Here in Ireland, we are known for a number of things…our hospitality, our Guinness, and our unpredictable weather to name just a few. We are not, however, known for our hostels. Read on to discover some of the best hostel locations in Ireland.
Until I started travelling solo in the summer of 2017, hostels were not really on my radar. I used mostly hotels and Airbnbs so was not even aware of how many hostels we have available to us here in Ireland. Some are quite modern and could easily compete with any of the top hostels I have stayed in abroad. Others are more like converted houses, which have a particular charm all of their own.
This post is not a review or a recommendation for any of the hostels mentioned. You can find those on TripAdvisor or any of the booking sites. It is, instead, a compilation of the best hostel LOCATIONS in Ireland for the budget conscious traveller who wants to visit all the hot spots without breaking their budget.
Avalon House
Aungier Street, Dublin 2
Avalon House boasts one of the best hostel locations in Dublin City. It is close to the famous Christchurch and St. Patricks cathedrals, as well as the Olympia and Vicar Street music venues. A short walk in either direction will take you to Temple Bar or Wexford Street, 2 of the main entertainment areas on the south side of the city. Although Temple Bar is considered by many to be the social hub of the city, I prefer the less touristy Wexford Street. It is home to the famous Whelans music venue, where many big acts had their humble beginnings.
The Nest Boutique Hostel
Salthill, Galway
Galway can easily rival Dublin as a lively weekend destination. With its many welcoming bars, great restaurants and street entertainment, it is a great place to go to just kick back and relax. Salthill strand is just a quick bus journey or a 20 minute walk from the city itself and is a great base for a visit to Galway. With sea views and close proximity to Pearse Stadium, it offers a selection of different accommodation options, including the Nest Boutique Hostel.
The Burren Hostel (Sleepzone)
Lisdoonvarna, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher
I think that the address is all the explanation that is needed here. For anybody who has not seen the Cliffs of Moher, put it on your bucket list. It is a truly beautiful, if somewhat windy, and occasionally foggy place. The rocky terrain of the Burren is equally breathtaking, and this hostel is perfectly positioned for exploring both.
Wild Atlantic Hostel
Delphi Resort, Co. Galway, Connemara
This newly built (2018) hostel in a 300-acre estate in Connemara offers affordable and modern accommodation on the Wild Atlantic Way. Just 30km from Connemara National Park, it is a great starting point for exploring the beautiful west of Ireland. From the hostel, you can take part in trail walking, cycling or even kayaking. The hostel is also child friendly and has free parking.
Glendalough Youth Hostel
Monastic Settlement, Glendalough, Wicklow
Located inside the National Park in Glendalough, County Wicklow, this hostel is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for exploration. You can go fishing, pony trekking or rock climbing, or simply use it as your base for exploring the Wicklow Way. You will be roughly 25km from Wicklow town but just 2km from the nearest shop in the nearby Laragh town. As with many of the other more rural hostels mentioned, there is free parking available. Public buses run from Wicklow to Laragh for anyone who does not have their own transport.
Glendalough, County Wicklow
Sheila’s Cork Hostel
Belgrave Place, Wellington Road, Cork
As the third largest city in Ireland (after Dublin and Belfast), there are a number of reasons to visit Cork. It is home to the newly renovated Pairc Ui Caoimh, an impressive GAA stadium that is occasionally used for other events such as concerts, etc. Cork city is alive with culture and the arts, being home to the famous Cork Opera House, as well as the Munster Literature Centre and the Triskel Arts Centre.
Sheila’s Cork Hostel is just a short walk from the city’s main shopping street. There is parking outside with a special rate for guests. The Stay Cork apartments are also just next door.
Belfast International Youth Hostel
Donegal Road, Belfast
I recently stayed at the Belfast International on a weekend visit to the city. It is within walking distance of many of the tourist sights, like St Anne’s Cathedral and the Belfast Clock Tower. I also walked from there to the Titanic Quarter although I will admit that it was more than a 30 minute walk and might not appeal to everybody.
There are tour buses leaving from just outside the door, going to the Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Game of Thrones locations (I think they are run by Finn McCools tours). I myself booked a tour with Odyssey tours and highly recommend them. Their buses leave from a nearby hotel which is just a short walk away. The hostel also has (limited) free parking available in a secure car park at the rear.
3 Lakes Hostel
Cork Road, Killarney
Located on the famous Ring of Kerry drive, Killarney is a popular destination for travellers of all ages. With beautiful scenery to explore by day (make sure to check out Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe), and a lively bar scene by night, there really is something for everyone. As with all tourist hotspots though, hotel prices can be pretty high, especially during the summer season. There are actually a number of hostels on offer for those of us who want to economise.
For anyone who does not have access to a car, the 3 Lakes may have a slightly less convenient location than some of the other hostel options. But for those who do, the free parking that it offers makes up for the fact that it is a couple of kilometres outside the town.
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