London or Paris. And let’s be honest, a night out in Dublin is a rite of passage that I’m sure you’re itching to scratch off your bucket list.
An evening out on the town in Dublin is bound to be a night to remember (or not). When the party ends, where will you lay your head? Where are all of the top hostels in Dublin hiding out?
With dozens upon dozens of hostels available, choosing where to stay in Dublin can be a real struggle. And I get it – you need a place to crash that won’t drain your beer fund. This is exactly why I made this list of the 5 best hostels in Dublin.
I’ve scoured the city’s top-rated and most beloved hostels and sorted them into categories just for you. Looking for party hostels close to Temple Bar? Looking for a cozy dorm or a private nook? I’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a digital nomad, or just someone looking to explore without breaking the bank, these hostels have got you covered.
The Irish people are some of the easiest going, (dirty) joke-loving folks you’ll find anywhere. Spend more time hanging out with them and less time thinking about where to stay.
Let’s get this Dublin party started!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Dublin
- Best Overall Hostel in Dublin – Jacobs Inn
- Best Hostel in Dublin for Solo Travellers – Ashfield Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Dublin – Clink i Lár
- Best Party Hostel in Dublin – Generator Dublin
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Dublin – Abigails Hostel
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
The 5 Best Hostels in Dublin
With such a plethora of options to choose from, narrowing it down to just five was no easy feat. Trust me, if you’re backpacking Dublin there’s something here for everyone. Are you coming to Dublin with the whole gang? Why not check out my favourite Airbnbs in Dublin too!
1. Jacobs Inn – Best Overall Hostel in Dublin
- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $168
- Address: 21 – 28 Talbot Place, D1 Dublin, Ireland
Welcome to Jacob’s Inn—smack bang in the heart of Dublin, where the streets are lined with pubs, history, and the occasional leprechaun (okay, maybe that’s too far). Iconic sites like Trinity Bar, Trinity College and St Patrick’s Cathedral are just a brisk walk away so it can’t be beaten on its prime location.
There’s a communal kitchen where you can whip up your own culinary masterpiece (or just burn toast, whatever). The main lounge area is the perfect spot to chill, chat, and plan your Dublin itinerary, or just lounge around and play a game of cards or two.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Walking Tours
- Free Events Each Night
- Prime Location
Options for private rooms or dorms include arrangements as cosy as four beds or raucous as twelve. Each bunk has a power outlet, a reading lamp, and privacy curtains so you’ll feel like you’re in your own lil cacoon after a long day of exploring.
Jacobs Inn is more of a hub of activity than just a place to crash. They’ve got pub crawls, walking tours, and even the occasional game night. It’s a great place to meet new travel pals and you never know, you might even meet a new travel bestie to backpack the rest of Ireland with!
2. Ashfield Hostel – Best Hostel in Dublin for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Private Room: From $108
- Address: 19/20 D’Olier Street, D2 Dublin, Ireland
So you’ve just landed in Dublin and you need a place that’s as close to the action as possible without sending your Fitbit into overdrive. I present to you Ashfield Hostel, located right on D’Olier Street. You’re literally minutes away from Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle and O’Connell Street, plunging you headfirst into the heart of Irish culture. Get ready to soak up every bit of the charm, history, and craic that Dublin has to offer!
At Ashfield, you’re getting the essentials—a bed, a roof, and some seriously good company. This place is my favourite for solo travellers as the vibes are just unmatched. The dorms range from 4 to 18 beds, so whether you want to rally the troops for a big ‘ol outing or prefer things more low-key, there’s a spot for you here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close to Connolly Train Station
- Within Walking Distance of O’Connell St
- Pub Crawls
There’s free breakfast to start your day (because who can be bothered to hunt for breakfast when you’re horrifically hungover) and a communal kitchen where you can pretend to be a chef or just microwave something that vaguely resembles food. There’s even an ‘eat me I’m free’ cupboard to line your stomach before a big one which let’s be honest, we could all do with that sometimes.
It’s got the perfect mix of comfort, community, and chaos that every backpacker dreams of here. Whether you’re here for a night or setting up camp for a while, you’re in for a treat. If you’re a solo traveller coming to Dublin you won’t struggle to make pals here.
3. Clink i Lár – Best Cheap Hostel in Dublin
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $114
- Address: 35 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin isn’t famously known for being the cheapest place in Ireland. For that matter, it is damn expensive. But Clink I Lár softens that blow by being a surprisingly affordable hostel with a location so central you’d expect it to be double the price. Trust me, you couldn’t be more central unless you were sleeping in a keg at the local pub (and we’ve all been there… right?)
