Dublin | Student accommodation - Hostels - Coworking | Dorms.com ® (2024)

Leave the dorm behind and head to picturesque Dublin bay to catch four days of racing. Irish and international teams battle it out on the water, and there’s plenty of entertainment on shore too. The event takes place from the 9th – 12th July 2015.

There are plenty of museums that budget-conscious backpackers can visit for free. The Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is popular, but if you’re a design fan you can’t beat the Decorative Arts and History Museum on Benburb Street.

Or visit O’Connell Street, the main thoroughfare in Dublin and a great area to look in if you want a downtown hostel. It’s one of the widest streets in Europe and it’s populated with statues to notable Irish folk heroes and historical figures. The famous GPO sits on this street too.

One of Dublin’s most popular attractions, the zoo is full of animal life from all corners of the globe. Visit them at Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. Adult tickets cost €16.80. Check the website for group prices and concessions.

Now an Irish government building, Dublin Castle was the headquarters of British rule until 1922. Situated on Dame Street close to the favourite backpacker haunt of Temple Bar, the historic site has two museums, cafes, and gardens. Adult tickets cost €4.50.

Visit the soaring spires of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Situated at St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8 this ancient building is worth a visit. Tickets cost €5.50 for adults, and €4.50 for students.

A former prison, now a museum, you can find this historic building at Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Cost of admission is €7 per adult, only €3 for students.

Step out of your hostel dorm and into the past. This grand building contains a collection of Irish artefacts that offer an insight into how the beautiful island developed. Located at Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2. Admission is free.

The heart of the Dublin experience. Situated around the River Liffey, the area provides excellent eating and nightlife options as well as great shopping - particularly on the bustling Grafton Street, just south of Trinity College grounds.

Known as the capital’s Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar is defined by its cobbled streets, and its historical Dublin experience - it’s the Dublin many backpackers come to see. There’s a food market held on Saturdays, and you can find jewellery and clothing stalls along Cows Lane, just off Lord Edward Street.

For travellers looking for a quintessential taste of Dublin, there are a number of streets to the southeast of the city centre to explore. Baggot Street, Merrion Square, and Fitzwilliam Square contain elegant townhouses with brightly painted doors.

There’s loads of variety at this film festival. From independent features to major blockbusters, Dublin hosts an influential festival that grows bigger each year. It takes place in March.

Forget that hostel pub crawl - The Big Grill is a whole other level. It fills Herbert Park in Ballsbridge with BBQ, craft beer, live music and co*cktails. Tickets for the whole weekend cost €45 but you can buy individual day passes.

Perhaps the most famous Irish export, Saint Patrick’s day takes place on March the 17th. Book yourself into a Dublin hostel to experience the event properly. There’s colourful pageantry, bands from around the world, and streets overflowing with celebrations and booze.

Add some culture to your hostel experience with this major literary event, which takes place at a variety of venues throughout June. Over fifty writers and poets from all over the world congregate in Dublin for readings, discussions and debates. Don’t miss the Rattlebag poetry slam.

From the 23rd – 26th July 2015, Dublin hosts the Festival of Curiosity. It’s an eclectic event that encompasses science, arts, and culture. The event has grown to become one of the most innovative festivals in Europe. Keep an eye on their website for more details and ticket prices.

If you love guitars, book your hostel in the first week of July - this festival is all about them. There are plenty of genres to enjoy, including bluegrass and traditional Irish folk music.

This is free festival offers a day of live music, art and entertainment, with graffiti artists painting live. Find it at Smithfield Square, Smithfield, close to the city centre hostels of North Inner City.

Sound familiar? Longitude is the Irish sister to England’s Latitude festival, and it’s every bit as cool and eclectic. It’s based a little way south of Dublin, but there’s no camping, so expect hostels in the city to book up fast!

This is easily the cheapest place to feast on a curry in Dublin, frequented by locals and backpackers alike. You’ll get change from a tenner with meals costing as little as €7.

For €6.50 you can tuck into a great fry up from Gerry and stagger back to the hostel absolutely stuffed. Consistently turning out tasty, hearty food, Gerry’s is very cheap and very cheerful.

If you’re after a takeaway then this is the place to go. Every night of the week Kanum has a special for just €9.99. They chuck in rice and a bottle of water too. There are two locations, but Mespil Road is the more central.

For €10 you and your fellow backpackers can get a whole roast dinner at Green 19. It comes with all the trimmings, and there’s no skimping on quality - it’s seriously good stuff.

Serious about fish and chips? So you should be. These guys are too, and their meals cost under €7 - you can get a drink too and still be heading back to the hostel with change from a €10 note.

Right in the heart of Dublin’s backpacker-friendly cultural quarter, Alchemy blends style with contemporary tunes. Find it at 13 – 17 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, D2.

Club M is all about good, uncomplicated fun – it’s a popular club that plays an eclectic range of dance and pop. Head to 2 Cope St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 for a great night out.

Stocked full of craft beers and pulsing to the best live music, The Wiley Fox is an excellent all-round venue that also serves up great pizzas and pies. And it’s right round the corner from several city centre hostels.

A Scandinavian-Asian fusion? We’re in - and we suspect most backpackers will be too. Come for a classy Swedish cinnamon bun in the afternoon, or dumplings and delicate broths in the evening - followed by dancing into the small hours.

Dublin has a pretty high concentration of swanky co*cktail bars, but sometimes you just need to rock out. Fibber’s buzzes with live bands and a cool, alt crowd. Backpackers fit right in.

Head over to the Waterways Visitor Centre Market at the Grand Canal Dock for tasty food at a great location. It runs every Wednesday, with stalls selling everything from fish to falafel.

Bring some creativity to your hostel experience with Makeshop, attached to Dublin’s Science Museum. Aimed at budding ‘makers’ and experimenters, it sells everything from craft supplies to 3D printers.

The market at Temple Bar has a great city centre location and some amazing budget eating options. The stalls and the buzz generally spill out onto the surrounding streets. Open on Saturdays from 10:00 – 16:30.

However tantalising Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin is, it can be an expensive time to travel. If you’re looking to get the best deal it’s probably best to book your hostel another time of the year.

For backpackers heading to Ireland from the UK it’s a good idea to look up the cost of a ferry before purchasing flights. You can find some real bargains.

Consider picking up a Leapcard. It can make travel around Dublin much cheaper but do read up on the conditions of use. It can be quite limited so make sure it suits your needs.