Ireland is a world of natural wonders and top hospitality. Forever a fun and friendly country, there’s always something magical to discover, a local pub to try out, and good craic to be had.
But Ireland isn’t well known for its backpacking scene. Are there even any hostels in Ireland to stay in? Will you just have to put up with staying in the local B&B? These are fair questions.
So we’ve put together a huge insiders guide to the 24 best hostels in Ireland. That way, you won’t end up regretting your choice of hostel. We’ve broken it down the guide by London’s top places to visit: its cities most frequented by backpackers.
Keep reading to discover the top hostels around Ireland that offer the modern-day backpacker everything they could want. Kickass traveller vibes and a cosy pillow to rest their wear wanderer’s head.
Here are the 24 best hostels in Ireland to make your next adventure unbelievable.
Quick Answer – What are the Best Hostels in Ireland?
- The Best Hostels in Dublin
- The Best Hostels in Galway
- The Best Hostels in Cork
- The Best Hostels in Dingle
- The Best Hostels in Killarney
The Top Hostels in Ireland
Aren’t too concerned where you’re going and just wanna cut straight to the good vibes? Well, it’s a big place, and there are a lot of areas to stay in Ireland.
But if you just want the best-of-the-best Ireland hostels, here they are!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Generator Hostel Dublin (Dublin) – Best Party Hostel in Ireland
Generator is pretty well known for being a decent selection of party hostels and this one is one of the best party hostels in Ireland. ‘Cause it’s a Generator it’s pretty much a given that it’s gonna be pretty hipster friendly inside. But don’t be fooled: that doesn’t mean it ain’t a party hostel.
Nope. No siree. This party hostel in Dublin serves up a massive heap of partygoing perks every night. We’re talking drinks deals, DJ sets, karaoke, drinking games, monthly themed parties. Is that enough? And when you fancy a quiet one there’s pool competitions, quizzes and movie nights in the cinema room.
Isaacs Hostel (Dublin) – The Overall Best Hostel in Ireland
Who is Isaac? We need to know so we can thank ’em for making such a sick lil’ hostel. First of all, the location. Let’s talk about that. I
t’s super close to Connolly train station, so you can travel about easily. But it’s also easy to walk to loads of bars and restaurants nearby. Win-win!
It’s a poppin’ kinda place with a warm atmosphere and facilities perfect for travellers. Yep, it’s one of the best hostels in Ireland, and it also boasts decent areas to kick back in, super friendly staff, and amazing pub crawls. Value for money and the vibes to match.
Clink i Lár (Dublin) – Best Cheap Hostel in Ireland
Whoever said travelling Ireland had to be expensive? Even in the heart of Dublin itself, you can still put yourself up for a good price!
So, you want it cheap? Then this is one of the best cheap hostels in Ireland. It’s perfect for a base if you wanna see what Dublin has to offer. Located on the city’s historical Abbey Street, you’ll be in the thick of the action.
The vibes are high here, you’ll have plenty of space and time to mix and mingle with your fellow budget backpackers.
The hostel has both private rooms and dorms on offer. Although you’re saving a few bucks, I will warn ya that the main downside to this hostel is that the plugs don’t seem to work next to the dorm beds.
However, they do offer portable chargers (which is pretty cool) or if you’re happy to charge your phone elsewhere in the hostel – this spot is 10/10 worth the price you pay!
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View on Osprey View on REIWell, I know we already had three of Dublin’s top hostels, but what can we say – Dublin is a kickin’ little capital. Gloomy, and tempermental yet somehow always managing to draw you in, Dublin has a lot going on. From the old architecural charmers to the rowdy pubs and endless jigs, Dublin deserves some time to unpack.
So put yourself up somewhere awesome! With so much nightlife and culture to absorb, there’s a wonderful little backpacking scene in Dublin to get lost in for a few days… Maybe a week.
Abigails Hostel
For the solo travellers and lonsome backpackers in Dublin.
A fun Dublin backpackers hostel, it’s also a top choice for security – everyone gets a door pass so no weirdos walk in at night. As you can see, you’ll feel safe and secure here right in the middle of Dublin. It’s easily one of the best hostels for solo travellers in Ireland.
