Christmas Day in Jacobs Inn

We know it might be a little bit soon to be talking about Christmas but if you are planning on backpacking to Ireland in December, now is the time to book your accommodation.

Jacobs Inn is one of the only hostels in Dublin to open over the Christmas season. Not only are we open for Christmas and New Years, we are hosting our annual Christmas Feast on Christmas day for those of you who are missing some home cooked Christmas food.
The feast starts at 1pm and we will be serving succulent roast turkey and ham with all the trimmings (and wine of course!) followed by delicious rich Christmas pudding...Mmmm. Santa Claus will be popping in on his way back to the North Pole with gifts for everyone at the feast. There will be plenty of Christmas cheer all day long with what promises to be the BEST Christmas away from home ever!

Prices
3 nights in 6/8/10 bed dorm + 3 course Christmas dinner + pressie from Santa = €65 per person
3 nights in Triple/ Quad + dinner+ pressie from Santa = €81 per person
3 nights in Twin/ Double + dinner + pressie from Santa = €95 per person

Guests who do not want to take us up on our Christmas special offer can buy a ticket to the Christmas Feast for just €20 per person. Room only available for the Christmas also.

To book your place at the Christmas feast email Renata at Jacobs@isaacs.ie

Day and night out in Dublin for just €24!

You’ve arrived in Dublin with a small budget and big expectations so where do you start? Obviously you want to fit as much into your few days here as you can and partake in a couple of pints of Guinness in its home city. Well I love a challenge so I’ve come up with a full day and night’s activities that won’t break the budget but will show you the best of what Dublin has to offer.

Day out in Dublin for €24 (Yes really €24 for a full day and nights entertainment WITH PINTS!)

Here’s an example of a really, really full day and night out in Dublin which will leave you satisfied and tired and all for less than €30 (€24 to be exact!).

9am Wake up in Jacobs Inn or Isaacs Hostel FREE!

09.15 Continental Breakfast FREE!

10.15 3 Hour Walking tour of Dublin* FREE!

14.15 Soup and a sandwich @ Café Isaacs €4.00

16.00 Leprechaun Museum** €10.00

19.00 Dinner and a pint @ Jacobs Inn or Isaacs Hostel €5.00

Late.. Ceol, Craic agus Rula Bula FREE!

(That’s music, fun and chaos to you!)

Later... Another TWO pints for the road €5.00

Bed :)

About the Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn free walking tour of Dublin.

Run by the best guides in the city, the free walking tour of Dublin is a great way to see the city. On this three hour walk you will see:

• Dublin Castle
• Dubh Linn
• Dublin’s Medieval Walls
• Viking Remains
• Norman Dublin
• Georgian Dublin
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Adam and Eve Church
• The National Library
• Famous Writers
• Temple Bar
• U2- Origins of the rock legend
• Ha’Penny Bridge
• Spire of Dublin
• City Hall
• Trinity College
• Leinster House
• Chester Beatty Library
• St. Stephen’s Green
• 1916 Easter Rising

Be sure to wear comfy shoes and prepare to have lots of fun! Come hail, rain, sleet, snow or cracking sunshine this tour will take place. Depending on the time of year bring rain gear, warm or cool clothes and sunscreen!

About The National Leprechaun Museum.

Believe it or not the National Leprechaun Museum opened for the first time this year. Dedicated to Irish mythology the museum is a fun way to spend a few hours and learn some of the stories that the Irish are fabled for. Y’never know, you might come away with the gift of the gab yourself! Entry is €10 and buys you a piece of leprechaun gold to take home and show your friends.

Previously loved in Dublin

Poor old Dublin has a bit of a bad rep for being expensive. We can proudly reveal that if you have just a few Euro burning a hole in your pocket there are ways to do some serious shopping at discount prices. There are hidden shopping gems all over the city where you can get your hands on some top notch gear for less money than you would expect.

