How to Choose a Hostel in Dublin in 2025 (What to Expect)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Dublin

Hostel-hunting in Dublin can feel like speed-swiping on a dating app—every profile promises “great craic,” but some turn out to be Aldi toast and broken bunk ladders.

I’ve slept in enough Dublin dorms to know the difference. 

This “how to choose a hostel in Dublin” guide strips away the marketing fluff, so first-time backpackers can land a bed that fits their vibe, budget, and need for actual sleep.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Dublin

Best for Hostel Newbies

Abigail's Hostel8.6

from $17.70 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Latroupe Jacobs Inn8.7

from $13.95 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Ashfield Guesthouse8.5

from $17.53 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Types of Hostels in Dublin

• Party Hostels
  In-house bars, nightly pub crawls, and zero quiet hours. Perfect if you count pints, not REM cycles—pack earplugs.
• Social, Non-Party Hostels
  Common rooms, family-style dinners, walking tours, lights out by midnight. Meet people without losing mornings.
• Quiet & Budget Hostels
  Smaller dorms, few events, cheaper beds 10–15 minutes from Temple Bar.
• Female-Only Dorms
  Common in Dublin, usually €2–€5 more than mixed beds. Extra privacy and fewer snores.

What to Expect from Hostels in Dublin

Most spots sit between chill and lively—chatty lounges, silent dorms. Linen is clean, lockers swallow a 45-liter pack, reception runs 24/7.

• Facilities: Basic kitchens, coin laundry, Wi-Fi that slows when everyone streams rugby recaps.

What NOT to Expect:

• Huge common areas—city-center space is tight.
• Chef-level kitchens—think two burners and a microwave.
• Dirt-cheap dorms—Dublin stings compared to mainland Europe.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Dublin

1. Globetrotters Dublin Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel
2. Ashfield Guesthouse - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Kinlay House - best for Solo Traveller
4. Gogartys Temple Bar Hostel - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
5. Latroupe Jacobs Inn - best for Couples, Family-Friendly Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Groups (10+ people)

Globetrotters Dublin Hostel

8.3

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

Ashfield Guesthouse

8.5

Dublin 2

"…If you get the chance to talk to conor, he is AMAZING and definitely deserves a raise for putting more

from

$17.53

Kinlay House

8.5

Christchurch

"…First of all, the hostel is not cheap. Breakfast is included but is just the typical, poor, toast- more

Gogartys Temple Bar Hostel

8.1

Temple Bar

"…so if you're out sightseeing, don't plan on cooking late. The down side of being so close to more

from

$17.62

Latroupe Jacobs Inn

8.7

Dublin 1

"…The included mini-breakfast was adequate, but more toasters and a rearrangement of the serving more

from

$13.95

Best Location for Hostels in Dublin

• Temple Bar / Dame Street — Best Areas for Backpackers: Nightlife outside the door, but loud and pricey.
• Smithfield / Stoneybatter: Local pubs, cheaper beds, 10-minute walk to center.
• Camden Street / Portobello: Great food, indie venues, easy buses.
• Areas to Avoid in Dublin: Isolated Docklands blocks (few hostels, no vibe) and side streets north of Croke Park late at night.

How Much Do Hostels Cost in Dublin

Rates spike for summer, festivals, and big sports finals. Larger dorm = lower price; female-only costs a bit more.

• Weekends and events add 20 % or more.
• Book six weeks ahead for June–August beds.

How to Book a Hostel in Dublin Without Overpaying

I start on Hostelz.com—it lines up Hostelworld and Booking prices in one list. Filter by “solo traveler friendly” or “female-only” to trim options.

Reserve early for high season; off-season you can risk last-minute deals. Watch for towel fees, key-card deposits, and the €1 city tax.

6 Hidden Gemz in Dublin (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Hostel Safety and What to Watch Out For

• Choose key-card entry and lockers that fit your whole pack (bring a padlock).
• Store valuables even if dorm mates seem cool.
• Scan reviews: repeated “no staff at night” = skip.
• Stick to lit streets after closing time; night buses run till 3 a.m.
• Use a cross-body bag in crowded Temple Bar lanes.

Final Thoughts

Dublin hostels may be tight on space and high on price, but they deliver instant travel buddies and stories you’ll retell for years.

Decide whether you want party vibes, quiet sleep, or female-only comfort, then lock it in before prices climb. Pack earplugs, keep expectations real, and enjoy the craic.

Backpacking Dublin? Here’s What You Need to Know

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.