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Hotel · Dublin · City of Dublin

Generator Dublin Hostel

A design-led budget hostel in Dublin's Smithfield Square, with a lively bar, free Wi-Fi, and a 5-minute walk to the Jameson Distillery.

  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Lively on-site bar and restaurant
  • Just a 5-minute walk from Jameson Distillery Bow St
7.1 good 5252 reviews Booking.com 7.1 · 5252 reviews

About

Generator Dublin Hostel

Generator Dublin Hostel brings a designer's eye to budget travel, set in the heart of Smithfield Square. The property pairs a polished, hotel-like lobby with the social energy of a hostel, and its location puts the Jameson Distillery Bow St just a 5-minute walk away.

Rooms range from shared dorms to private twins and quads, many with showers and heating. The on-site bar and restaurant are communal hubs, and you'll also find a coffee shop, vending machines, and a game room. Practical touches include 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and key card access throughout.

Despite the lively social side, the hostel keeps security tight with 24-hour security and safety deposit boxes. It's a flexible base for travellers who want to be close to Dublin's centre while staying within a budget, with prices starting at £33 per night.

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Exceptional social and bar scene — Guests repeatedly highlight the lively bar, lounge, and entertainment. With billiards, TVs, live music, and late opening hours, it's a natural hub for meeting people.
  • Sharp design at a budget price — Travellers often mention the stylish, well-thought-out interiors, noting the lobby looks like a hotel and the design is 'cool for such low cost'.
  • Central location with easy transport — Smithfield Square puts you steps from a tram stop, bus stops, and a supermarket. The Jameson Distillery is a 5-minute walk, and most of Dublin's sights are within walking distance.
  • Strong security and safety measures — 24-hour security, key card access, lockers, and safety deposit boxes get consistent praise, giving peace of mind in a shared-stay setting.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Rooms can feel stuffy — A recurring criticism in reviews is that dorms get stuffy as the night goes on, likely due to limited ventilation in some shared rooms.
  • Comfort score is the lowest category — While beds are often called comfortable, the overall comfort rating sits at 6.9, the lowest of all categories, suggesting some inconsistency in bedding or room conditions.
  • No on-site parking — The property lists no parking, so if you're arriving by car you'll need to plan for nearby public parking options.
  • Check-out is early — Guests must be out by 10:00, which is earlier than many hotels. Breakfast and morning routines need to be planned accordingly.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Private Shared Bathroom Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons

Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Shared Bathroom Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Dorm 4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private Room Female only

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub

Private 5 Bed Dormitory Room Single Room

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Shared Bathroom Single Room

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private 8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Family Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds,1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private Shared Bathroom Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Balcony

Private Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
  • Shower
  • Heating

Private 6 Bed Dormitory Room Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Balcony

Deluxe Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds,1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Balcony

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • 24-hour reception
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Key card access
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • No smoking on site

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Snack bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus
  • Vending machines

Entertainment & Activities

  • Live entertainment
  • Night club
  • Game room
  • Billiard tables
  • Table tennis
  • Board games
  • Leisure/ TV room

Services

  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Housekeeping
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • VIP check-in/ -out

Accessibility & Safety

  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe deposit box
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.1
good 5252 reviews

Guest-rated 7.1/10 from 5,252 reviews

Booking.com · 7.1 · 5252 reviews
7.1Verified guest

“The location is really handy, close to the city centre and easy to get to by tram.”

7.1Verified guest

“Good staff, great location and a fair price.”

7.1Verified guest

“The layout is spacious and the room colours are excellent. Location is superb with a supermarket across the square and a tram stop to the centre. The healthy breakfast sets you up well for the day. Wi-Fi worked in my room at one bar, enough for email, same as in reception. Security is excellent.”

7.1Verified guest

“A great spot for young families. Clean, modern and spacious rooms. The downstairs lounge is fantastic with a bar and restaurant. Wi-Fi is good for staying connected. Conveniently located next to tram and bus stops. Security at the entrance is excellent. Nearby restaurants and cafes have affordable breakfast and dinner options.”

7.1Verified guest

“Very thoughtful and well-situated.”

7.1Verified guest

“Excellent location and reasonable price. There's a nice bar downstairs with billiards and TVs, always busy.”

04 — Location

Getting around Dublin

The property sits in Dublin.

Jameson Distillery Bow St: A 5-minute walk from the hostel, this is the home of Irish whiskey and a must for distillery tours and tastings.

Smithfield Square: The hostel sits right on the square, where you'll find a supermarket, tram stop, and a lively local atmosphere.

City Centre: Most of Dublin's tourist spots are within walking distance, and the tram and bus stops nearby make it easy to get around.

Airport Access: The Airlink bus from the airport stops by the hostel, and there's a free Dublin tour pick-up each morning — ask at reception for times.

Smithfield Square, Dublin, City of Dublin, 7, Ireland

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:59
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Allowed
Property
624 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 until 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00. The reception is open 24 hours, so late arrivals are accommodated.

Is parking available at the hostel?

The property does not list any on-site parking. If you're driving, you'll need to find public parking nearby.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed at Generator Dublin Hostel.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi is free in public areas. Some guests report that the signal in rooms is adequate for basic use like email, though strength may vary.

What food and drink options are on site?

There's a bar and lounge area, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a snack bar. A breakfast is available (at an extra cost), and the bar serves drinks at standard or lower prices.

Are there private rooms available?

Yes, in addition to dorms, the hostel offers private rooms including twins, quads, and rooms with bunk beds, some with private bathrooms and balconies.

Is the hostel suitable for families?

Yes, there are family-friendly options like the Family Twin Room (2 single beds and 1 bunk bed) and private quad rooms. Reviews mention it's a great spot for young families.

The bottom line

Generator Dublin Hostel delivers a rare mix of designer flair and budget prices in an unbeatable Smithfield location. If you're after a social, well-run hostel with a great bar and easy access to Dublin's sights, this is a strong choice. Just be prepared for lively common areas and stuffy dorms on warm nights.

7.1A design-forward hostel where the bar and location are the real draws.

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