Aspen Dublin – Ensuite Living in Dublin 11 with Cinema, Gym & Game Room
Aspen is a purpose-built student accommodation located on Ballymun Road in Dublin 11. It offers only ensuite rooms (private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen) and a set of social and fitness amenities. Below is an evidence‑based review of who this residence works for, what current residents say, how its price compares to the city average, and when to secure a room for the 2026‑27 academic year.
Who Aspen Suits (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Suits:
- Students who want a modern, full‑service building with leisure facilities. Aspen has a cinema room, a gym, and a game room. If you plan to socialise within the building or like having fitness options on‑site, this is a clear advantage.
- Those prioritising an ensuite layout. Every unit at Aspen is an ensuite, meaning you get your own washroom and share only the kitchen. For introverts or anyone who dislikes queueing for a shower, this arrangement is straightforward.
- Residents who value staff support and a secure environment. Google reviews repeatedly mention the friendliness of staff and the feeling of being looked after. One reviewer, logeshwaran inbaraj, writes: “The staff’s friendliness makes a big difference…” (source: Google, 5‑star review).
- Students attending Dublin City University (DCU) in particular. Aspen is on Ballymun Road, within walking distance of DCU’s Glasnevin campus. Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin are farther (bus or Luas required), but still reachable.
May not suit:
- Budget‑focused students. Dublin’s cheapest student property starts from €219 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). Aspen’s minimum weekly rent is €264, so it sits above the entry‑level price point. If you are trying to minimise costs, you can find cheaper shared rooms or non‑ensuite options elsewhere.
- Students who prefer a self‑contained studio or apartment with no flatmates. Aspen only offers ensuite rooms with shared kitchens. If you want a private kitchen and living space, this property does not provide that room type.
- Those concerned about location relative to Dublin city centre or UCD. Aspen is in Dublin 11, north of the city centre. While buses are frequent, it is not a central location. For UCD students (south side), the commute is longer and may involve a change of transport.
- Anyone expecting a spotless move‑in. One reviewer (Linda Stancari) noted that the ensuite room was “quite spacious, although I didn’t find it very clean” — so cleaning standards at check‑in may vary. Plan to inspect on arrival and report any issues promptly.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews are available in the data, all with a 5‑star rating. Combined with the overall Google rating of 4.4 from 200 reviews, the sentiment is largely positive. Here are the quoted comments:
shravya shetty (5 stars): “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire accommodation team for their kindness, patience, and support. Throughout a very stressful time, they guided me with care and never made me feel alone in the process. I truly appreciate the way they handled my situation and the effort they put into helping me.” — This review highlights the support staff provided during a difficult period. It suggests the management is attentive and empathetic.
logeshwaran inbaraj (5 stars): “Since December 2023, I’ve been living at Aspen Student Accommodation in Dublin, and it’s been an amazing experience. From the cinema room where I unwind with friends, to the playroom and designated smoking areas, everything here is designed for comfort and convenience. The staff’s friendliness makes a big difference…” — This long‑term resident confirms the value of the amenities and the positive impact of staff.
Linda Stancari (5 stars): “I stayed at this property for two weeks during a study holiday. The residence is modern and has every comfort. The ensuite room is quite spacious, although I didn’t find it very clean, and the common kitchen is large and has all the appliances. In addition, the property is very close to the supermarket and bus stops…” — A short‑stay user praises the space and convenience, but flags cleanliness upon arrival.
Across all three, the common themes are: helpful staff, modern facilities, and good location for basic needs (supermarket, bus stops). The only repeated criticism (implied in one review) is cleanliness at check‑in.
Price Positioning vs Dublin City’s From‑Price
Dublin’s overall student housing market has a city‑wide “from” price of €219 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That figure represents the cheapest available room (likely a shared non‑ensuite) across the 50 properties listed in Dublin on the Amber platform.
Aspen’s price range is €264 – €317 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). This positions the property firmly in the mid‑to‑upper price tier. Factors that justify the premium:
- All rooms are ensuites (private bathroom adds typically €30–60/week over a shared bathroom in Dublin).
- On‑site amenities (gym, cinema, game room) are not standard in budget listings.
- The deposit is a modest €150 (again, indicative — confirm with the operator), which is lower than many competitors that ask for one month’s rent.
If you compare Aspen’s minimum price (€264) to the city floor (€219), the difference is €45 per week. Over a 44‑week lease, that is roughly €1,980 more than the cheapest possible option. However, you get a private bathroom and leisure facilities in return.
Room‑Type Guidance
Aspen offers only one room type: ensuite. This means:
- Private bedroom with lockable door.
- Private bathroom (shower, toilet, sink).
- Shared kitchen/living area with other flatmates (typical flat size is 3–6 people).
There are no studios, no apartments, and no twin rooms. If you want your own cooking space, this is not the property.
When booking, you can usually choose the number of flatmates (e.g., a cluster of 3, 4, 5, or 6) — but check with the operator if that is available for your intake. The price variation within €264–€317 likely depends on floor level, window orientation, or the size of the kitchen group.
Booking Timing
Availability for the 2026‑27 academic year opens from 5 September 2026 (as per the data field available_from). That date is typical for the start of the academic year in Ireland (September intake). “Available from” does not mean you should wait until September to book — in practice, Dublin student accommodation fills up months in advance. For a property like Aspen, which has gym and cinema appeal, demand often peaks between November and February of the previous year.
To secure a room for September 2026, start enquiring as early as October 2025 (many operators open waiting lists or early‑bird reservations then). If you are a late applicant (after April 2026), availability will be limited and you may have to accept whatever room is left.
FAQ
H3: Is Aspen Dublin close to Trinity College or UCD?
Trinity College Dublin is roughly 4.5 km south‑west of Aspen (about 30–40 minutes by bus). University College Dublin is further, on the south side (45–60 minutes by bus + Luas). Dublin City University is the nearest major university — approximately 1.5 km, a 15‑minute walk. If you study at DCU, the location is ideal; for Trinity or UCD, it is a longer commute and you may prefer a property closer to the city centre or the south side.
H3: What is included in the rent? Are utilities extra?
The data does not specify utility inclusions, but most Dublin student accommodation includes water, electricity, heating, and high‑speed internet in the weekly price. You should confirm with the operator whether bills are included or charged separately. Aspen’s price range of €264–€317 (indicative) likely covers all utilities, but always double‑check in writing before signing a contract.
H3: Can I move in earlier than September 2026?
The available‑from date is 5 September 2026. If you need accommodation for summer 2026 (e.g., a pre‑sessional course), contact the operator directly. They may offer short‑term lets during June–August, but the standard lease runs from September to August. Early move‑ins are not guaranteed; ask about options when you enquire.
Sources & Data Date
All data (prices, reviews, Google rating, property details, city benchmarks) were sourced from the Amber platform on 2026‑07. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Google review quotes are verbatim, rating 4.4 from 200 reviews.
For live availability and current pricing, use the on‑site assistant to check room options for your preferred move‑in date.
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