Black Valley Youth Hostel, Kerry

FOR BOOKINGS & QUERIES, PHONE: +353 (0)1 830 4555 or EMAIL: info@anoige.ie

TO CONTACT THE HOSTEL DIRECTLY, PHONE: +353 (0)64 663 4712

Black Valley, it is said, got its name from the fact that it was one of the last places in Ireland to get electricity and it is indeed in a world of its own in this relatively untouched and remote part of Ireland. In summer it springs into life with horse-drawn tours through the narrow Gap of Dunloe from Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

This fantastic Kerry hostel is located approx 12km (8 miles) from the small Beaufort village and perfectly situated for many off-the-beaten-track activities. This corner of Ireland is truly breathtaking and very popular with Irish and international tourists alike due to its beauty!

It is located on the Kerry Way and the Macgillycuddy Reeks and Carrauntoohill are both accessible from the hostel. The Macgillycuddy Reeks are the highest mountains in Ireland – a challenge to all hikers and hill-walkers! The hostel is also 2km (1 and ¼ miles) from Killarney National Park, now home to the white tailed Sea Eagles.

Its stunning location makes this hostel ideal for any visitors looking to discover the natural beauty of Ireland. Enjoy the spectacular scenery while horse riding at the nearby Gap of Dunloe or fishing and boating in the Upper Lakes of Killarney and with the hostel's *new* outdoor BBQ area, you can cook what you catch!

If you prefer to rely on motorised vehicles instead of horses, the hostel is a great base to use to drive the Ring of Kerry, Beara Peninsula and Dingle Peninsula.

Opening Dates and Times

OPENING DATES: 1 March – 31 October

OPENING TIMES: 5pm – 11pm (Hostel is closed from 11am to 5pm)

CHECK- IN: 5pm – 11pm

You’ll find the best cheap accommodation in Kerry in Black Valley Hostel and the best hostel in terms of the quality of your stay!

Managers Michael and Eileen Tangney will be happy to welcome you to their hostel!

ADDRESS: Near Beaufort, Killarney, County Kerry

FOR BOOKINGS: +353 (0)1 830 4555

or EMAIL: info@anoige.ie

HOSTEL PHONE: +353-(0)64-66 34712

DIRECTIONS

We’re sure you can navigate around yourself – but here’s a helping hand with plenty of travel choices available!

GPS Details

Decimal: Latitude 52.069266 North Longitude 9.636939 West

Minutes & Hours: Latitude 52° 04’ 09” North Longitude 9° 38’ 13” West

Road/Car/Coach: Take the Killarney - Kenmare Rd, N71 (also known as the Ring of Kerry) and follow the signs for the Black Valley, after Moll's Gap. Turn right after the next crossroads.

Public Bus: Take the Killarney – Kenmare services and alight at Derrycunnihy which is at the junction of the Kerry Way. Pull on your walking shoes though: from here you walk through the National Park towards the Gap of Dunloe (approx 6km or 3 ½ miles) – but a most enjoyable walk in beautiful surroundings!

For details on bus timetables and schedules see the Bus Eireann website. (Bus Eireann is the Irish Bus service). Make sure the bus route is passing through Derrycunnihy though!

Rail: Use Irish Rail information to get to the nearest train station which is in Killarney - 21km/approx 13 miles away. Then use transport as above!

MAP:

View Larger MapView Larger Map

This 45 bedded hostel is a modern hostel with a TV room and self-catering kitchen. A shop is located on the back of the hostel where you can buy your supplies. Family rooms are also available and the manager can give you information on walking routes in the area.

Meals

Breakfast is not included but there is a fully stocked self-catering kitchen for the use of guests and also a shop at the back of the hostel to provide you with basic supplies.

Black Valley Hostel boasts all the usual characteristics of an excellent hostel including:

• *NEW* BBQ Area for guests’ use

• Self catering kitchen

• Comfy TV lounge and open fireplace

• Free private parking

• Free WIFi

• Linen provided for €2.00

• Shop on Premises

YES – we have FAMILY ROOMS

YES – we have a SELF CATERING KITCHEN

YES – we have FREE PARKING

YES – we have a comfy TV LOUNGE

YES – we have FREE WiFi

YES – we have a *NEW* BBQ Area

The Black Valley is rather renowned for being off-the-beaten-track and the place that you go to get away from it all, however, if you’re looking for places to visit, there’s always a few around worth checking out!

The main attraction with this hostel is its remote location for hikers or those who are just enjoying a break from modern life while taking in the serene and awe-inspiring surroundings!

