Ireland is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. People come from different countries to have a vacation in Ireland and experience its rich culture and even richer history. There are many tourist spots and tourist attractions to go to - the Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway, Ring of Kerry, among many others. The lush green island is an attraction in itself. When not taking the famous bus tours, some vacationers prefer simply walking around Ireland and enjoying the scenic views and picture perfect sights. They have museums, art galleries, restaurants and of course, Irish pubs. There’s so such to experience in Ireland; that is why we recommend staying at one of the cheap accommodations. That way, the tourist will have more money for souvenirs and Irish beer and food.

 

Booking at a hostel is the way to go, and the best accommodation for low-cost travel. No longer are hostels exclusive for backpackers. Tourists are more than welcome to spend (much less) in these budget oriented rooms and bed spaces. Normal hostels, and the more popular youth hostels (even “elder hostels”), are all over Ireland, from way up north to further down the south. This article will focus on the cheapest and best rated Irish hostels in the capital city of the south, Dublin. Hostels are a great alternative even if you are used to booking at Dublin hotels.

Abigails Hostel

Aston Quay, Dublin 2

 

Abigails Hostel is one of the cheapest and well-reviewed hostels in the city of Dublin. And to achieve their status after just a short time from opening is just amazing. Aside from the great service, what makes Abigails one of the preferred hostels in Ireland is their location. They are right in Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter. The area is a great mixture of culture and history – it’s found just a few minutes from Dublin airport. Compared to the surrounding streets in the area, Temple Bar has kept their narrow cobbled streets intact, very medieval and yet also very modern. The area houses most of the important cultural institutions in the country – the Irish Photography Centre, the Ark Children’s Cultural Centre, the Irish Film Institute, the Temple Bar Music Centre, the Arthouse Multimedia Centre, Temple Bar Gallery and Studio, the Project Arts Centre, and the Gaiety School of Acting. They’re a center for business as well, with the Irish Stock Exchange and the Central Bank of Ireland found in the same area. Aside from that, Temple Bar is the place to go for Irish nightlife and clubbing. Bars and pubs in the area are famous for nightly bands and parties: The Porterhouse, the Oliver St. John Gogarty, the Turk’s Head, the Temple Bar, Czech Inn, the Quays Bar, the MEZZ, the Foggy Dew, Eamonn Doran’s and the Purty Kitchen. Abigails Hostel belongs in the area – the building is very modern and has an overall very uplifting atmosphere. Bus and train stations, shopping streets, restaurants, and theatres are walking distance. Inside they have wi-fi access, international card phones, fax and printing, currency exchange, a lift, security lockers, 24 hour security and reception. Breakfast is included in the rate, although there are many choices just around everywhere you go outside the hostel. A grocery is found nearby for all basic needs. the TV lounge has free DVD rental and games. They have a fully-equipped kitchen for those who want self-catering, and they have a large dining room for all the guests to share. A great bonus is the 27 bathrooms, found in each room. Dorms come in either mixed or all female. They come in 4, 6, 8, or 10 beds. You can stay from overnight to week long stays. True value for money – young ones and older ones are welcome. They also have a private room available at a higher rate.

Camden Place Hostel

Camden Place, Dublin

 

This hostel is also found near Temple Bar, around 5 minutes walking distance. It’s located in the Dublin Village Quarter. They are also within walking distance from train and bus transportation. All bedrooms are en suite. They come in 4 bed mixed dorm, 4 bed female dorm, and 8 bed mixed dorm. They have a twin private available at a higher rate. Breakfast (light continental) is also included in the rate. They have two cable TV rooms with free DVD use. Free wi-fi internet is available in all the rooms, not just in the lobby. They also have a fully-featured kitchen for self-service. 24 hour security and reception is almost a standard for these youth hostels. They give out free Ireland travel guides and a detailed map of Ireland. Rooms are available for rent for overnight or longer stays. You can book for much cheaper if you stay for a week or more.

