- selected by -
- one of ireland's original independent hostels
Here are some hostels we like or have heard recommended.
We look for a laid-back, individual touch.
All are well run, with facilities at least adequate.
There are lots of other hostels just as good.
Thanks to Bernard Davis for many of these reviews
You can visit Bernard at Irish Hostelling Online
An Oige & hini are "official" hostels, and may ask for membership
BELFAST
Arnie's Backpackers - 63 Fitzwilliam St -
tel: (from N.I. 028 - / from Eire 048 - ) 90 242867
Warm & friendly townhouse, a few steps from Queens University.
PORTSTEWART
Causeway Coast Hostel - 4 Victoria Terrace -
tel: (from N.I. 028 - / from Eire 048 - ) 70 833789
Adequately comfortable, very sociable townhouse in this pleasant resort.
OMAGH
Omagh Independent Hostel - 9a Waterworks Road
tel: (from N.I. 028 - / from Eire 048 - ) 82 241973
A friendly hostel on a hill a couple of miles out of town, where you'll get a warm welcome.
MALIN HEAD
Sandrock Holiday Hostel - Port Ronan Pier - 077 70289
Malin Head Hostel - 074 9370309
When our learned friend Chris Scherney named his little girl Malin, he knew what he was doing. It's one of the most charming corners of Ireland. Catch it in late summer when the fuscia and montbretia are burning red and orange on the hills. These two cosy, friendly hostels may be busy so book ahead, and enjoy!
CROLLY
Screag-an-Iolair Mountain Centre - Tor - 074 9548593
Eagle's Crag ; a haven for hill-walkers and musicians, this is a hostel which we recommend highly.
GLENCOLMCILLE
Dooey Hostel - 074 9730130
Sunk into the rock as if built by trolls. This is the fortress of the O'Donnells, the leading lights of independent hostelling; and friendly you'll find them. A great landscape; next stop, Boston.
KILCAR
Derrylahan Hostel - 074 9738079
Another pioneer of independent hostels, this place bubbles with good spirits
BALLYCONNELL
Sandville House - 049 9526297
That's us.
co. mayo
BALLINA
Salmon Weir Hostel - 096 71903
Excitingly located literally over our best salmon river, a good comfort base.
POLLATOMISH
Kilcommon Lodge - 097 84621
Fritz & Betty know exactly how to run a hostel in the far, lost west...
ACHILL ISLAND
The Valley Hostel - Doogort - 098 47204 www.valley-house.com
Nothing wrong with this.
KILMEENA
Country School Hostel - 098 41099
Converted schoolhouse with a growing reputation for comfort; good base to visit Westport.
CROSS
The Courtyard Hostel - 094 9546203
In characterful buildings of a 300-year-old house, this hostel prides itself on being a relaxed, sit-down-and-put-your-feet-up kind of place, and hostellers appreciate that. - B.D.
INISHBOFIN
Inishbofin Island Hostel - 095 45855
This quiet island has its charms, but the hostel is unexceptional. But time after time the magic of the place comes alive, strangers meet here, and come away raving about the place.....- B.D.
CLEGGAN
The Master's House - 095 44748
Old Harbour Master's cottage in tiny fishing village, this hostel proves it's possible to provide high standard accommodation while enhancing the character of a traditional building. - B.D.
GALWAY
Salmon Weir Hostel - 091 56113
Beds can be hard to find in Galway. Try Salmon Weir first, for real comfort on a smaller scale; then try the others on the lists.
ARAN ISLANDS
Mainistir House - 099 61169
The Aran Islands are such a destination that you may have to just take what you can find, but this hostel, of national repute for eating, is a good bet.
COROFIN
Village Hostel - 065 6837683
Good family-run home from home; bring your family & they will know your needs - B.D
DOOLIN
Aile River Hostel - 065 7074260
Several good hostels in Doolin, the Irish music Mecca; try this well converted farmhouse first.
BALLINGARY
Trainor's Hostel - 069 68164
The old village hotel is now a comfortable hostel - with many original features intact. Bar, lounge with interesting reading selection, all mod cons kitchen. - B.D.
