Cheap Dublin Hotels
How to find affordable accommodation in Ireland's capital
When my wife and I spent some time in Dublin researching a guidebook, we needed accommodation that was central but budget-friendly. Our discovery couldn't have been better, as we stayed at Trinity College, right in the heart of the city. When students are away, the College rents their rooms to eager visitors.
The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, and surrounded by the beautiful College buildings. Our ensuite double was spacious and about 100 yards away from the breathtakingly beautiful Old Library, and the unique Book of Kells: ideal for the early 'beat the queues' start to the day. There are 800 rooms available from June to September, but they book up quickly so if planning a summer visit, check the rates here and book now.
Dublin has only one Trinity College but several excellent hostels. If you haven't used a hostel for some time, forget any memories about shared dorms and early curfews. Many hostels now have private ensuite rooms, and your own key, but if you do want to cut costs and don't mind sharing, you can do that too. You can check out hostels in Dublin and the rest of Ireland at the Independent Holiday Hostels of Ireland website.
If you're hostel-hostile, though, and want a cheap hotel that's also clean and comfortable, there are plenty of those in Dublin too. There are better bargains if you're happy to stay outside the centre and use public transport to get in, but there are affordable options within walking distance of all the major attractions too.
The Ripley Court Hotel is close to Connolly railway and DART stations, which means that front rooms can be noisy but it's a comfy 3-star place, with a short walk into the city. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is also a good way both to get into the city and explore beautiful nearby places like Malahide and Howth.
Charleville Lodge is a 5-star boutique guesthouse near Phoenix Park, with top-notch facilities and rock-bottom prices. A real bargain. The Harding Hotel is close to the lively Temple Bar district, and not far from Christchurch cathedral either. It has its own restaurant and a very popular bar too, and though it's cheap it's highly rated on websites like Trip Advisor, which you should always check to read a range of personal reports from guests. Happy hunting!