Four Courts Hostel

Merchants Quay, Christchurch

 

Four Courts is an award winning hostel. It had most of its awards in 2003 when hostels were not yet as many but it still remains as a customer favorite. The courts have three separate buildings, each restored and designed with Georgian pieces and architecture and having a commanding view of the River Liffey. Rooms are en suite and have their own keycards for added security. The room rate includes free breakfast, city map, and event guide. During the summer they also give away free hop on/hop off bus tours – they are the only ones who provide this. They have an outstanding common room / game room with cable TV, pool table, foosball table, and movie nights on a surround sound video player. They have a separate reading room where you can swap books. 24 hour reception, security lockers, laptop and luggage storage, and free wi-fi access in the lobby. The courts are just in the edge of Temple Bar so access to great pubs and restaurants are not a problem. If you’re having trouble finding it, it’s right beside the Brazen Head, a famous old Irish pub. They have 16 and 12 bed dorm type rooms.

Barnacles Temple Bar House

Temple Bar, Dublin 2

 

There’s not much to say about the location, it’s in Temple Lane itself – found 2 doors away from THE Temple Bar. This hostel takes pride in being the winner of last year’s Best Hostel in the Green, Clean & Safe Awards. All rooms are en suite and they come in double private, twin private (bunk beds), 4 beds, 6 beds and a large 11 bed room. Security lockers are found under each bed and each room has its own keycard. Room rate includes free continental breakfast. They have a fully equipped self catering kitchen for minor cooking needs. Lounge has cable TV with free DVD use, dart board, vending machines, and a foosball machine. Rooms can be rented overnight and starting this September they will be offering weekly rates as well.

Kinlay House

Lord Edward Street, Dublin

 

Kinlay is also found in Temple Bar - surrounded by quite a number of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Room rates include free wi-fi (lobby only) and free light breakfast. They have a TV lounge (free games and DVD) and an equipped guest kitchen and spacious dining area. Rooms use keycard access. 24 hour security and reception with lockers and laptop storage. All the basics in a great central location. Rates are per day per bed. But they do have private en suite rooms.

Avalon House

Aungier Street, Dublin 2

 

Avalon is one of Europe’s famous hostels; it is also one of Dublin’s oldest. Found in Temple Bar, the listed building of Avalon was once a Victorian medical school. The design was retained and restored into the hostel today. It’s also one of Ireland’s most environment-friendly buildings. Aside from a full recycling facility, they also use wind energy to power the building. Aside from free wi-fi, they also give a free event guide, free discount book to pubs and shops, and a free detailed map of Ireland. They welcome groups of all sizes; rooms vary from single or twin private to 4, 6, 10 and 12 mixed dorm rooms. Facilities include: a fully featured guest kitchen, fax/postal service, international card phones, security lockers, lift, and keycard access. The common game room has cable TV, DVD, pool table and foosball table. Continental breakfast is included in the rate. 24-hour security and reception.

Dublin City Bunkhouse

Parnell Street, Dublin

 

The Bunkhouse is one of the newest hostels in Dublin, Ireland. Still very clean and fresh – and the best part of being new is that most shortcomings of older hostels are taken into account. This is one highly recommended hostel. The Georgian building is just magnificent, with feature windows and high ceiling – it feels like you’re staying at a luxury hotel actually. The dorm rooms are very spacious, comparably much bigger than in other hostels. Free wi-fi covers all the rooms and the entire building. They have 3 common areas – the games room with books and board games, the sitting room with leather sofas and cable TV / DVD, and the internet café that has an eating area and vending machines. Plus, they still have a separate dining room and a fully equipped service kitchen. A great, great plus is that room rate comes with free breakfast – NOT continental – free Full Irish Breakfast! They have all the basics, too: 24-hour security and reception, keycard access, lockers, international card phones and fax/postal service. The Dublin City Bunkhouse is one of the newest and is probably the most recommended hostel in Dublin.