BOTHAR BUI
Tigh an Phiost Hostel - 066 9155109
In an unspoilt corner of old Ireland nestling under Mt. Brandon; this was once a family house, and you can still look at the photos in the living-room. A good base for Dingle (9km) - B.D.
CAHERDANIEL
Travellers Rest - 066 9475175
The tropical trees outside the door give no indication of what you will find inside. Here is Irish cottage style for the 90s - modern kitchen with traditional dresser, victorian common room, a cheerful upstairs in pink and white. The mix of old & new works splendidly - B.D.
KILLARNEY
Bunrower House Hostel - 064 33914
15 min. walk out of town; simpler, more relaxed and the place to be in hot weather, when you can sun yourself at the hostel's own beach down at the lake... - B.D.
LISTOWEL
Billeragh House Hostel - 068 40321
Live the life of minor Irish gentry at this pint-sized country house 3m. from Listowel. The ivy-covered front hides a hostel that will not disappoint. - B.D.
LOUGH GUITANE ( 12km. S. of Killarney, 6km. E. of Muckross )
Peacock Farm Hostel - 064 33557
When a hostel develops a reputation like this one, something's right. Wonderful views, friendly service, and of course the peacocks, make this a recommended stop.
WATERVILLE
Peter's Place - 066 9474608
Peter has shared his home with backpackers for a long while, and many have left their mark. It's small, so be quick to check it out when you arrive; this is the real McCoy.
GLENGARRIFF
Cottage Bar & Restaurant - 027 63226
From outside this hostel looks avoidable; but within, says B.D., is a delightful wood-panelled 7-bed cottage hostel which gives the tacky Glen a new charm.
SKIBBEREEN
The Russagh Mill Hostel & Adventure Centre - 028 22451
Mill conversion with stone walls, iron pillars & even much machinery still in place. Imaginative use of space, including conservatory / commonroom. Character by the bucketload. - B.D.
CORK CITY
Arran House Tourist Hostel - 021 551566
Loadsa hostels here, try this first! A warm welcome, says B.D., in a relaxed town house, where the character hasn't been knocked out of the place by renovations.
Cork International Youth Hostel - 021 543289 An Oige
An Oige hostels have generally figured on this list on account of their remoteness. Now here's an ultra new city hostel, which B.D. says is very good indeed. So. Try it second !
Cork City Independent Hostel - 021 509089
Candles, incense, psychedelic shower cubes...hell, why not try this one first !
LISMORE
Kilmorna Farm Hostel - 058 54315
Delightful, stylish hostel in rebuilt farmyard. Purpose-built beds at 2 / 3 a room, spices in the rack,and a denim-covered sofa from which to look out at life in the modern farmyard. - B.D.
HARNEY'S CROSS 9km SE of Clonmel
Power's the Pot - 052 23085
Traditional cottage hostel in the hills. Very relaxed. If you manage to find it.
CASHEL
O'Brien's Farmhouse Hostel - 062 61003
We've heard nothing but good of this farm, a few minutes walk from the famed Rock of Cashel.
KILCORAN
Kilcoran Farmhouse Hostel - 052 41906
Beautifully conceived self-built hostel on smallholding; round pole timbers support one of Ireland's first grass roofs, lending character to 2 / 3 bed rooms. Kitchen a bit cramped - B.D.
Lots of hostels in Dublin, & it can still be hard to find a bed. Here are 4 to try first:
Abraham House - 82 Lower Gardiner St Dublin 1 - 01 8550600
Handy for bus station with a reputation for value, care & attention.
Abbey Hostel - 29 Batchelors Walk Dublin 1 - 01 878070
Riverside in centre of city, every convenience, a top-notch city hostel; a few ££ more.
Morehampton Hostel - 78 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 7 - 01 6688866
For a good night's sleep, take a 30-min walk (or a couple of metro stops) to this comfortable, relaxed, utterly superior hostel, and wind down a bit.
Celts House - 32 Blessington St. Dublin 7 - 01 8300657
A small well-run hostel by a quiet park 1km N of O'Connell Bridge. Worth the walk.
BALLYCONNELL
Sandville House Hostel - 049 9526297
Catch this beautiful lakeland area before the crowds do, it's perfect for cycling !
that's all folks !
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