However, it is also well located for exploring Kerry with a car and many guests many enjoy using Black Valley as the base for their stay while doing day-trips.

ATTRACTIONS – cultural and historical

Use your An Óige/Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following attractions in the area:

1. Muckross House, Gardens, & Traditional Farms

2. Derrynane House

3. Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir - The Blasket Centre

4. Ross Castle

Muckross House and Gardens

Within Killarney National Park is Muckross House - a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House.

The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery in the adjacent walled garden centre.

Derrynane House

This is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell - yes, he whom the famous O’Connell Street in Dublin is named after! This lawyer, politician and statesman was known as “The Liberator” or “The Emancipator” and a key figure in Irish history. Situated on 120 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast, the House displays many relics of O'Connell’s life and career. It’s located 3.5km (approx 2 miles) from Caherdaniel (off N70 - "Ring of Kerry").

ACTIVITIES

Hiking/Walking:This is the place to come for some fantastic views and walks! The Kerry Way is one of Ireland's longest signposted walking trails (200km+ or 124+ miles) and also one of the most popular. The trail starts and finishes in the busy tourist destination of Killarney. It loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.

With our sister hostel Killarney International Hostel situated 15km away in Fossa it makes a good alternative start to the Kerry Way walking through the Gap of Dunloe between the two hostels. In addition, walking this stretch avoids repeating the section between Killarney and Galway's Bridge at the official start and end of the trail.

Hill-walkers staying an extra day in Black Valley may wish to climb Carrauntoohil (1,039m) or Purple Mountain (832m). These mountains do not have sign-posted trails, so good navigational skills are essential to tackle these summits – ask when you’re booking about our free guides – An Óige volunteers are sometimes available to lead a small group on a hike!

Horse Riding: You can hire horses and riding equipment and make your own way through the famous Gap of Dunloe – a great experience!

Fishing/Boating: You can hire fishing equipment and boats at the Upper Lakes of Killarney and close to the hostel Gearahmeen River can be fished for salmon and trout – perfect for the BBQ later!

Entertainment: From 2012 onwards we will have our *new* Outdoor BBQ area available for guests’ use.

Nightlife and Eating out:

Beaufort Bar and Restaurant (13km/8 miles from the hostel)

Beaufort, Killarney

Co. Kerry

Tel: +353 (0) 64 44032

This immaculate establishment near the Gap of Dunloe is a pleasure to visit. The pride taken by the family in running this fine pub is obvious. Children are welcome.

Kate Kearney’s Cottage (8km/5 miles from the hostel)

The Bar and Craft Shops are open 7 days a week from 10am each day.

They serve bar food daily from 12noon until 8pm.

Our restaurant is open for dinner, Sunday lunches and group bookings.

Don’t miss their Traditional Irish Nights with dinner (CIE Awarded two years running!), and includes traditional music, dancing and plenty of craic (Irish for “fun”!!).

Ask at the Reception for some ideas on where to go during your time in Kerry!

As with all accommodation, prices vary depending on the season and sometimes also whether you stay at the weekend which can sometimes cost a little more.

Please note: the prices below are indicative of the price range for the hostel – use our booking engine to get an exact price for your booking.

Keep an eye out for our packages and special offers which can save you €€€s and also, if you are a group of 10+ we also give group discounts where possible.

Lastly if you are a member of An Óige/Hostelling International, you will get a 10% discount on accomodation costs in our hostels per person, per night (see the Ts & Cs for that!). Make sure your membership card is up to date or order a new one now!

HOSTEL RATES

*Price for the hostel does not include sheet hire. Sheet hire is a once-off price of €2.00.*

Prices below are based on standard dorm rooms. Ask us about up-grades and family rooms

• Under 18s per person €14.00 (low season) up to €16.00 (high season)

• Over 18 per person €16.50 (low season) up to €17.00 (high season)

Low Season: October – April High Season: May - September

Want to rent the Whole Hostel…?

You can rent out the whole hostel for special occasions (reunions, parties) or even if you just want the run of the place! See below for the room breakdown.

Rent-a-hostel for Black Valley is only €400-500 per night with further discounts when booking 3 nights or more. Please contact groups@anoige.ie with any enquiries.

ROOM BREAKDOWN

Hostel Room Details

Room Type

Quantity

4 bed private room

1

6 bed dorm

1

8 bed dorm

2

12 bed dorm

1

Family Room en-suite (1 double + 3 singles-bunk beds)

1

Family Room en-suite (1 double + 2 singles-bunk beds)

1

Total Number Beds

45