They’ve got a big comfortable dining room where you can get chatting with other travellers. Another great way to meet people here are their walking tours, which doubles up as a decent way to get acquainted with Dublin, too. The staff are fountains of local knowledge.
Abbey Court
The most colourful hostel in Dublin.
Wow. Well, there’s a lot of colour going on here and a lot of murals. Even the outside of the building is covered in flowers. You will literally not be able to miss this one. Inside there’s also a vibey terrace area packed with plants and Buddhas, as is the custom in ‘quirky’ hostels.
The artwork is a bit like a nightmare at times but if you can put up with that, or if you actually like that sorta thing, then you’re good. The vibe is on-point. Think pub crawls, walking tours, and all the good stuff.
Ashfield Hostel
A spacious and comfy hostel in Dublin for working travellers.
Right in the middle of town, this place makes for one of the top hostels in Ireland for digital nomads. There’s plenty of space to spread out or find yourself a corner to get your head down and get some work done, and then treat yourself to a day out in town seeing the nearby sites.
Make sure you save time for fun because the buzzing Temple Bar area with all its bars and late night hangouts are right on the doorstep. If you have time the hostel puts on free walking tours which are pretty handy and a good way to see the town from a local’s perspective.
Jacobs Inn
A modern and design-focused backpackers hostel for travellers with fancier pants.
This is one of those designy modern hostels with a whole lot on offer, which means your money goes a long way. Staying here means you won’t have to put up with mouldy bathrooms and smelly rooms ’cause its housed in a purpose built building. There’s enough room for everyone.
Big ol’ common areas that are bright and light come complete with handy charging points, loads of tables for everyone and a small cafe to grab a coffee when you need a pick-me-up. Overall, we reckon this is one of the best hostels in Ireland for those willing to fork out a few more Euros.
The Times – Camden Place
A low-key budget place to stay in Dublin for couples.
Five mins from Dublin’s Grafton Street – a great shout if you want a slice of nightlife or cool stuff to check out in the day – this is one of the best hostel for couples in Ireland. Want some Irish pubs? Yep, they’re all a literal stone’s throw from here.
There’s a decent social atmosphere here, so if you and your partner happen to be social then you can have a few drinks and get chatting. Different rooms on offer, from dorms to bedrooms with ensuites or shared bathrooms, will suit pretty much any couple travelling in Ireland. It’s all low-key but modern.
Schedule-lovers, plan your itinerary for Dublin.
The west coast harbour gem complete with a vibrant student life, Galway mixes the medieval old with the trendy new. Much like Dublin, it’s the perfect place to go in Ireland for backpackers looking to mix their culture with their nightlife.
There are a lot of ins and outs among the different areas, so make sure you pick the right accommodation for your stay in Galway!
Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel
A lively piece of hostel life in Galway.
This Galway backpackers hostel is a lively choice that’s been recently renovated. Yep, that’s right, that means top-notch facilities and brand spanking new interiors. But aside from that, it’s one of the best overall hostels in Ireland thanks to its welcoming atmosphere.
There’s loads of common space here where you can chill and chat to peeps staying here, which is good if you’re travelling solo. It’s got pod beds for extra privacy, pool tables for the lols, and the locale here is ace: it’s close to Galway’s best bars and shops. The events here are sick too.
Sleepzone
Napping country.
Sleepzone is good for sleeping. It is a zone for sleeping, and it’s exactly as advertised! So, yeah, if you’re by yourself and you’re into sleeping, come and sleep here. A perfectly crafted zone where you can sleep – clean and safe.
But in all seriousness, when it comes to the best hostels in Ireland for sleeping, Sleepzone is up there with the heavy hitters. There’s a pub crawl, which is nice to get to meet people, plus day trips to places like the Cliffs of Moher if you’re not too hungover.
Gallaway City Hostel & Bar
For social but trash-lite parties in Galway.
It has ‘bar’ in the name, so what are you expecting? Damn right – it’s one of the best party hostels in Ireland! However, it’s a different kinda party here. The good times are less about getting 100% trashed and more about just enjoying yourself.
