A trip to the fascinating country of Ireland should be something on everyone’s bucket list with the country being home to so many spectacular sites and incredible cities. From the beautiful natural scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way, the bustling Irish bars and pubs in the bigger cities, and wonderful architectural sites in some of the smaller towns, you certainly won’t be short of things to do. Some of our top recommendations would be heading to the Temple Bar neighborhood in Dublin, exploring the spectacular Killarney National Park, and visiting the festival capital of Galway.
On your trip to Ireland, you’re definitely going to want an epic place to stay and one of the best options is staying in a hostel! Here, you will find a budget-friendly place to lay your head for the night along with having the opportunity to socialize and meet other backpackers.
However, not all hostels are the best and some can leave you a tad disappointed. That’s exactly why we created this guide to the 7 best hostels in Ireland to make sure you stay in one of the good ones.
Sound interesting to you? Have a scroll below to find out more…
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Ireland
#1 The Overall Best Hostel in Ireland – Issacs Hostel, Dublin
#2 The Best Cheap Hostel in Ireland – Sheila’s Cork Hostel
#3 The Best Luxury Hostel in Ireland – Generator Dublin
#4 The Best Party Hostel in Ireland – Bru Bar & Hostel
#5 The Best Hostel in Ireland for Solo Travelers – Jacobs Inn, Dublin
#6 The Coolest Hostel in Ireland – Wild Atlantic Hostel, Connemara
#7 The Best Located Hostel in Ireland – Galway City Hostel & Bar
#1 – Issacs Hostel, Dublin
The Overall Best Hostel in Ireland
- Cost – $$
- Location – 2-4 Frenchmans Lane, Dublin
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Issacs Hostels Dublin…
The first hostel on our list is one of the capital’s finest – Issacs Hostel! Issacs Hotel has gained itself a reputation for being one of the ultimate places to stay in Ireland, and we can see why. It boasts an epic location and an awesome social atmosphere, along with ultra-comfortable beds and deluxe facilities. Speaking of its epic location, if you want to explore everything the city has to offer, then you will be in the perfect place to do so at this hostel. It’s perfectly slotted between the popular areas of O’Connell St and Temple Bar.
Issacs Hostel Dublin is perfect for…
Most people who are looking to have a social time exploring the country’s capital city! The hostel offers epic facilities right in the heart of Dublin’s center including sociable common rooms, plenty of games tables, an on-site cafe, and even a sauna. Along with this, there is an incredible selection of epic events put on by the hostel staff. This includes a lively pub crawl that takes you to some of the best nightlife spots in the city, along with a free walking tour where you can find out more about Dublin’s rich history and culture.
Have your dates picked? Read up on hostels in Dublin before you book!
#2 – Sheila’s Cork Hostel
The Best Cheap Hostel in Ireland
- Cost – $
- Location – 4 Belgrave Place, Wellington Road, Cork
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Sheila’s Cork Hostel…
We love the location of Sheila’s Cork Hostel and you won’t be able to find a centrally located hostel at such low prices. Situated in the heart of Cork City Centre, you will find yourself within easy walking distance of plenty of the city’s top sites including The English Market, Cork City Gaol, and Fitzgerald Park. You will also find some of the city’s best-rated bars, cafes, and restaurants on your doorstep if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or perhaps indulge in a local pint.
Sheila’s Cork Hostel is perfect for…
If you want an authentic experience in Ireland’s loveable city of cork at extremely budget-friendly prices, then Sheila’s Cork Hostel might be the perfect place to stay! The hostel has unbeatable prices in the city but certainly doesn’t lack excellent facilities including a fully-equipped kitchen, a beautiful outdoor patio area, and a great selection of room options. It also has an extremely warm and friendly atmosphere with a family-like feel to the hostel.
Like something more boutique? Save some money with our guide to the best boutique hotels in Dublin!
#3 – Generator Dublin
The Best Luxury Hostel in Ireland
- Cost – $$$
- Location – Smithfield Square, Dublin
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Generator Dublin…
The free events available at Generator Dublin are out of this world and the ultimate place to let loose and meet other backpackers. There is an awesome event happening every night including karaoke, DJs, themed quizzes, pool competitions, and multiple drinking games. Also, be sure to check out the dates you’re heading to Generator Dublin because they also host madcap monthly themed parties which are meant to be unforgettable. More chilled events for those who don’t fancy partying include regular movie nights in the in-house cinema room along with walking tours around the city.
Generator Dublin is perfect for…
Our flash-packer travelers heading to Ireland. The well-regarded and more luxurious hostel brand of Generator’s Dublin branch is one of the best places to stay in the city with it offering comfortable, clean, and beautiful facilities with a social atmosphere. The spacious and modern boutique-style hostel is somewhat more like a hotel but with fantastic social spaces to mingle and meet other backpackers, including a cafe, bar, and restaurant.
Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Dublin!