Previously loved!
A super nice way of saying second hand but if you have a keen eye for fashion, art and bric-a–brac you can bag yourself a bargain in Dublin. I’ve listed some of the coolest places outside of the high street to get your shopping on in the city.

Dublin Flea Market
Held on the last Sunday of every month in Newmarket, off Cork Street the Dublin Flea Market is
a bizarre bazaar of vintage clothing and bric-a-brac.

Merrion Square Art
Every Saturday the railings around Merrion Square are filled with the most beautiful, diverse and sometimes weird ‘n wonderful art by artists all over the city. There are pieces to suit every pocket so you can grab yourself an arty memento of Dublin. Go for a wander around the park after you have had your fill of art.

Toejam Car boot Sale
This funky car boot sale is located in the car park of the Bernard Shaw Pub in Portobello. These sales go on every six weeks or so at the moment and the next one is on Saturday October 23rd. The car park is filled with vintage clothes, computers, music, bikes, cup cakes, sushi, Buckfast* Ice Cream, Big Blue Bus double Decker pizzas, crepes and much more. The market runs until 7pm with the after party in the Bernard Shaw pub ‘til 1am.
*Buckfast or Bucky is a potent tonic wine brewed by monks and drunk by punks. Buckfast ice cream is a more palatable way of tasting it!

Swapshop
Head to Crow Street in Temple Bar to Dublin’s only fashion exchange where you can upgrade your wardrobe. Bring along the clothes that you are finished with and once they are clean and in good condition you can swap them for new items. There is a service charge for swaps but you will save €€€€’s.

Moore Street Market
The Moore Street fruit, vegetable, fish and flower market is as Dublin as you get. Filled with fresh produce and lively locals it is as much a cultural experience as a market. Don’t expect anything quaint, this is noisy and bustling.


Point Village Market
This new market based beside The O2 runs every Saturday and Sunday. Live bands and DJ’s keep you entertained as you have a nosey around the stalls. As well as an eclectic collection of food stalls there is a farmers market and plenty of original art, photography, clothing and craft stalls. There are events and pop up markets throughout the year. (Check out the Halloween pop up market for apple bobbing and pumpkin carving workshops for a really fun, cheap day out to compliment your shopping!)

Cheapest beer in Dublin

At Isaacs Hostel we pride ourselves in doing things First - We were the First Independent hostel in Dublin (possibly even Ireland)celebrating our 25th Birthday this year. We were First hostel to be computerised, First hostel to provide a sauna, internet access etc.... the list goes on and on but now we have another fantastic FIRST - perhaps the best FIRST ever - we are the first hostel in Dublin to have a Beer Garden AND WE HAVE THE CHEAPEST PINT IN THE WHOLE OF IRELAND.

Just to put things into perspective for you, our dear readers. A Pint is 0.568 261 25 litre - just in case you didn't know! The average price of a pint of beer is €4.50 (and the price depends on where you are drinking - the posh places and the tourist places charge more!). Nowhere charges €2.50 a pint - BUT BELIEVE IT OR NOT, ISAACS BACKPACKER BEER GARDEN IS NOW OPEN AND SELLING A PINT OF LAGER OR STOUT FOR ONLY €2.50 to the residents of Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn. If you are not booked into one of our hostels - sorry but you have to go elsewhere for your pint.

So get on that plane, train or automobile and come to stay with us! It's probably chepaer than staying at home.

Bumper to Bumper disco is back

The bumper to bumper disco Headphone disco is back.

The headphone disco is presented by Dublin Dance Festival in association with Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Phantom 105.2 with the station’s Jim Carroll and Michelle Doherty on the decks spinning all the best tracks, from the latest indie floor fillers to classic tunes from the 80s and 90s.

The headphone disco will start at 9 pm with gates opening at 8.30 pm. All you have to do is bring your headphone and have your radio tuned to 105.2 FM.

Tickets to this event are free but must be picked up from the Dublin Dance Festival Box office on 12 East Essex Street.