You could say this is the coolest hostel in Galway – it really is pretty new and modern inside. But what about the parties? Most nights there’s a pub crawl of some description. In fact, every night is a pub crawl, just different types.
When you wanna check out, the staff here help you with where you wanna hit up next. Nice.
Celtic Tourist Hostel
A cosy budget accommodation for couples in Galway.
This one’s a small but sweet hostel that’s perfect another hostel for couples travelling Ireland. So if you’re backpacking through Ireland with stars in your eyes, and you find yourself in this part of the country, you might just wanna check into this Galway backpackers hostel.
Staff-wise, they’re fun and have a good sense of humour. They’ll also be able to tell you where’s good and where’s not if you’re both hankering after some good food or a proper nice Irish pub to go have a few drinks in. Views of the sea from the hostel lounge top it off nicely.
Snoozles Hostel Gallaway
It’s like a snuggle but with more nuzzling.
Snoozles. Everybody likes a snoozle. This is a youth hostel in Galway that’s pretty much a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. A very short stroll to the main square of the city, which means you’re basically in the centre of all the action, you’ll love this if you’re all about exploring.
Snoozles is one of the best budget hostels in Galway – it’s all pretty clean and modern inside, which is nice ’cause sometimes cheap just means basic so we like that. The staff here are a highlight: they’ll go above and beyond to make sure everything’s all good with you.
Some locals will proudly tell you that Cork is “the real capital city of Ireland”. Maybe they’re right; there’s plenty happening in Cork to rival Dublin.
With a small but defined hispter-scene, pubs, live tunes, and swanky bars offering the much-revelled Irish nightlife, visitng Cork is another chance to see more of Ireland’s best. The best part? There are plenty of places for backpackers staying in Cork!
Sheilas Cork Hostel
The best-located hostel in Cork.
The literal best thing about this Cork backpackers hostel is the location. It’s ultra central amongst the areas of Cork! You can spend your days here eating your way around the city and then drink your way around a different set of establishments in the evening.
The common room can get pretty lively here, but it’s not that by itself that makes it one of the best hostel for solo travellers in Ireland. Sure, you can have a few drinkies and get loud in the common room, but it’s the atmosphere in general here that’s just the ticket when you’re by yourself.
Bru & Bar Hostel
The best party hostel in Cork with the drinks and tunes on-site!
If you want one of the best party hostels in Cork, you’ve come to the right place. This Cork backpackers hostel has one of the city’s famous pubs literally right underneath, so it kicks off! There’s live music every night – yes, every night – of the week.
If you fancy performing yourself there’s an open mic night on a Monday – if you get up onstage you get a free pint. But if you don’t fancy that, guests here get discounts on drinks which is always welcome. And when you’re done your bed is just upstairs. Couldn’t be easier to crash.
Well, the name better not exactly be a charmer. But whether it sounds like an unfortunate nickname for an Irishman’s Willy Wonka or not, Dingle is really cool.
It’s a step away from the previous cities on this list. A small fishing town that epitomises ‘quaint’ in every way. Dingle is the place to visit in Ireland for when tanning the bevvies in Dublin has lost its charm.
Detoxin’ in Dingle.
The Grapevine Hostel
A backpackers hostel in Dingle for Ireland’s solo adventurers.
A top hostel in Dingle, The Grapevine is run by incredibly welcoming people. Every time you return to this place it’s like coming back home. That’s always the best feeling when you’re travelling by yourself.
So yeah, it’s one of the best hostels in Dingle for the solo travellers in Ireland. A friendly vibe here makes the hostel life homey, and if you wanna get out and see what’s going on, it’s easy. There’s a bunch of stuff to check out just on the doorstep, from pubs to attractions to charming eateries. Back at the hostel, the living room here is cosy and comfy where you can get up to low-key stuff like board games and shiz.
The Hideout Hostel
An ultra-friendly vibe in Dingle.
The Hideout Hostel is one of the best hostels in Ireland right in sleepy, little Dingle. This Dingle backpackers hostel comes complete with ultra-friendly hosts who literally ooze Irish charm and do their best to look after you. Super, super friendly.
