Going to the capital of Ireland by yourself and looking for a bed? Check out our 10 best hostels for solo travellers in Dublin.
We all know the feeling: You absolutely want to go on a trip, but all your friends are busy, broke, or newly in love. Or you are on your first backpacking solo trip, and the idea of checking into a place alone still sounds daunting.
Or maybe you are a pro already, just looking for a good place to stay in Dublin?
Whatever your situation, relax! Get your flight, pack your bags, check out our list of the 10 best hostels for solo travellers in Dublin below—and have a blast!
10. Gardiner House – an ideal fit for relaxed solo travellers
Compared to the Temple Bar hostels, Gardiner House might look a bit out of the away at first glance. But then again, some of us like it a bit quieter, right?
The hostel is only a few minutes’ walk from Croke Park, making it ideal if you are in town for a concert. The city centre is about 20 minutes away.
Gardiner House has all the usual amenities, such as 24-hour reception, free breakfast, and a nice common area with comfy sofas and guitars, as well as its own garden. Stay here if you want to relax rather than party all night long.
Address: 76 Gardiner Street Upper, Dublin 1
9. Abigail’s Hostel – a quiet bed in the bar district
If you are after a prime location but still value a good night of sleep, Abigail’s Hostel is a great fit. Despite being literally in Temple Bar, we like that this place seems to attract a more relaxed and sometimes more mature crowd than some of the other hostels nearby.
The staff at Abigail’s Hostel is especially helpful and accommodating, helping you plan your stay and recommending all the cool places to visit and things to do. Their lobby, doubling as a breakfast room, is the place to be for socializing.
Expect relaxed travellers up for a pint rather than the cliche party animal.
Address: 7-9 Aston Quay, Dublin 2
8. Kinlay House – a classic among backpackers
Kinlay House ranks among the cheapest hostels in Dublin, but cheap doesn’t mean any less comfy in this case. In fact, Kinlay has been around for 25 years and is one of the most established hostels in town.
It has a classic hostel vibe with backpackers rather than flashpackers checking in and the reception staff remembering your name.
Besides the (almost) mandatory walking tour and pub crawls, they have a pub with live music in the same building and a lot more at your doorstep (this is Temple Bar after all!). Stay here if you’d rather spend your money on pints than a fancy bed.
Address: Lord Edward St, Dublin 2
7. Abbey Court – a funky place for solo travellers
Funky Abbey Court Hostel keeps winning awards, and it’s easy to see why: Located on Bachelor’s Walk just opposite Temple Bar, it’s ideal for both long nights out and quiet nights. The hostel has tons of freebies such as an all-you-can-eat buffet and walking tours as well as the mighty pub crawl.
While Abbey Court doesn’t have its own bar, the downstairs common area with comfy sofas, pool tables and table tennis is a great place to mingle with fellow solo travellers. As an added perk for music fans, you will “meet” lots of icons such as Bono and Ed Sheeran on their walls.
Address: 29 Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin 1
6. Jacob’s Inn – a classic for early risers
Opposite the main bus station and just 50 metres from Connolly train station, Jacob’s Inn is the ideal base for everyone arriving or leaving by train or bus – or looking for a more quiet location off Temple Bar (about a 20-minute-walk). The hostel is clean and modern with curtains around the beds for some extra privacy.
Meet fellow travellers by joining their daily walking tours, pub crawls and regular movie nights or—in the warmer months—head to the roof terrace for mingling with a view.
Address: 21-28 Talbot Place, Dublin 1
5. Times Hostel Camden Place – a social place filled with activities
Located just off Camden Street in Dublin’s trendy nightlife district, this is a great base to explore the city’s bar and club life. And even better, it’s especially suitable for solo travellers.
Times Hostel Camden Place has a series of events perfect for everyone aiming to mingle: There’s a Games Night on Tuesday, free hot dogs on Wednesdays, welcome drinks on Fridays, and free pancakes every Saturday morning.
Almost needless to say, you can also join free walking tours and the mighty pub crawl.
Address: 8 Camden Place, Dublin 2
4. Sky Backpackers – a dream for solo music lovers
Housed in a former recording studio used by the likes of U2, Sinead O’Connor, and Van Morrison, Sky Backpackers is one of the best hostels for solo travellers in Dublin because it is a great base for both sightseeing and socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.
A stone’s throw from buzzing Temple Bar, this modern, music-themed place hosts daily free walking tours and nightly free food events as well as music, game and sangria events. Plenty of solo travellers stay here, so no need to worry about finding company.
Address: 2-4 Litton Lane, North City, Dublin 1
3. Spire Hostel – a modern hostel in a prime spot
If you are looking for a great location as well as a party vibe, Spire Hostel has you covered.
The colourful place around the corner from the Spire (hence the name) and Nelson’s Pillar in Dublin is especially popular among young backpackers and those looking for a few wild nights out. They have nightly events such as pub crawls and the occasional free drink at happy hour.
Should you be after a relaxed and calm stay, this hostel might not be your cup of tea. However, if you are up for socializing and exploring Dublin’s nightlife with a like-minded crowd, you won’t be disappointed for sure.
Address: 90-93 Marlborough St, North City, Dublin 1
2. Generator Dublin – the place to be for party people
The Generator chain attracts flashpackers and party animals all over Europe, and their Dublin hostel is no exception. Located next to the famous Jameson Distillery and just a ten-minute stroll from the centre, this stylish, industrial-chic place is a luxury backpacker hotspot with plenty of opportunities to socialize.
The hostel organises free walking tours and nightly events such as pub crawls, karaoke, DJ sets, and drinking games, as well as monthly themed parties. There’s also a popular in-house bar (with guest discounts!) where you can share a pint with new friends.
Address: Smithfield Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7
1. Isaacs Hostel – an institution for solo travellers
This 290-bed-hostel near Connolly Station has been around since 1985 and has been an institution among budget-conscious travellers for decades. Housed in a converted 19th-century wine store, it is beloved for its cool interiors as much as its social vibe.
Isaac offers free breakfast, a free sauna, board and video games, and daily free walking tours, as well as pub crawls. And their large common spaces are always packed with people of all ages chatting and playing table tennis.
If you travel by yourself but don’t want to stay alone, look no further and head to our winner of the 10 best hostels for solo travellers in Dublin.
Address: 2-4 Frenchman’s Ln, Mountjoy, Dublin 1