For More information click here

And don't forget when staying in Dublin, stay with us at Jacobs Inn or Isaacs Hostel

May at Jacobs Inn and Isaacs Hostel

Things are really hotting up at Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn. More and more events are planned for the summer months and the now famous Isaacs BBQ's are already running on two nights every week. Live bands regularly perform in both hostels and the best new of all is that the Isaacs Backpackers Beer Garden is now open serving the coolest and the cheapest beer in Dublin (perhaps even in Ireland)

Other events such as free walking tours, video nights (with the latest movies) and our special Italian and Mexican nights - with a beer or glass of wine plus your dinner for only €5.

We are really committed to getting the best possible deal for all our guests and our staff are constantly on the look out for new places offering good value to add to our Recommendation Board.

Have a look at our events page for up to date information on the events planned over the coming weeks.

Win Westlife tickets and accommodation in Dublin

Finally the dust has settled (or should I say Volcanic Ash) and we are gradually getting back to normal after a crazy week sorting out guests who couldn't get back home and dealing with other guests who could not get to us.

Now we are getting ready for a really busy summer in Dublin which is going to be fantastic because this summer Isaacs Hostel is celebrating it's 25th birthday - and we are going to party! - Isaacs Hostel is committed to staying forever young so watch out for our special 25th offers and deals - there are new ones every week so check out our website to keep up to date with everything.

Competitions are also coming fast and furious and in conjunction with Hostelworld, we are giving away two tickets to see Westlife plus 3 nights accommodation at Isaacs Hostel. Click here to enter the competition.

This Friday the very first Backpacker Bar will open in Dublin. Dedicated exclusively to backpacker.
There will be loads of cheap drinks with fun, games, DJS & Bands at the weekends.
2x pints €6
2x bottles €5

Opening 6 pm until late every night – pub quiz, karaoke, tapas and more!
The Backpacker Bar, Frenchman’s Lane (beside Isaacs Hostel)

OPENING THIS FRIDAY 26TH MARCH @6PM

Come along and join the party.
Don’t forget we also have a number of events happening in the hostel during the week.

Irish Night (€5 for traditional Irish Stew, Brown Bread and a fee glass of Guinness)
Italian Night (€5 for Pizza & Pasta with a glass of wine
Salsa class (Free for guests)
Free Walking Tour (free for guests)
BBQ (€5 for 6oz Burger and Beer)

For a full list of events click HERE

If you missed the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin don’t worry we have a few good video’s for you to view just log onto our facebook page to see the best ones. There was a reported 650,000 people lining the streets this year to check it out and for once the sun was shining.

Rugby Six Nations Championship - Ireland V Scotland

Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn are all set for the weekends big match.
Another hotly contested championship.

Once again the inspirational venue of Croke Park will act as the backdrop to the unfolding match excitment. A visit to Croke Park is an experience in itself - the third largest stadium in Europe holding in excess of 82,000 people!

Whether you have a ticket to the game or not the magical atmosphere of a rugby weekend in Dublin is not to be missed! Watch the game in a local bar or restaurant and you'll feel like you are in pitchside...almost!

Dont forget to check out our events page to see what is happening in the hostels this weekend.

Tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day in Dublin.
Check out what's happening in our hostels over the festival.

Tuesday - 16th
• 5pm - Irish Table quiz (about Irish Traditions, St Patrick, Ireland...etc) - prizes - Guinness
• 6pm - Irish Dancing Show
• 7pm - Irish Night

Wednesday - 17th
• First 5 people dressed up… will get a can of Guinness

More info www.isaacshostel.com & www.jacobsinn.com Events page

The Parade starts @ 12.00 from Parnell Street and will make its way down the city centre through O'Connell Street, Dame street up to Christ Church Cathedral.
If you can't make it to Dublin? Watch the Parade Live from (12 noon GMT)!
http://www.rte.ie/live/

For a full list of St Patrick’s Festival events click HERE.

HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY TO ALL.

Saint Paddy

Who Was Saint Patrick?

Even though Saint Patrick the patron saint of Ireland and one of the most celebrated religious figures around the world, the factual information about his life and times is quite vague. Most information about St. Patrick has been twisted, embellished, or simply made up over centuries by storytellers, causing much ambiguity about the real life of St. Patrick. However, there are a some elements of his story about which most scholars accept to be true.

Saint Patrick is traditionally thought to have lived "between 432-461 A.D., but more recent scholarship moves the dates up a bit." At the age of sixteen he was kidnapped from his native land of the Roman British Isles by a band pirates, and sold into slavery in Ireland. Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd and turned to religion for solace. After six years of slavery he escaped to the Irish coast and fled home to Britain.

While back in his homeland, Patrick decided to become a priest and then decided to return to Ireland after dreaming that the voices of the Irish people were calling him to convert them to Christianity.

After studying and preparing for several years, Patrick traveled back to Ireland as a Christian missionary. Although there were already some Christians living in Ireland, St. Patrick was able to bring upon a massive religious shift to Christianity by converting people of power. He is credited with converting the nobles; who set an example which the people followed."

But Patrick's desire to spread of Christianity was not met without mighty opposition. "Patrick ran into trouble with the local pagan priesthood, the druids: and there are many stories about his arguments with them as well as his survival of plots against them." He laid the groundwork for the establishment of hundreds of monasteries and churches that eventually popped up across the Irish country to promote Christianity.

Saint Patrick is also credited with bringing written word to Ireland through the promotion of the study of legal texts and the Bible. Previous to Patrick, storytelling and history were reliant on memory and orally passing down stories.

Patrick's mission in Ireland is said to have lasted for thirty years. It is believe he died in the 5th century on March 17, which is the day St. Patrick's Day is commemorated each year.

St. Patrick’s Festival. From March 12th – 17th

The whole world is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And Dublin is the stage for the biggest and best St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world, the St. Patrick’s Festival. From March 12th – 17th thousands of Irish people and visitors alike will paint the town green for six fantastic, fun-filled days.

Book your stay in Isaasc Hostel or Jacons Inn and be in centre of all the action.
Both hostels are in the heart of the city no more than 10-20 mins walk from all the attractions listed below

St. Patrick’s Festival is virtually bursting at the seams with street theatre, Irish music, dance, street spectacles, comedy, film, a treasure hunt, Irish language events, family fun and of course the best St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world.

An annual favourite, the Parade features highly original and inventive street theatre troupes, artists, giant puppetry, dancers and marching bands from Ireland and across the globe. With something for all tastes and ages and most of the events free of charge, everyone is encouraged to come along, join in and show why they’re proud to be Irish!

Full Programme Listings

Comedy

-Comedy @ The Festival

Date: Friday 12th March and Saturday 13th March
Where: The Laughter Lounge, Eden Quay, Dublin 1
Time: Doors 7pm, Show 8.30pm
Tickets: €25, boxoffice@laughterlounge.com / groups@laughterlounge.com

Join us for Comedy @ the Festival where we have a feast of comedians from the renowned Father Ted Show! Featuring Joe ‘Father Damo’ Rooney, Patrick ‘Eoin McLove’ McDonnell and Kevin ‘Father Cave’ Gildea. Nights will be themed with venue and staff in fancy dress and rinks like Mrs Doyle’s Craggy Island iced tea. Ah, ya will will ya will!

Family

-St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt, Dublin City Centre

Date: Saturday 13th March
Venue: Registration at City Hall, Dame Street
Time: Registration 10.00am – 1.00pm
Free
In Association with Q102

The St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt is a fun-filled free event for all ages, providing a unique opportunity for all the family to explore or rediscover and enjoy the city of Dublin.

