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Unique Hostles in Ireland

Unique Hostels

On our Budget Adventures we use a selection of unique 'top grade' hostels and occasionally the odd small budget hotel.

Spotlessly clean, characterful, and in great places are just some of the key ingredients in the selection of our unique hostels. All Budget Adventures include shared dorm accommodation and continental breakfast each morning, but often there is an opportunity to upgrade to a private double for a small additional cost. If you would like to confirm a private room in advance, drop us a line and we will do our best to facilitate your request.

We have featured a selection of the unique hostels we use on tour below for you to take a browse through, though please note that the hostels we use change from tour to tour depending on availability.

City Backpacker, Belfast

Belfast City Backpacker is a fresh, vibrant and unpretentious hostel offering a fresh, clean and safe place to stay in the heart of the City’s Golden Mile district near the magnificent Queens University Building, Botanical Gardens and Ulster Museum. Oozing Irish charm, it's full of contemporary character in its renovated Victorian terrace setting and has to be one of Belfast's friendliest places to stay!
Cork City Youth Hostel

Tonight we stay in the newly renovated Cork Youth Hostel situated just outside the centre of Cork City. It's a lovely situation opposite Cork University College in a magnificent old handsome red-brick building dating from Victorian times. It's a cheerful, friendly place run by Billy, Breda and their happy team just a short 10-minute walk along the River Lee from the lively heart of Cork City.
Errigal Hostel, Donegal

This is brand new, purpose built hostel situated in the beautiful and wild ruggedness of the local area of Dunlewey that has attracted travelers here for decades. It sits at the foot of Donegal's highest mountain, Errigal - and close to the edge of Dunlewey Lough which is beautiful for an evening stroll. We'll explore Glenveagh National Park from here, with its stunning lakeside castle.
Global Village, Belfast

Situated in a beautifully converted 19th Century building, this lovely hostel is in the bustling Queens Quarter near the magnificent Queens University Building, The Botanical Gardens and The Ulster Museum. It's a really clean, friendly place that has been coverted in such a way as to leave lots of the original charm and character of the old building. It's also near Botanical Avenue, a hotspot for great cafes, restaurants and bars.
Gyreum Eco Village, Sligo

Situated overlooking Lough Arrow and nestling in the heart of Sligo's cairn topped mountain, The Gyreum, Ireland's first ecolodge to be awarded the EU Eco-Label for tourist accommodation, offers a venue like none other! The Gyreum is hostel-style accommodation, but with an eco-difference. Along with a zero-carbon footprint, the lodge has an organic veggie garden and a sauna. It makes for an intresting place to stay – if only all our hostels were so eco-friendly!
Jacob's Inn, Dublin

Jacob's Inn is a really lovely purpose built, comfortable backpacker's hostel in Dublin. It's right in the heart of Dublin city centre and has really clean, modern, en-suite rooms and super facilities. It's just a really nice place to hang out, if you've just arrived and don't know anybody in Dublin yet. It also has lots of private accommodation which can be really nice if you're starting or ending your tour in Dublin and want that extra bit of privacy for the night.
Kilronan Hostel, Aran Islands

Situated just minutes from the pier in Kilronan, this hostel is at the heart of local life on the island of Inis Mor. Staying on the Island for the evening is a totally unique expereince and gives you a completly different perspective to taking a day trip. The hostel is bright and cheery and features its very own pub just downstairs! You can choose how to have your eggs in the morning, after picking your own from the local freerange farm!
Portmagee Hostel, Ring of Kerry

Situated on the Ring-of-Kerry, in the tiny fishing village of Portmagee this contemporary hostel is lovely, spacious, fresh and bright. It's also only a stones throw to the local Bridge Bar at the Moorings, which features a 'traditional session' (music and sometimes dancing) on the night we visit! There are also many stunning walks and bike rides over to the famed Valentia Island which is just accross the bridge.
Rowan Tree Hostel, Ennis

