Dublin

The capital of Ireland might be small, but what Dublin lacks in size, it makes up for in heart. You can walk almost anywhere within the city centre, which is home to more than 700 pubs. Expect a warm welcome from the locals, and don’t forget there are plenty of other places to explore in Ireland.

Dublin is one of the youngest cities in Europe, which means it’s well-equipped for backpackers and budget travellers looking to experience the set foot on the Emerald Isles. There are more than 50 cheap youth hostels in Dublin to choose from, nearly all of which are very close to the city centre.

Most youth hostels in Dublin offer free WiFi and breakfast as part of the price, and are frequently called out for how friendly and helpful the staff are to guests. Some of the best hostels in Dublin also offer free pub crawls, tours of the city, quizzes, karaoke, pool competitions and more.

Most youth hostels in Dublin are close to the city centre thanks to its size, but there are also a couple of places to stay near the airport if you need to make a quick escape. If you’re travelling alone and planning to explore the rest of Ireland, then you might want to look for somewhere a bit closer to Connolly railway station.

For a bit more history and culture it’s worth a visit to Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral. There’s also some great shopping on Grafton Street for afterwards. If you’ve still got time, check out the Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate Brewery and Old Jameson Distillery.

There are a few different ways to get from Dublin airport to the city centre. One of the most convenient (and cheapest) is the Airlink, which runs throughout the day and usually takes from 25 minutes to an hour. It costs €6 for a one-way ticket, and €10 for a return.

Once you’re in the city centre, it’s easy to reach most places on foot. There are public buses for when you need to go a bit further outside of town such as the Aviva Stadium. If Dublin is just your first stop, there are also trains to the rest of Ireland from Heuston and Connolly Train Station.