Solve the clues, compete for spot prizes, complete the route and become the cleverest, fastest or best dressed team. Bonus questions along the route provided by the Irish Architecture Foundation. Crack the clues and conundrums that lie concealed in the coolest cultural venues throughout the capital. A really unique way to get to know Ireland’s capital city!

You can pre-register on http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie and beat the queues on the day.

-Big Day Out; A Festival within A Festival

Date: Sunday 14th March
Venue: Merrion Square, Dublin
Time: 12 noon – 6pm
In association with FM104
Free

A festival within a festival, featuring the cream of street theatre, performance and music in the heart of Georgian Dublin. With acts from Ireland and around the world, Big Day Out is a must for visitors and families alike! Merrion Square will become an oversized playground for both children and adults for the 2010 Big Day Out. With quirky activities in the park and on the streets, we guarantee a fun-filled day for all the family.

-St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, City Centre

Date: Wednesday 17th March
Venue: Starting from Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Time: 12 noon
Free Event

With the Parade theme in 2010 being ‘Extraordinary World’, the much anticipated annual favourite, the festival Parade features newly commissioned, highly original and inventive street theatre troupes, artists, giant puppetry, dancers and marching bands from Ireland and across the globe. Thousands are anticipated to be cheering on the city streets and many millions more tuning in to the RTE 1 broadcast on TV and live streaming on-line.

-City at Play Funfairs

Date: Friday 12th – Wednesday 17th March
Venue: Merrion Square & All around the City, Dublin
Tickets Varied

Make Dublin yours this St. Patrick’s Festival and enjoy the City at Play with Chills, Thrills and Near-Spills. A firm Festival favourite the spine-tingling Festival Funfair will lighten up both north and south side of the river Liffey alike with top-notch carnival fairgrounds, gripping high-flying attractions as well as the much-tamer kiddie rides. And don’t miss the breath-taking views of our Fair City from the 150-foot high Jubilee Wheel.

Music

-St. Patrick’s Festival Céilí

Date: Tuesday 16th March
Venue: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Time: 4pm-7pm
Free

You can immerse yourself in Irish culture and craic throughout the Festival but for the more adventurous, dance in the streets at the Festival Céilí – a contemporary outdoor celebration of traditional Irish dance. Taking place on 16th March, St. Patrick’s Eve, it will be an outdoor celebration of all things Irish and open to all – even those with two left feet!

So get out your clogs, wellies or stilettos and join in Ireland leading musicians and dancers in setting the street hopping.

-A Celebration of Irish Voices, curated by Dónal Lunny

Date: Wednesday 17th March
Venue: National Concert Hall, Dublin
Time: 8pm
Admission: From €18-€35
Tickets http://www.nch.ie Tel: 01 417 0000
Supported by the Arts Council, Traditional Arts and in association with Raidió na Life and

To mark the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, renowned Irish trad folk musician Dónal Lunny will curate and participate in A Celebration of Irish Voices. The evening will feature two of the most important choirs in the country Cór Cúl Aodh and Cór Taobh A’ Leithéid along with performances by Róisín Elsafty and Eithne Ní Chatháin.
Expect a colourful and uplifting Irish traditional music experience and an unforgettable night of music and song.

-Kila

Date: Wednesday 17th March
Venue: The Olympia, Dublin
Time: 8pm
Tickets http://www.ticketmaster.ie

Another musical festival finale - Kíla are one of Ireland's most innovative and exciting bands. The seven members come from different musical backgrounds and share a passion to create great music with an ability to absorb influences from across the globe. With its roots in traditional Irish, it features a strong percussive like singing and gorgeous melodies driven by a serious rhythmical undercurrent.

Culture & Craic

-Voices: An Evening of Big Ideas – What has Ireland done for the world?

Date:Tuesday 16th March
Venue: Tripod, Dublin
Time: 6.30pm
In association with The Dubliner Magazine
Free Event

On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, The Dubliner magazine and St. Patrick’s Festival invite you to a lively discussion as a panel of outspoken Irish personalities present reasons the world has cause to salute the Irish on 17th March.