It’s not just about warm welcomes and smiles though. It’s also super clean here, so you won’t have to worry about dirt and whatever. But the service is amazing. The breakfast is comprehensive and the homemade soda bread is a plus.
They describe their furnishings as “groovy” and we agree. When can we move in?
Lovett’s Hostel
Not the coolest hostel in Ireland, but it’s cheap!
Lovett’s Hostel really is one of the best cheap hostels in Ireland. Staying here means being able to stroll leisurely to the local pub for some good food, which we highly recommend, of course. It’s family run so it’s got that Irish charm that makes you feel super welcome.
Aside from all that, this Dingle backpackers hostel isn’t exactly pimpin’: it feels a like you’re just staying in someone’s house. But it is a sweet little pad that’s great value for money. A bit basic, but it makes up for it by being pretty dang charming.
Rainbow Hostel Dingle
For less ambient traffic noise and more ambient birdcalls.
Hey, this is a cute cottage! For backpackers looking for an Irish hostel with more nature than concrete, you’ll find Rainbow Hostel just outside Dingle. Hmm… it’s actually more like a farmhouse. There’s green countryside surrounding this place on all sides and the interiors are, well, like a farmhouse.
Staying at this DIngle hostel means breakfasts in the big farmhouse kitchen, walking around the grounds, generally appreciating nature, and all the tree-hugging goodies!
It’s even better if you’ve got some wheels to get around, since it’s a bit remote. And it’s definitely NOT a party place, so if you want all that look elsewhere. Super cute though.
A long time tourist-favourite in Ireland, Killarney has been welcoming visitors for a long time. Bordering the spectacular Killarney National Park, Killarney is a treasure trove of natural delights.
It’s also super clean! I was named ‘Ireland’s tidiest town’ in 2011. So all things aside, at least no matter what neighbourhood of Killarney you stay in, you won’t have to bew worried about stepping in anything!
The Black Sheep Hostel
19th-century infrastructure with the 21st-century hipster’s touch.
Well dang, this one is cool hosel in Ireland! It’s in a 19th-century townhouse that’s been restored to hipster proportions – we’re talkin’ exposed brick, wooden floors, big comfy sofas, and even a proper library too. They’ve got a garden here where you can make friends with the chickens and the ducks.
It’s very cool, which alone makes it one of the best overall hostels in Ireland. But that’s not all! The hosts are very helpful here and will point you in the right direction when it comes to making the most of your Ireland trip. Yep, this recommended hostel in Killarney pretty much has it all.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Before You Book Your Hostel in Ireland
Now that you’ve almost definiely found the best hostel in Ireland for your vibe, let’s cover a couple of extra tidbits. There’s a few things to never overlook before any backpacking trip.
Staying safe in Ireland is one of them. A few too many pints and you may find yourself trying to reanact some titular scenes from Birdman off of Ha’penny Bridge.
The other thing is what your packing for Ireland. You can’t catch a leprechaun with the wrong shoes!
Map of Where to Stay in Ireland
What to Pack for Your Ireland 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 our top packing tips!
Why You Should Travel to Ireland
See – we told you there are some properly cool hostels in Ireland.
Not only can you soak up the liveliness of the city, but you can also stay in the charming hostels in Ireland that are tucked away in small villages. There are endless opportunities to go drinking with the locals and see all the amazing nature of Ireland too.
But we know it can get all too much when you’re planning a trip. If you’re finding all this choice a bit of a headache, just go for the best overall hostel in Ireland – Isaacs Hostel – and plan your trip from there.
So, that’s the roundup of the 24 best hostels in Ireland!
If you’ve backpacked through Ireland before, what were your favourite (or not so favourite) places to stay? And if we’ve missed something, or you’ve crashed at any of these hostels recently, let us know in the comments below, please. We like to stay as up-to-date and on-the-scoop with Ireland’s youth hostelling scene as possible.
Enjoy Ireland – The Land and Scholars… perhaps with a few more sinners these days.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ireland
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.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Ireland for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Ireland if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Ireland before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