#4 – Bru Bar & Hostel
The Best Party Hostel in Ireland
- Cost – $$
- Location – 57 MacCurtain Street, Cork City
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Bru Bar & Hostel…
The people of Cork know how to party and staying at the locally run Bru Bar & Hostel is one of the best ways to experience the city’s epic nightlife. Not only does the hostel have a great on-site bar and pub itself, but it is also primely located in the city center, meaning you’ll have plenty of others to move on to after a few drinks. The hostel also puts on special pre-drink events when big festivals are going on in and around the city which is actually very often. Be sure to check out what’s happening in advance as the hostel tends to book up fast around these times.
Bru Bar & Hostel is perfect for…
Those who want to party in Cork but still have a nice and comfortable bed to return to after a long night out in the city! The hostel has a range of room options to lay your head in for the night, all of which are equipped with super comfortable and deluxe facilities. The hostel also offers a free tasty breakfast every morning which is the perfect way to shrug off that hangover and get you energized for a day of exploring the epic city!
Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Dublin!
#5 – Jacobs Inn, Dublin
The Best Hostel in Ireland for Solo Travelers
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 21 Talbot Place, Dublin
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Jacobs Inn Dublin Hostel…
Constantly ranked in the top 10 Irish hostels, Jacobs Inn Dublin is a funky, comfortable hostel in one of the best locations in the heart of the capital city of Dublin. Here, you can explore the city center’s top sites in a matter of minutes while also being just a 20-minute ride away from the International Airport if you need to catch an early flight.
We have to mention the free incredible breakfast that Jacobs Inn Dublin provides as it is no standard hostel breakfast. Every morning, guests have access to bottomless porridge where you can add an epic selection of premium toppings such as chia seeds, hazelnuts, cranberries, sunflower seeds along with coconut flakes.
Jacobs Inn Dublin Hostel is perfect for…
Those looking to mingle and meet other backpackers, with Jacobs Inn Dublin Hostel having an incredibly friendly and warming atmosphere along with lots of social settings scattered around the hostel to kick back relax and have a chat. This includes multiple common areas along with a vibrant on-site restaurant and bar area!
Have an early flight? Book a hostel near Dublin AIRPORT to have a stress-free morning!
#6 – Wild Atlantic Hostel, Connemara
The Coolest Hostel in Ireland
- Cost – $$
- Location – Delphi Resort, Galway, Connemara
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Wild Atlantic Hostel…
Wild Atlantic Hostel is located in the Adventure Centre of Galway and is renowned for its water and land-based activities. At the hostel, you will have the opportunity to explore fascinating walking trails, kayak Ireland’s only Fjord, along with renting a bicycle to cycle deep into the gorgeous Delphi Valley!
You’ll also get a sense of luxury at Wild Atlantic Hostel along with pretty much everything you would want from a hostel room, including state-of-the-art beds equipped with individual locker facilities, privacy curtains in the dorm rooms along with personal reading lights and charging points at every bed!
Wild Atlantic Hostel is perfect for…
Our adventure-lovers who are looking at heading to Ireland to explore the country’s great outdoor locations. Wild Atlantic Hostel is situated in Connemara which is known for being one of the hubs for enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful natural hotspots. On your doorstep, you will have the incredible hiking trails of the Delphi Valley along with panoramic and breathtaking mountain views of the stunning Mweelrea Mountain!
Editor’s note: Save a bit of cash in Dublin with our guide to budget hostels in Dublin!
#7 – Galway City Hostel & Bar
The Best Located Hostel in Ireland
- Cost – $$
- Location – Eyre Square Galway
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Galway City Hostel & Bar…
We love Galway City Hostel & Bar’s incredible location located right in the center of Galway in the incredible Eyre Square which is one of the most sought-after locations. The hostel is positioned perfectly to explore the harbor city’s top sites and also has great transport links to other nearby destinations if you fancy venturing out!
The hostel also has some of the friendliest staff in the city who are more than happy to help you plan tours in and around Galway along with giving you some insider top tips on where to eat and drink in Galway.
Galway City Hostel & Bar is perfect for…
Those who want to have a great location to explore the city along with impeccable views of the city with the hostel offering amazing landmarks and city views from all over the building, while also being smack bang in the middle of Galway.
It is also a great place to stay if you want to party and have a few drinks, with the hostel having a great social atmosphere along with a lively on-site bar that serves up a good selection of backpacker budget-friendly drinks!
Recommended Article: Looking for the best hostels in Galway? Check out our EPIC Guide!
Conclusion to the Best Hostels in Ireland
Well there you have it – that’s our guide to the best hostels in the incredible country of Ireland. In the article, we have listed seven of our favorites from all over the country, all of which offer something a little unique – whether you want to be in the heart of nature or slap bang in the middle of the bustling city center of Dublin.
We really hope this article has helped you pick your perfect place to stay or perhaps has even persuaded you to add a trip to Ireland to your travel bucket list. If you do end up booking any of the hostels we’ve listed above, do let us know – we love it when you guys use our recommendations!
So all there is left to do is click that book button and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – Ireland could be just around the corner.
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