Dublin's top 11 hostels

Housed in a charming red-brick Victorian edifice a few minutes' walk west of St Stephen's Green, Avalon House is one of the city's most popular hostels.  It offers both private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and shared dorms.  The accommodations are modest and basic, but functional and right for the price.  Guests planning to stay in dorms should know that there are no in-room storage lockers.  Continental breakfast is included in the price as is access to amenities like a communal kitchen, laundry, and game rooms.

On and around Gardiner Street you'll find a host of budget options, but Isaacs shines a little bright than most.  Formerly a centuries-old wine vault, the hostel boasts a Swedish-style sauna, a lively lounge, and a self-catering kitchen. A whole mess of activities awaits you — like free pizza on Tuesdays — which is exactly what many backpackers are looking for, but the high-energy atmosphere can make things a little noisy for the more retiring traveler.  Breakfast is included.  

Courting the hipster on a budget, Dublin's Generator Hostel feels more like a hotel.  The Generator's bar, café, and in-house entertainment get high marks from guests.  It's location near the Jameson Distillery isn't far from many main Dublin attractions.  Unlike most hostels on our list, breakfast isn't included here.  Prices for food in the café are reasonable, however.  Things can get a little noisy, so bring your earplugs.

Clean, modern, recently-renovated, and well-equipped, Jacobs Inn Hostel is convenient to Connolly Station.  Trinity College and Temple Bar are about a fifteen-minute walk.  Many rooms are equipped with private bathrooms and you'll find amenties like a communal kitchen, social spaces, and a coffee bar.  Continental breakfast is included.

Ashfield Hostel's in the heart of the action — Temple Bar, Trinity College, the Spire are all right nearby.  The hostel offers amenities like a kitchen and common areas for socializing.  Dormitory and private rooms alike come with private bathrooms.  Ashfield's not fancy, but it's functional and a great base for fun-filled days and nights in one of Dublin's more boisterous corners.  

Right near Christ Church Cathedral, Kinlay House can accommodate just about any size traveling party from solo to a couple dozen.  The19th-century brick structure lends atmosphere with its wood beams and other architectural elements.  There're spacious common areas, a TV lounge, a kitchen, and other standard amenities in addition to bike rentals and live music nights. A light breakfast is included.

If you've come to Dublin for the Temple Bar experience, Barnacles is the right hostel for you.  As EuroCheapo puts it, "If you are planning a trip to Dublin to research the Book of Kells, choose another hostel."  It's well-located and well-equipped with functional (if simple) dorms and surprisingly comfortable private rooms with big beds.  The welcoming common room is appointed with comfy couches as well as TVs and video games.  Continental breakfast is included.  

When you stay at Abigail's, you're in the heart of Temple Bar.  This well-located hostel has both private rooms and dorms as well as the usual offerings — a self-catering kitchen, WiFi, free storage, and breakfast included.  They also offer free daily walking tours and, for a fee, a nightly pub crawl.  It's not the quietest place, but if your destination's Temple Bar, you're probably not too concerned about noise anyway.

At this centrally-located hostel, guests can opt for dorm rooms, private rooms, or even apartments with full kitchens.  Walking tours, storage, WiFi (though not it's not reliable in the apartments), and breakfast are some of the offerings included at no extra fee.  The vibe is hip and the clientele skews younger and are bound to enjoy the hammock, recording studio, bar, and gaming rooms.

This homey place is out of the hustle and bustle of the center and if it's the promise of quiet attracts you, rooms in the back of the building are your best bet.  Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe, is just a stone's throw away.  Breakfast is included as is a beer at nearby Nancy Hands.

Globetrotters, handy to the bus station, offers dorms and private rooms in many sizes and configurations.  Many have private bathrooms.  The Japanese-style garden is a nice respite, one of a number of pleasant common areas.  Children under 16 are not allowed.