My Solo Travel to Dublin was the BEST - My Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Dublin

Dublin is small, friendly, and easy to walk. I loved how fast I made friends in my hostel and how safe I felt exploring on my own. This guide shows you how to find a cheap bed, plan fun days, stay safe, and meet people without stress.

Use it to get the most from your money and time while traveling solo.

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

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Why Dublin is Perfect for Solo Travelers

The city center is compact, so you can reach most sights on foot in minutes. You save money on buses and never worry about getting lost far from your hostel.

People here talk to strangers with ease. Order a coffee or a pint, and someone will ask where you are from and share tips. It feels natural to start a chat.

You get huge variety in a small space: old churches, free street music, green parks, and the sea only a short train ride away. You can mix culture, nature, and nightlife in one day.

Hostels run daily events, and pubs have bar seating. This setup means you can join a crowd without planning ahead. Solo never feels lonely in Dublin.

A 2–3 Day Itinerary on Your Own

Day 1

• Morning: Grab a flat white at Bewley’s on Grafton Street, then join the free walking tour at City Hall. Guides stop at Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and Temple Bar, giving quick history and useful street hacks.
• Afternoon: Pay to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College, then swing by the free National Gallery just two blocks away. Picnic in St Stephen’s Green or people-watch in George’s Street Arcade and pick up a cheap snack.
• Evening: Slip into The Stag’s Head off Dame Lane for affordable pints and live folk. If you want more music, walk five minutes to The Cobblestone in Smithfield. End with a late burrito from Boojum so you wake up hangover-friendly.

Day 2

• Morning: Walk the Liffey to the Guinness Storehouse and ride the escalators up to the Gravity Bar for skyline views. If you pre-book, add nearby Kilmainham Gaol for an eye-opening tour, or rent a bike in Phoenix Park to see the wild deer.
• Afternoon: Explore Smithfield: browse vinyl at Spindizzy, catch an indie film at Light House Cinema, and grab lunch at Brother Hubbard North. Finish with a Jameson tasting flight that shows you the difference between single malt and blend.
• Evening: Join the hostel pub crawl or head to Whelan’s on Camden Street for live rock. Chat with locals at the bar, then share a taxi back with new friends. Pick up vinegar-soaked chips at Leo Burdock on the way home.

Day 3

• Morning: Take the DART to Howth for the cliff path loop; the full walk takes about two hours with photo stops. Browse Howth Market for fresh pastries or smoked salmon rolls afterward.
• Afternoon: Ride back to town and tour EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum for modern, hands-on exhibits. If the sun sticks around, chill by the Grand Canal in Portobello with a gelato from Scoop.
• Evening: Join the Literary Pub Crawl starting at The Duke and follow actors through four historic bars with short theatre pieces. Not into pubs tonight? Try Token arcade bar in Smithfield for retro games and cheap eats.

Optional Day Trip

• Morning: Catch the 9 a.m. bus to Glendalough in Wicklow. Walk the lake loop past the old monastic tower and fill your bottle at the clear stream.
• Afternoon: Hike the Poulanass Waterfall trail for forest views, then grab a packed lunch on the rocks by Upper Lake. Buses return every two hours, so check the timetable.
• Evening: Back in Dublin, rest or pop into a quiet café like Accents for board games and hot chocolate.

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

Hostels in Dublin

Hostels are the best base for solo travelers here. Dorm beds cost less than hotels and include lockers, kitchens, and big common rooms.

Many hostels offer free walking tours, cheap day trips, group dinners, and game nights. These events make it simple to meet new people fast.

Is Dublin Safe for Solo Travelers?

Dublin feels safe, but treat it like any other city. Keep your phone zipped away on busy streets and use a cross-body bag.

Avoid empty parks late at night. Stick to lit roads, especially near the river. If taxis feel better after midnight, share the fare with hostel friends.

Women travelers can ask bar staff to call a taxi if needed. People are helpful, and staff will step in if someone bothers you.

How to Meet People?

Join the hostel’s free walking tour on your first morning. The shared start makes it easy to invite others for lunch afterward.

Pub quizzes run most nights and welcome solo joiners. Sign up, and teams will adopt you at once.

Try a cooking class, a sea-kayak trip in Dalkey, or a Meetup coffee group. These events mix locals and travelers for natural conversation.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay Solo in Dublin

• Temple Bar: Lively streets, many pubs, and everything close. Great if you love noise and late nights. Bring earplugs.
• Smithfield: Street art, indie cafés, and cheaper beds. Good for photo fans and food trucks.
• Portobello: Calm canals, vintage shops, and strong brunch scene. Perfect for slow mornings.
• Docklands: Modern buildings, river walks, and easy tram links. Nice for runners and quiet nights.

Where to Eat and Drink in Dublin

Start the day with a deli breakfast roll for under €5. It keeps you full until lunch.

Moore Street Market has cheap global food stalls. You can try new dishes for less than €10.

Coffee spots like Kaph or Two Pups welcome laptops and solo guests. No one rushes you to leave.

Dinner budget tight? Try Govinda’s for affordable vegetarian curry or a kebab shop on Camden Street.

Sit at the bar in pubs to chat with locals. Order a “house” pint for the lowest price.

6 Hidden Gemz in Dublin (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Tips and Surprises

The weather changes fast. Wear layers and keep a small umbrella in your bag.

Always tap your ticket on buses and trains. Inspectors often check and fines are high.

Food portions may seem small, but that means room for ice cream at Murphy’s. Taste the sea salt flavor.

Cobblestones can break suitcase wheels. If possible, carry a backpack instead.

Dublin’s prices can be high, yet free music on the streets and new friends in every hostel make the trip worth it.

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.