I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Dublin and here's what happened

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Can you really roll out of your bunk, cross one street, and find yourself on Dublin’s River Liffey?

At Abbey Court Guesthouse you can—and you’ll still make the free walking tour on time. I booked three nights hoping for a sociable, central, and safe base.

Spoiler: I got those plus unlimited toast and the comfiest hostel hammock I’ve ever tested.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Dublin

Best for Hostel Newbies

Abigail's Hostel8.6

from €15.22 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Latroupe Jacobs Inn8.7

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Best Party Hostel

Ashfield Guesthouse8.5

from €15.38 | More Details

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Location – Riverfront, Right in the Middle

The hostel sits on Bachelors Walk, literally beside O’Connell Bridge. Temple Bar’s pubs are a five-minute wander, the airport Airlink bus stops across the street, and both Red and Green Luas tram lines meet at nearby O’Connell GPO.

Day-trip coaches for Cliffs of Moher or Giant’s Causeway depart from the Custom House, five minutes east.

As a solo female traveler I loved the foot traffic and street lighting; even after a late trad-music session, the short walk home felt busy but safe. Reception faces the river, so you never detour down quiet lanes.

Social Vibes – Games, Guitars, & Pub Crawls

• Common areas: bright basement lounge full of murals, beanbags, guitars, and a video-game nook.
• Daily events: free city walking tour at 10 a.m.; nightly hostel-run pub crawl (small fee, wristband deals); quiz night twice a week.
• Chill corners: indoor hammock room and courtyard garden with fairy lights—perfect for post-Guinness debriefs.
• I tagged along on the pub crawl, tried my first baby Guinness shot, and left with four new WhatsApp contacts for a Howth hike the next morning.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Dublin

1. The Frederick Accommodation
2. Globetrotters Dublin Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel
3. Belgrave Hall Hostel
4. Litton Lane Hostel
5. Avalon House - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller

The Frederick Accommodation

8.2

Dublin 1

"I stayed in the Frederick in November of 2004, and I thought it was wonderful. The staff was the more

Globetrotters Dublin Hostel

8.3

"Globetrotters Dublin Hostel is located in right in downtown Dublin, within walking distance from more

Belgrave Hall Hostel

8.1

Monkstown

"I visited this place from Feb. 2000 until May 2000, about three months. It's a very good place, more

Litton Lane Hostel

8.3

"…A super friendly hostel with great staff!!! The people and staff there just make you feel welcome more

Avalon House

8.2

"…I found it very clean and the kitchen was big. Staff were very friendly and you easily meet people more

Rooms – Big Dorms, Warm Duvets

• Dorms range from 4-bed to 24-bed; female-only rooms available (8 or 10 beds).
• Beds are sturdy metal bunks with thick mattresses and fresh duvet covers.
• No privacy curtains, but every bed has a reading light, outlet, and small shelf.
• Under-bed lockers fit 60-L packs; bring a padlock or buy one at reception.
• Effective central heating (no A/C) keeps rooms cozy in Irish weather; windows open for fresh air.
• Bathrooms: some dorms ensuite, others share hallway facilities—always clean, plenty of hot water.

Amenities – Free Breakfast & Handy Extras

• Complimentary buffet breakfast: toast, cereal, fruit, yogurt, tea, and coffee from 07:30–10:00.
• Large self-catering kitchen with six hobs, oven, and labeled fridge space.
• 24 h reception, luggage storage (free before check-in; €2 after check-out), and key-card access.
• Coin laundry on site; detergent sold at desk.
• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building, solid even in top-floor dorms.
• Book exchange, travel desk, ATMs, and vending machines for midnight crisps.
• Hammock chill room, pool table, and free Netflix projector in the lounge.

Safety – Key-Cards, Cameras, & Staff Around

Key-cards control front door after 9 p.m., bedroom doors, and luggage room. CCTV monitors hallways and reception.

Staff are present 24/7 and patrol common areas at night to enforce quiet hours (23:00 in dorm corridors, midnight in lounge).

The female dorm sits on an upper floor with limited public access; I felt comfortable leaving my laptop locked under the bed.

Price – Central but Still Backpacker-Friendly

For a prime riverfront address, Abbey Court’s beds stay in Dublin’s mid-range. The nightly rate includes linens, breakfast, Wi-Fi, walking tour, and communal facilities.

Optional costs: towel hire (€2), locker after check-out, laundry, and the pub crawl.

Cooking two dinners in the guest kitchen offset my accommodation bill, and I saved transport money because every major sight was walkable.

Final Verdict

8.5 / 10. Abbey Court Guesthouse blends unbeatable location, friendly staff, and a fun social calendar. It isn’t a designer pod hostel—dorms are old-school bunks without curtains—but the warm duvets, free breakfast, and lively common areas make up for it.

Making friends is effortless if you join the walk or crawl, yet quiet sleepers can still crash early thanks to enforced hours.

Pro tip: Book female dorms or smaller rooms early for summer weekends; big stag parties target larger dorms. Bring flip-flops for showers and a padlock to save a few euros.

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These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.