In a unique free event you will take part in an entertaining examination of the people, achievements, innovations and historical turning points that came from this island. Expect forthright opinions as leading commentators challenge the traditional view of Ireland, demolish and rebuild reputations and invite heckles from the audience.

A limited amount of free tickets will be available for this unique gathering by registering on The Dubliner magazine's website at http://www.thedubliner.ie

-GaelSpraoi

Date: Ongoing throughout the Festival
Venue: City centre locations, Dublin
In Association with Foras Na Gaeilge & Spin103.8
Admission: Varied

Scoth na siamsaíochta! Féile lán de scléip is spraoi, neart imeachtaí saor in aisce do ghach aois ghrúpa, toighis agus cumas teanga. Cabaret Craiceáilte, Puball Gaeilge, craic agus siamsaíocht, ar fud na cathrach. Bain sult as an teanga agus an fhéile!
Gaelspraoi, St Patrick’s Festival’s Irish language celebration, an explosion of Irish-language events and entertainment, with lots of free events for all ages.

Visual Arts

-Shop If You Can, Look If You Want – Art Trail

Date: Friday 12th – Wednesday 17th March
Venue: Various Locations, Temple Bar
Times varied
In association with Temple Bar Cultural Trust
Free Event

Dublin’s Cultural Quarter Temple Bar will play host to an inspiring visual art trail “Shop If You Can Look If You Want”.

This exhibition will showcase some of the existing public art, spaces and places in the Temple Bar area, and also platform 5 innovative Irish artists and their work. Curated in conjunction with The Temple Bar Cultural Trust this event is an opportunity for visitors and Dubliners alike to experience some of our finest urban artists as part of the Festival celebrations.

Film

-Film @ The Festival

Visit the St. Patrick’s Festival website for further information on our diverse 2010 Film @ The Festival programme which includes an exclusive preview of the new John Carney (ONCE) film ZONAD (http://www.zonad.ie) on Saturday 13th which goes on general release on March 17th. We also have the firm family favourite FLIGHT OF THE DOVES (1971) as part of the Family programme at the IFI on Sunday 14th and an insightful look at stories from the markets area of Dublin in the documentary BANANAS ON THE BREADBOARD at The Lighthouse.

Walks & Talks

There are plenty of interesting walks and talks through-out the festival including; the Architectural Tour of Dublin, in association with the Irish Architectural Foundation and In the Footsteps of St. Patrick.

For More Information: http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie

Music is something which relaxes our body and soul

Music is something which relaxes our body and soul. Dubliners are friendly and relaxed people who enjoy life and music, entertainment is something they live for. Every night live Irish music is played at many of the best bars, pubs and restaurants there is so much to see and do in Dublin.
Here we provide you with a glimpse of some upcoming entertainment in Dublin.

Knights Bridge Bar- O’Connell Bridge- FREE River dance show and Irish music every night of the week.
Oliver St Gogartys –Temple Bar offer life music every night of the week.
Whelan’s Bar- Camden Street have many popular bands and musicians every night of the week.
The Village-Camden Street offer life Music and shows every night of the week.
This is just a few of our favorites but there is a lot more going on all over the city.

For a full list of Irish bars see www.dublinpubs.ie

Or watch our Facebook or events section on website www.isaacshostel.com & www.Jacobsinn.com.

Remember we have something happening in our hostels every night of the week see our Events Board in both hostels. Many of our events are FREE.

Laddy GaGa plays the point this weekend.

Laddy GaGa plays the point this weekend.
THE MONSTER BALL TOUR
STARRING...
LADY GAGA

20th FEBRUARY 2010 - sold out
21st FEBRUARY 2010 - limited tickets available

Isaacs Hostel is the closest Hostel to the 02.
Only 15 mins walk or 5 mins on the Luas outside

Lady Gaga “the biggest selling new artist of the year”
The Monster Ball will be the first chance for fans to hear live renditions of new songs from her revamped album, The Fame Monster, due for release on 20th November.