This spot is the ideal blend of laid-back vibes and vibrant energy, making it a favourite choice for travellers looking to soak up every ounce of Irish charm without breaking the bank. Dorms range from four to twelve beds and as you’d expect, the bigger the dorms, the cheaper the price you’ll pay!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Central Location Next to the Best Craft Breweries
- Daily Pub Crawls
- Female-only Dorms
They’ve got everything from pub crawls to walking tours, so you can dive headfirst into all of the best Dublin has to offer. And if you’re feeling lazy, no worries! The lounge is the perfect place to chill out, swap stories, or get into a heated debate about whether to Guinness or not to Guinness (controvesial opinion I know – it’s just not for me!)
If you do appreciate a good pint, Guinness Storehouse is just a short walk away, as is O’Connell Street if you want to do some serious shopping. And if you want to head out of the city, the Luas tram and Connolly Train Station are just a stone’s throw away. This makes it easy to explore beyond the centre, not to mention getting to Dublin Airport is super convenient if you’re on a backpacking expedition around Europe.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Generator Dublin – Best Party Hostel in Dublin
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $118
- Address: Smithfield Square, Smithfield, D7 Dublin, Ireland
Generator Dublin is THE hostel that’s got the soul of a party animal and the heart of a budget traveller. If you’re looking for a place that’s all about good times and great people, you’ve just found your Dublin digs. Honestly, you can’t go wrong here as it was one of my favourite hostels I stayed in when backpacking Dublin.
It’s not often that a party hostel is as boutique as this one so you certainly won’t feel like you’re slumming it here. Generator Dublin is a stylish pad that’ll make you feel like you’re living a boujey life on a backpacker budget. There’s a buzzing bar and café on site, which is perfect for fuelling up for a day or night of adventure.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Central Location
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free city maps and guides
You can find Generator Dublin in the vibrant Smithfield neighbourhood, which is the love child of old-school Dublin charm and new-school cool. Honestly, it’s one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Dublin. You’re just a short trek from the Temple Bar area and all the madness that comes with it but still far enough that you can get a good night’s kip (and nurse your head the next day in peace).
There’s a real buzzy vibe in this modern hostel. With daily events held from DJ nights to quiz nights, there’s always something going down. And if you’re more about chilling than clubbing, they’ve got you covered with movie nights and a games room. Whatever your vibe, you’ll be sure to make friends here as there’s a super social atmosphere.
5. Abigails Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Dublin
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $151
- Address: 7-9 Aston Quay, D2 Dublin, Ireland
Abigails Hostel comes as a highly recommended youth hostel in Dublin for its prime location and is one of the best places in Dublin for solo travellers. They proudly claim to be the most central hostel in Dublin and they can’t be too far wrong. If you want to stay right in Dublin’s city centre close to O’Connell Street, Trinity College and Dublin Castle, this is the spot!
If you can time your visit to Dublin on a Saturday you’ll have the chance to be a part of their free events, anything from live music to free drinks. Be sure to take a look at the discounted tours and entry tickets offered at the tours and travel desk – great for meeting other solo travellers! They offer a top-notch free breakfast as well which will set you up for a day exploring this awesome city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Central Location
- Unlimited Internet Access
- Great Communal Spaces
There’s a fully equipped kitchen as a large dining area, so you can easily save some money on eating out by making your own meals here. It’s also a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers at the same time and if you’re a digital nomad, then it means you can grab a bite without missing a beat during your workday! Free wi-fi is available throughout the building, another reason to love Abigails Hostel.
If you’re a digital nomad you know how important a workspace is, and the large common room and guest kitchen/dining room are what makes Abigail’s Hostel the best digs for digital nomads in Dublin.
Not only do Digital Nomads get unlimited internet access but after a long day on the laptop, they’ll be happy to hear that Temple Bar is just a 1-minute walk away. So you can reward yourself with a pint and mingle with locals and travellers alike. As a backpacker’s haven in the heart of the Temple Bar area, Abigail’s might have some stiff competition, but they hold their own like champs!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Dublin Hostels
Not happy with your options yet? I’ve got loads more epic hostels in Dublin coming for you! Make sure you know what kind of travel needs you have in order to find the perfect place for you!
6. Abbey Court
- Dorm (mixed): From $34
- Private Room: From $277
- Address: 29 Bachelors Walk, D1 Dublin, Ireland
Abbey Court is without a doubt one of the coolest hostels in Dublin. If you and your beau want to escape the dorm room for the night but not break the bank you have to head to Abbey Court hostel as it offers private rooms as well as dorm rooms. The free all-you-can-eat breakfast further sweetens the already affordable room rates.
