Smithfield

Generator Dublin

★★★★★

Generator Dublin is the smart budget option, a design-led hostel on Smithfield Square on the north side of the Liffey, and it suits everyone from backpackers to friends travelling together and couples watching their spending. Generator is a European group known for turning hostels into stylish, social places, and the Dublin outpost has the brand's signature mix of colourful interiors, playful details and a buzzing ground floor. Accommodation ranges widely: shared dorms, including female-only dorms, start at very low prices per bed, while private rooms include singles, twins, deluxe rooms and family rooms for four, as well as larger private rooms that groups can book for themselves. All are clean and simple, with comfortable bunks or beds and lockers in the dorms. The social heart is the Shuffleboard Bar, open daily from late morning to late evening, which hosts DJ nights, live music and events and serves food from the café and restaurant. There is a cinema room, free Wi-Fi, laundry, luggage storage and a 24-hour reception, which is useful for late arrivals and early departures. The location is excellent for the price: the Jameson Distillery Bow St. is next door, Smithfield's trad pubs, including the Cobblestone, are a short walk away, Stoneybatter's cafés and restaurants are just north, and Temple Bar is across the river, about fifteen minutes on foot. The Airlink express bus from the airport stops a short walk away on the quays.

What to expect: this is a hostel, and the atmosphere is young, social and lively, especially at weekends when the bar is full. That is part of the appeal for many guests, who use the events and the bar to meet other travellers, but light sleepers should choose a private room and bring earplugs. Private rooms offer a hotel-like experience at a fraction of the price and are a smart option for couples and small families on a budget. Female travellers can choose female-only dorms or a female-only private room. Prices rise sharply for big weekends, concerts and holidays, so book early.

Practicalities: there is no parking on site, but guests can get a discount at a nearby car park when booking ahead online. The Airlink 747 bus runs frequently from the airport to the quays close by, and a taxi from the airport takes around twenty-five minutes. The Luas red line runs along the edge of Smithfield, connecting to Heuston station, the Guinness Storehouse and Connolly station. The square itself has a converted distillery chimney with a viewing platform and is home to cafés, bars and a cinema.

Who it suits: solo travellers, students, groups of friends and anyone who wants a clean, central, fun base without spending much. Families on a budget will find the family rooms useful, though the bar scene may not suit young children late at night. Travellers seeking peace and quiet, or luxury touches, should look at the mid-range hotels in this guide instead. For value, location and atmosphere, though, Generator is hard to beat in Dublin.