The Russian Festival 15th - 21st February an event showcasing Russian art, folk crafts, food, storytelling and music.
The Russian Cultural Festival will include photographic exhibitions in Civic Offices, Wood Quay and Light House Cinema, Smithfield. There will be lunchtime lectures on Russian topics at Council Chamber, City Hall. Music events will take place throughout the week, including DIT School of Music concert in support of the charity “To Russia with Love” in The Pepper Canister Church and performances of Russia’s Nadejda Babkina in the Button Factory Temple Bar. Pancake Day, Sunday 21st of February will see various activities for all the family taking place in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar including music performances, children’s activities including face painting, Russian storytelling, and food stalls to give a taste of Russia.

The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival 18-28 Feb
The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival is Ireland’s premiere feature film festival and takes place in Dublin over the course of eleven movie filled days and nights in February. Each year the festival plays host to the cream of Irish and International film talent by presenting the latest and most diverse that the world of cinema has to offer. As well as a comprehensive programme of films the festival offers a range of film events from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet at Gala Screenings to industry master-classes, Q&As, public interviews and panel discussions.
There couldn’t be a better time to come to Dublin, join us for some sport and culture.

Dublin Chinese New Year Festival

Dublin Chinese New Year Festival
12th - 21st Feb

Celebrating the year of the tiger, 4708th year of the Chinese calendar.
The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival will bring vibrant energy and color to Dublin this spring. Don't miss a host of arts & cultural events, exhibitions & more!
Starting the celebrations will be a Chinese carnival on Valentine’s Day.

12.00 to 19.00
Wolf Tone Park
Jervis Street
only a short 5 mins walk from the hostels

Sample the Chinese foods, visit craft stalls and be part of the celebrations with Performances FROM Dragon and Lion dancers, Tai Chi & martial arts displays. This is your Festival. Welcome to the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2010. May the year bring you blessings of great fortune!

Full Listing of Events:

Dont forget to check out our weekly list of FREE Hostel events and in house entertainment just for you.

Irland V Italy this Saturday 6th Feb 14.30.

Europe’s 6 top rugby playing nations will be aiming for glory in another hotly contested championship.
This Saturday the battle begins with Ireland v Italy kicking off at 14.30.
Once again the inspirational venue of Croke Park will act as the backdrop to the unfolding match excitement.

Whether you have a ticket to the game or not the magical atmosphere of a rugby weekend in Dublin is not to be missed! Watch the game in a local bar or restaurant and you'll feel like you are in pitchside...almost!

Dublin is famous for its craic and great pubs and a rugby weekend is always a guaranteed party weekend.

Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn are only a 15 min walk to Croke Park and a short stroll from bar's & night clubs.

Don’t forget to check out our cool new website too.
Well we think it’s cool but let us know what you think email hostel@isaacs.ie

Dublin Hostel's Break Guinness World Record.

Its official Isaacs Hostel & Jacobs Inn in connection with the DBH Hostels (Dublin’s Best Hostel’s) broke a Guinness World Record on Monday night 25th January at the HOSTELWORLD.COM 2010 Hoscars in the Button Factory Temple Bar Dublin.

There was a lot of excitement on the night as 29 backpackers’ crammed into one small bunk bed to break the record for
“Most amount of people in one Bunk Bed”

The bed supplied by Justin McCarthy from Sleeptite is usually reserved for just two backpackers’ proudly supported all 29 backpackers’.......we think we might have got more in but ran out of yellow t-shirtsheehee

Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn are proud to be part of the new innovative group of 8 of the Best Dublin City Backpacker’s who have agreed to join together to raise the standards and services of Hostels in Dublin.

Also announced at the Hostelworld.com conference is the new hostelworld.com application for your mobile, now it’s even easier for you to book your bed on your mobile.
Check it out its pretty cool....