Every morning Abbey Court Hostel run a free walking tour of the city, the perfect way to find your feet before you get exploring on your own terms. Abbey Court is a great youth hostel in Dublin as they run free to join pub crawls every night. It’s also close to Connolly Train Station but still within walking distance to Dublin city centre, Temple Bar and Dublin Castle.
7. Gogarty’s Temple Bar Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $43
- Private Room: From $145
- Address: Anglesea Street, Temple Bar, D2 Dublin, Ireland
This hostel is located right in the middle of the Temple Bar area, the nightlife capital of Dublin. So once you’ve warmed yourself up at the onsite bar, you can dance and sing the night away in the local area and not have to worry about how you’re getting home!
Facilities wise it’s not all top show. This youth hostel offers free brekkie, perfect for the morning after, there’s also free tea and coffee all day long which is much needed too! The laundry and kitchen facilities are perfect for backpackers and the common areas offer a chill place to hang out when you need a bit of downtime. If you’re looking to meet new people and have a good time on a budget, this is the spot for you!
8. Sky Backpackers
Sky Backpackers is located in the super trendy Smithfield area, which is argued to be one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Dublin. It’s just a short walk from Temple Bar and super close to the famous Jameson Distillery… so no worries if you want to indulge in the most loved pastime of the Irish… drinking that is!
Either way, its central location is incredible for exploring the city beyond its bars and pubs. So if you want to visit the best places in Dublin like the Trinity Library or the Ha’Penny Bridge, it’s all within walking distance.
There are heaps of freebies at this youth hostel, from free wi-fi to linens and huge lockers as well as walking tours… all come with the price of your bed or room! There are even free events happening every night from karaoke to pool competitions, drinking games and movie nights. There’s even a fully equipped kitchen too so you can save even more money for your beer tokens!
9. Dublin International YHA
You can never go wrong with a YHA hostel and Dublin YHA is no exception. Dublin YHA is a top youth hostel in Dublin for travellers on a shoestring budget and includes breakfast- you can’t really go wrong with that! The free Wi-Fi throughout the building is a dream come true for digital nomads or anyone who can’t resist flexing their Dublin adventures on IG. The sofas in the common room are easily the comfiest seats in the city and the ideal spot to curl up in and nap like a pro.
10. The Times Hostel – College Street
The Times Hostel College Street is a classic Dublin backpackers hostel. Their staff are super friendly and have tonnes of local know-how to share with guests. They host a special, free, event night every evening of the week, which is great if you’re only in Dublin for a weekend. Free cheese and wine on Tuesdays, anyone? Or perhaps a free dinner on a Wednesday? They offer free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate all day every day; especially important during the chilly Irish winters after returning from their free daily walking tour of Dublin city! This modern hostel offers some of the best private rooms out of all the Dublin hostels on offer if you want to skip the dorm room.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Dublin
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 Dublin
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Dublin.
What to Pack for your Dublin 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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Dublin??
The average price of hostels in Dublin ranges from 20-45€ for dorms (mixed or female only) and 50-230€ for private rooms. Of course, it’s all dependent on what season you go in, whether it’s mid-week or the weekend and how far in advance you book!
What is the best place in Dublin for couples?
Abbey Court is a fantastic hostel for couples in Dublin. It’s affordable and a great location close to Dublin city centre with really high-quality private rooms.
What’s the best party hostel in Dublin?
Generator Dublin is great. It’s set in Dublin’s infamous drinking district, and their daily nightly events are always sure to get the party started. What could go wrong here?
Final Thoughts on Dublin’s Hostels
Dublin really is a backpacker’s dream come true. This lively capital has a bit of something for everyone, whether you’re chasing history at Trinity College, sipping pints in Temple Bar, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere.
You’re either itching to embark on a grand tour of Dublin’s stunning churches and cathedrals, from the majestic Christ Church Cathedral to the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral… Or you’re here to drink as many pints of Guinness as humanly possible. Either way, these hostels should be your go-to for your Dublin adventures.
That said, the hostel you choose on any backpacking adventure can easily make or break your trip. I am aware that Guinness and Irish history are much more interesting than researching where to stay in Dublin and you’re probably just dying to hit up Temple Bar!
Overall, all of these hostels are solid choices, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. But if you still can’t decide, my favourite is Jacobs Inn.
Dublin is a gem, but let’s not forget the Irish people—some of the friendliest, craic-loving folks you’ll ever meet. In a country where even the cows have names and personalities (true story), you’re bound to make friends faster than you can say “sláinte!”
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any hidden gems I should know about, hit me up in the comments!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Ireland for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Dublin covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Dublin if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Dublin 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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