A Star Backpackers, an Irish hostel group, has recently sold a development site on Sackville Place in Dublin city centre to Firethorn Trust, a UK real estate investor and developer. This marks Firethorn Trust’s first acquisition outside of the UK.
The founders of A Star Backpackers, Brendan Smyth and Joseph O’Leary, acquired the site from Technological University Dublin for €5.5m. After securing planning permission for a six-storey, 588-bed hostel, the value of the site has significantly increased.
Firethorn Trust, in partnership with real estate investment managers SW3 Capital, will be responsible for delivering the hostel. SW3 Capital has previously invested in several residential projects in Dublin. The exact amount paid by Firethorn Trust for the site has not been disclosed.
Situated opposite the Moxy Hotel on the corner with Marlborough St, the hostel’s ground floor and basement will feature modern communal social spaces including a bar, cafe, and lounge. These amenities will be open to both hostel guests and the public. The hostel will offer a variety of accommodation options, including double, triple, and quadruple bunk dormitory rooms, as well as private double rooms, with a focus on providing affordable rates.
Upon completion, Firethorn Trust will oversee the operational management of the hostel in collaboration with SW3 Capital. The purchasers were advised by JLL, a real estate advisory firm.
Construction is scheduled to commence in the spring of next year, with an anticipated completion date of January 2027. The hostel’s convenient location near Clery’s Quarter and its modern amenities are expected to attract both local and international visitors to the vibrant city of Dublin.
