Dublin Guide 4: Accommodation Questions
latest update March 2008
Getting a bed in Dublin
Dublin hostels are busy and they are often noisy - normally no fault of the hostel owners. For quieter hostels see light sleeper and out of town options below. They can also be expensive, especially when there is any festival, big concert or sporting fixture in town. These sort of things happen a lot. You will need some form of identification in all Dublin hostels. Want to get the best deal on your bedprice? Its worth comparing prices on sites like www.hostel.com and www.hostelworld.com . Some Dublin hostels offer special internet prices in the €10 to €15 range on their larger dormitories. Remember there may be a booking charge of about €2 to add. Don't want to give out your credit card detals? You may have to even if you book by phone for Dublin hostels. Some hostels also demand that you stay 2 nights minimum on popular weekends. We suggest that if they try this on you look around for somewhere that will take you for one night. But whatever you choose to do, you will have more options if you book early.
Light sleeper and out of town options
In response of frequent requests along the lines of - "Can you tell me where I can actually get a night's sleep in Dublin?" If you are a light sleeper the first rule is - find a well run hostel away from the central clubs and bars - Belgrave Hall - see in South Dublin hostel links under Dun Laoghaire and Monkstown - is a good option - 11km from centre but with good DART train link.
In the centre of town Jacobs Hostel is one of the quieter options (not on a main street), at least on the side of the building facing the street. There are reports that Abraham House puts people in rooms according to when they are going to bed/getting up. We would welcome information on any other hostels doing things like this.
If you have a car, or are an adventurous cyclist, you can retreat to the Wicklow Mountains at night and come into town during the day. The Glencree Centre for Reconcilliation offers B&B in rooms of 2 to 11 beds for €25 a night. It is 25km due south of Dublin City centre in glorious mountain scenery at an altitude of 500metres. Take N81 from Dublin Centre, After 6km take the R115 (left turn) up in the mountains. For Knockree Youth Hostel, repoening as a high end hostel in April 2008 go to Glencree then take second turning on the right down the valley and proceed 8km to the Hostel. Alternatively take the N11 south from Dublin City Centre and head for Enniskerry, then by minor roads to Knockree - Distance from Dublin Centre 32km. This hostel is also a good first hostel from Dun Laoghaire ferries - about 22km from them. See Wicklow Hostel Links page for more details of these hostels
Another option is Campus Accommodation at Maynooth. This student town is 26 km west of Dublin City Centre with Rail and Bus links. Singles rooms are €28 per night and Double rooms are €23 per night each. Likely to be available during student holidays. Link to their site on Heart of Ireland Links page
If you want to hostel round Ireland but really need somewhere smaller/quieter in Dublin try these reasonably priced B&B's
Marian B&B 21 Upper Gardiner Street 01 874 4129
(near centre so street noise but you get your own room)
Mrs Molly Ryan 10 Distillery Road 01 837 4137 NO B&B SIGN
Mrs Dolores Abbot Murphy 14 Castle Park 01 269 8413