As hostels go, they don't get much better than this! A beautiful, newly restored converted Georgian building built in 1740. The Rowan Tree Hostel has a lovely relaxed, friendly atmosphere and boasts its own cafe Café Bar, which is really popular amongst the locals. It's situated right in the heart of Ennis town opposite the Friary and just a stones throw from local traditional pubs which feature traditional music sessions most nights.
Sandrock Hostel, Inishowen

This simple hostel is situated on Ireland's Inishowen Peninsula in the islands most northernly point at Malin Head. It's a small, cosy hostel situated in the most spectacular spot directly overlooking a little fishing pier and beach with magnificent views out over the bay to the highlands of Donegal. Three pubs are within walking distance from the hotel, where local fish is a speciality. Alternatively you can visit Charlie, a local fisherman, to buy your own Lobster or crabs to cook up in the hostel kitchen.
Skellings Hostel, Ring of Kerry

This lovely hostel is situated in a beautiful quite spot on the Ring-of-Kerry in the village of Ballinskelligs, with its stunning beach. In the evening you can take a beautiful walk or cycle out to famed Valentia Island and look forward to a creamy pint on your retun in the Bridge Bar at the Moorings, which features a ‘traditional session’ (music and sometimes dancing) on the night we visit!
Sleepzone Hostel, Connemara

This Connemara Hostel is spectacularly situated in the heart of Connemara overlooking The Killary – Ireland's only fjord - which runs 16km from the village of Leenane to where it opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. In his famous book of 1,000 'Unforgettable Places To See Before You Die' Steve Davey included Killary Harbour in the Top 40! Built in the late 1800s, the former hunting lodge has now been converted into one of Ireland’s most comfortable, friendly hostels offering stunning views and an amazing setting for leisurely walks and cycles.
Sleepzone, Galway

Voted one of Ireland's top hostels, Sleepzone is situated in the center of vibrant Galway City and just a short distance from the pedestrian cobbled shopping area with its colorful buildings, lively street entertainers and traditional vibes. It's a friendly, modern hostel only minutes from some of Galway's best pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants but unlike some hostels it's an alcohol free zone keeping the party out in the city!
Snoozles, Galway

Situated in the heart of the vibrant city of Galway, just meters from Eyre Square, this modern cosmopolitan hostel is happy, bright and cheerful! It offers great dorms and private rooms and is a leisurely, safe place to stay in the centre of all the action! Close to all the city’s amenities, including pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants it's a great place to explore all that colourful Bohemian Galway has to offer.
The Hideout Hostel, Dingle

A super hostel, just a few minutes' walk from the heart of pretty Dingle town. It's run efficiently by Padraig, its friendly owner who keeps this cosy place shipshape! We're just a short stroll from the harbor where local fishermen can be seen tending their fishing nets and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of a famed bottlenose dolphin called 'Fungi'. In the evening, Dingle's 'hidden pubs' come alive such as Foxy John's, where the same shop doubles as a pub and a hardware store!
The Rainbow Hostel, Dingle

Just outside pretty Dingle town is the family-owned Rainbow Hostel, situated at the begining of the Slea Head Peninsula. A short walk will take you to the the working harbour where local fishermen can be seen tending their fishing nets and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of a famed bottlenose dolphin called 'Fungi'. In the evening, Dingle's 'hidden pubs' come alive such as the traditional Foxy John's, where the same shop doubles as a pub and a hardware store!
West Cork Hostel, Skibereen

Located in the heart of the colorful West Cork Town of Skibereen, this bright clean hostel boasts its very own award winning restaurant and pub. A popular spot amongst the locals and travellers alike, it’s a great place to encounter local traditions and culture – especially when a big match is underway! On the evening of our visit, you’ll have the option to head out on a starlight kayaking trip on the local river or opt to go in search of the vibrant traditional music scene.
Youth Hostel, Dublin

Known widely for its friendly, helpful and efficient staff the Dublin Youth Hostel is a great place to stay in Dublin. It's slightly disadvantaged by its location – a ten minute walk to central Dublin - but this is compensated by its clean, comfy rooms and cosy atmosphere. Magnificently situated in a refurbished Georgian building, which served as a school and convent in past times, it boasts the most triumphal breakfast/dining room which is located in the old nun's chapel!