HI - Dublin International Hostel (An Oige)

HI - Dublin International Hostel (An Oige) is a fair walking distance from City Center, with several regular bus stops nearby. The hostel is large with free, secured, on-site parking. With good nightly rates, a friendly staff, and complimentary Continental Breakfast the hostel is comfortable for the budget minded. It is however meager in the amenities department. That said, it is a nice jumping off point to exploring Dublin and surrounding areas. And while this isn't so much a chill-out hostel as it is a place for hot showers and clean beds, it is a great place to meet other travelers and glean a few ideas.

The Location

Dublin isn't the easiest place to navigate, but finding this hostel seems simple enough on paper. The reality is that signage in the city can be downright confusing, so take your time, bring a compass, and orient yourself. The neighborhood is a quiet and clean semi-residential block. There are no proper supermarkets within easy walking distance, but a few liquor stores nearby. Access by bus is achievable with proper maps and schedule, though taxi will be simpler. Driving is a cinch once you have an idea of where the hostel should be, though be warned, double one-way streets may be disorienting. Street parking is available, but a commodity, and on a busy night the hostel's free on-site parking can be a squeeze.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Single-sex dorm rooms, though dimly lit, are spacious, clean, and comfortable with large sized lockers to secure belongings. The beds are double bunks, so if you have disabilities inform the staff ahead of time to secure a lower bunk. This is assuming you are capable of walking several flights of stairs as there is no elevator. Some rooms are equipped with in-room sinks while the bathrooms are shared. The shared bathrooms are clean, well equipped, and brightly lit with several showers, toilets, and sinks. Shower stalls are large, providing changing space for the more modest traveler, and while water temperature and pressure are good, hooks and shelves are at a premium.

Common Spaces

The biggest downfall of the hostel are the amenities. The kitchen is tiny for such a large hostel, but usable. Proper cookware is locked up behind reception and is allocated with a small deposit, refunded upon return of undamaged pots and pans. The stoves are almost manageable with some experience, while one sink is not enough for proper washing up nor food preparation. The TV/game room is a dungeon in the basement, only receives a couple of snowy channels, is rather inhospitable for hanging out, and lacks any sense of coziness. On the flipside, the reception area is comfortable, with a bright atmosphere and cushy couches. Breakfast is provided in an old adjoining church structure and is the best time and place to meet other travelers.

Summary

Got a budget? Need parking? This is the best choice in Dublin for no-nonsense accommodation. Sure, you might need to walk several flights of stairs to get to your room, but the showers are hot, the beds are clean, the breakfast is ok, and the staff are friendly.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2009