Congratulations also to Travellers House Lisbon who won Best Hostel in the World 2009
also well done to all the other winners on the night, we plan to win next year.
Hostelworld Hoscars 2010

Festival Fever 2010

Dublin is the capital of festivals this year! Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, St. Patrick's Festival, Dublin City Soul Festival, DLR Festival of World Cultures, Dublin Theatre Festival & much much more await you in 2010!!

Save money on accommodation with beds starting from only €9 and flights from London on Ryanair only €10. There is just so much to do in Dublin. Check out the following…….

Temple Bar TradFest
27th - 31st January 2010
Celebrating its 5th birthday and running for 5 nights from January 27th - 31st, the Temple Bar TradFest promises to be bigger and better than ever! With concerts, pub trails, parades, marching pipe bands, a playground, film screenings, street performers, a restaurant trail, free street entertainment and much much more, the TradFest will certainly help you kick the January blues!

European Capital of Sport 2010
Dublin has been chosen as the European Capital of Sport for 2010! Capture our unique sporting culture at one of our national games, experience a night at the dogs (ask reception for our special passes), enjoy a round of Golf & much much more....


THE WORLDWIDE SMASH HIT MUSICAL ROCKS THE O2 DUBLIN
THE MUSICAL BY QUEEN and Ben Elton featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits!
Awe-inspiring production. With 24 of Queen’s biggest hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances, this theatrical phenomenon is not to be missed!
Tickets from €40
http://www.visitdublin.com/events/musical/Detail.aspx?id=240&mid=6484

It might be January but there is a lot going on in Dublin.
Come along and be part of it.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Following the snow last week in Dublin, the city was thrown into chaos. With the buses off the road due to treacherous conditions and thousands of commuters struggling to make their way home only to find their water has been cut.
For those of you lucky enough to be staying in Isaacs Hostel you don’t need to worry as we have turned up the heating and opened our FREE Sauna for you to warm up in after a day of exploring the city in the snow, and the city does look beautiful with snow.
We even have a new special offer with beds a little as €9 including breakfast.
Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn are located in the heart of the city 2 minutes from O’Connell Street and right beside the Bus and Train Station.

Dublin Airport has many delays so make sure you check your flight details in advance and allow yourself enough time to get to the airport.

New Year in Dublin

New Year in Isaacs Hostel & Jacobs Inn

Come and celebrate the New Year with us.
We have our last few beds available to book.

We will kick start the celebrations with our last BBQ of the year in our heated garden at 6pm on New Year’s Eve, followed by some live music in Isaacs hostel with Curt Krause.

There is a lot happening around the city too here are a few suggestions for you….
If you want to party your way into 2010 then you couldn't be in a better place than Dublin. You'll find lots of traditional Irish bars, disco bars, and nightclubs which will all have their own countdown at midnight. You'll find an excellent selection in Temple Bar – Dublin's vibrant cultural quarter. If you're heading to a restaurant then book well in advance.
Why not ring in the New Year to the sound of the Christchurch Bells which will be heard ringing throughout the entire city at midnight. This is a big tradition in Dublin city centre where hundreds of people flock to Christchurch Cathedral to hear the tolling of these famous bells. The cathedral has a record number of 19 bells. If you're going to this event then get there early – wrap up warm, get a good spot and join in with the other travelers outside the cathedral.
Other New Year's events include the Lord Mayors New Years Day Parade. This fun and entertaining parade hosts some fantastic marching bands from home and abroad. The parade starts off on Parnell Street (just north of O’Connell St,), makes its way up through Dublin’s main thoroughfare O' Connell Street where all the acts stop and perform for Dublin’s Lord Mayor.
Another New Years Day activity to enjoy is ice-skating and this year again, Smithfield on ice (at Smithfield) and 7up on Ice (in the RDS).
All events are within walking distance of both hostels so why not stay in the heart of the city this New Year.
Happy New Year to all our Guests