Smithfield Dublin Budget Guide
Emergency Numbers: Police:
112 / 999| Medical / Fire:112 / 999| Local Currency:EUR(1 USD ≈0.92EUR)
Map of Budget Spots
Section titled “Map of Budget Spots”Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation
Section titled “Cheap Beds & Emergency Accommodation”| Name | Type | Cost / Night | Address | Tips & Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generator Hostel Dublin | Hostel | 25 EUR | Smithfield Square, Dublin 7, D07 CX7V | Large budget hostel right on Smithfield Square. Book online in advance for cheapest dorm bed rates. |
Cheap Groceries & Free Meals
Section titled “Cheap Groceries & Free Meals”- Supermarket Discount Hours: Tesco Prussia Street applies yellow sticker discount markdowns daily between 18:00 and 20:00.
- Best Cheap Eats: Hot deli counter jumbo chicken fillet rolls from local Centra stores or bulk bread and baked beans from Tesco.
Discount Supermarkets
Section titled “Discount Supermarkets”| Supermarket | Best Budget Buys | Address (Google Maps) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesco Superstore Prussia Street | Tesco Everyday Value oats, canned beans, sliced bread, pasta, and store-brand milk | Prussia Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 C984 |
Free Meals & Food Banks
Section titled “Free Meals & Food Banks”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Opening Hours & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People | 29 Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 AX90 | Free breakfast Mon-Sat 8:30-11:30, hot lunch Mon-Sat 12:30-15:30. Weekly food grocery parcel distribution on Wednesdays. |
Free Water & Public Restrooms
Section titled “Free Water & Public Restrooms”Free Drinking Water Points
Section titled “Free Drinking Water Points”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus Water Refill Stations | Grangegorman Lower, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 | Free water refill points inside Central Quad building; accessible during campus opening hours. |
Free Public Toilets
Section titled “Free Public Toilets”| Location | Address (Google Maps) | Hours & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Cinema Concourse Restrooms | Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 R6YE | Clean restrooms located on the lower basement concourse level, accessible during screening hours. |
Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers
Section titled “Free Wi-Fi, Workspaces & Showers”Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets
Section titled “Places with Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets”| Place | Address (Google Maps) | Wi-Fi & Desk Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Cinema Cafe & Foyer | Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 R6YE | Free Wi-Fi and scattered power outlets in the basement seating area. Quiet space during off-peak daytime hours. |
| TU Dublin Central Quad Common Areas | Grangegorman Lower, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 | Open academic building common space with free public Eduroam/Guest Wi-Fi and abundant charging sockets. |
Note: Public Wi-Fi here is unencrypted. If accessing bank or work portals, keep NordVPN on. Grab the student rate (via Student Beans verification), or lock in the 2-year plan to save the most.
Cheap Showers & Public Baths
Section titled “Cheap Showers & Public Baths”| Location | Cost | Address (Google Maps) | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capuchin Day Centre Shower Facility | 0 EUR | 29 Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 AX90 | Free shower service for people in need on designated morning schedules (Mon, Wed, Fri), including soap and towel. |
Getting Around Cheaply
Section titled “Getting Around Cheaply”- Best Way to Move Around: Walking or NOW Dublinbikes (shared bicycles with stations at Smithfield Square and Collins Barracks)
- Standard Fare:
2EUR - Transit Scams to Avoid: None on public transit, but avoid unmetered street taxis; ensure the meter is running before departing.
SIM Cards & Internet
Section titled “SIM Cards & Internet”- Best Budget Carrier: 48 (48months.ie) / GoMo / Tesco Mobile
- How to Keep Data Costs Low: 48 operates on Three network at around €10-12.99/month on rolling basis.
Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid
Section titled “Safety, Scams & Areas to Avoid”Common Local Scams
Section titled “Common Local Scams”| Scam | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Luas Stop Distraction Pickpocketing | Keep phones and wallets inside secure pockets while waiting at or stepping off the Luas Red Line Smithfield platform. |
| Sob Story Cash Begging | Politely say ‘Sorry, no cash’ and keep moving if approached by individuals claiming to need bus or hostel fare. |
Areas to Avoid at Night:
Section titled “Areas to Avoid at Night:”Poorly lit side alleys off Chancery Street and North King Street late at night; stay on main illuminated thoroughfares.