Oliver St. John Gogarty

If being in the middle of the Temple Bar tourist action is your bag, then the Oliver St. John Gogarty hostel (also known as Gogarty’s International Hostel) has your bed. Named after one of Dublin's most famous historical figures, this Fleet Street hostel, which used to be a bank, is now cashing in on the partying backpacker vibe (it sits adjacent to the famous Oliver St. John Gogarty pub).

Rates are low, but Gogarty’s Hostel is really just adequate, appropriate for anyone simply looking for a place to crash. There’s little to set this hostel apart from the masses of hostels in Dublin. Its rooms are basic and sleep anywhere from two to 10 guests. There are lockers to secure your goodies, but you'll need to provide your own lock.

Three double rooms share bathrooms and the rest of the rooms (including dorms) have private baths. There is an additional charge for towels.

Despite its boisterous and touristy location—Anglesea Street is about 10 feet away—the Oliver St. John Gogarty hostel is surprisingly quiet. Sturdy pine floors and thick stone walls keep the lobby calm, and the rooms, some of which were formerly vaults, offer an unexpected respite from the action outdoors.

It may come as a surprise, but it’s a true fact that Gogarty’s is the only hostel in Ireland with a bar on site. That would be Oliver St. John’s Gogarty’s Irish Bar, famous pub and live music venue, which offers delicious grub, daily entertainment and of course plenty of Guinness (including a complimentary welcome drink to hostel guests).

Other perks at Gogarty’s Hostel include a guest kitchen, discounted tickets and tours, free Wi-Fi and an included breakfast.