Our Story
Connecting people with Ireland’s landscapes, culture and communities since 1931.
Who We Are
More Than a Place to Stay
An Óige is Ireland’s youth hostel association and a not-for-profit organisation with a long tradition of opening up the country’s landscapes, culture and heritage to young people and the young at heart.
Since 1931, we have created affordable, welcoming places where people can pause, explore and connect. Today, our four distinctive hostels continue that tradition, offering memorable stays shaped by their surroundings, their communities and the stories of the places they call home.
Our Roots
A Spirit of Adventure Since 1931
An Óige was founded as part of the international youth hostel movement, with a simple but powerful purpose: to help more people experience the countryside, discover new places and develop a lasting appreciation for Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage.
From the beginning, our hostels offered more than affordable accommodation. They created opportunities for friendship, independence, outdoor adventure and cultural exchange, bringing people together through shared experiences in some of Ireland’s most remarkable places.
Much has changed since 1931, but that founding spirit remains at the heart of An Óige. We still believe that travel should bring people closer to nature, to one another and to the places they visit.
What Guides Us
Travel With Purpose
Our work is shaped by a belief that travel should be affordable, welcoming and meaningfully connected to the landscapes, culture and communities around us.
An Óige Today
Rooted in Heritage, Shaped for Today
An Óige has evolved to meet the needs of today’s travellers while remaining true to the principles on which it was founded.
Alongside affordable accommodation for walkers, hikers and explorers, our hostels now welcome families, school and community groups, wellness retreats, outdoor programmes, volunteers and cultural gatherings.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we focus on creating welcoming, place-based experiences that bring people closer to Ireland’s landscapes, heritage and communities. Income is reinvested in our hostels, our people and the places we serve.
Our Places
Four Hostels, Each With Its Own Story
Our four hostels are shaped by their landscapes, histories and communities. Together, they offer four distinctive ways to experience Ireland.
Each of our hostels offers its own distinctive setting, character and experience. Explore the full An Óige hostel network and find the stay that’s right for you.
Be Part of the Story
Stay Somewhere That Means More.
At An Óige, a stay is never just about where you sleep. It is about the places you discover, the people you meet and the connections you carry with you.
Come and experience an An Óige hostel — welcoming places where remarkable landscapes, shared experiences and a genuine sense of connection come together.