If you are interested in hostels, have a look to the following web address, it is the list of private hostels in Ireland: http://www.hostels-ireland.com/

Anyway, about Dublin, I stayed in the Celt House (you can find it in browsing in the address above). It is a middle way between an hostel and a budget hotel. Clean, small, big kitchen for self-cathering. It is not central located but still in a walk distance to the centre (I never used public transports to get to the centre!). The area is quite and just by a small public park.

Take in account that Ireland (and Dublin) is expensive and and Celt House is a budget accommodation: room are fine (not too small) but there is not private bath.

Please Greg, DON'T MAKE your reservation by e_mail but call directly: the manager is a big confusionary and often it appened than people booking by e_mail didn't find the room!

Have a nice trip, Marco in Milan, Italy