Since our inception in 1931, An Óige has added many hostels to our network, many of which have been franchise hostels. These franchise hostels make up a large part of our association with 11 of our 19 youth hostels around Ireland now being franchises.
While all play an important part and excel in guest relations and making sure visitors have the best stay possible, these are some of the best that you should consider staying with if visiting the Wild Atlantic Way or Ireland’s Ancient East.
Sleepzone Galway City Hostel
Galway is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations for good reason. Galway is the cultural capital of the West of Ireland, renowned for traditional music, theatre and nightlife. Galway is an ancient city, but as a university town its medieval streets and pubs throng with a young, vibrant and cosmopolitan population.
Sleepzone Galway Hostel is a spacious purpose-built hostel, with nearly 200 beds in en-suite rooms, both dormitory and private. The Galway Hostel has a fully equipped and modern self-catering kitchen which opens out onto an airy terrace with benches. Sleepzone Galway Hostel is situated in the centre of Galway City-100 metres from Eyre Square, only 3 minutes from the bus and rail terminal and close to all the city’s amenities, including pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants. Sleepzone Galway Hostel serves as the perfect gateway to the beautiful West of Ireland.
Sheilas’s Cork Hostel
Sheila’s Hostel is a family owned three storey building located on a quiet residential street with views over the rooftops of Cork City Centre.
In fact, the hostel is so close to the pulse that you can get to all of Cork’s great shops, bars and attractions with that easiest of all means of locomotion, the Nice Easy Stroll.
Rowan Tree Hostel
Located in the centre of County Clare, our newest hostel can be found in the vibrant town of Ennis. This hostel is housed on a restored 17th century aristocratic Gentleman’s club with some rooms having balconies overlooking the river Fergus. Its lively Cafe Bar, comfy communal room and bustling atmosphere has ensured that it won Lonely Planets “Top Choice” in 2012 and was a nominee for Best Hostel in the World 2014.
Our hostel is the perfect base for visiting County Clare. It is a gateway town for the Wild Atlantic Way and gives wanderers easy access to Galway and Connemara in the West and the furthest reaches of Kerry in the South West. For those who want to explore the area there are the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the strange landscapes of the Burren within easy reach. It is also a departure point for the Aran Islands. The county is a magnet for groups as diverse as surfers, archaeologists, nature-lovers, cave-explorers and traditional musicians.
Newgrange Lodge
Newgrange Lodge is located only 5 mins walk away from the Newgrange Visitors Centre – Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Palace of the Boyne) a must-see for tourists visiting Ireland.
Newgrange Lodge Hostel was formerly an old farmhouse but was lovingly restored as a Luxury hostel located in the heart of the historical and picturesque Boyne Valley region – also known as the Valley of the Kings. Perched on seven acres of land, the hostel overlooks the world-famous UNESCO heritage sites of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, a must-see for tourists visiting Ireland!
All rooms in this Meath Hostel are en-suite, equipped with a power shower, cable TV, free internet access and self-adjusting room thermostat and all guests get a free hearty continental breakfast as well as free parking. Combine this with the fact that it also has free secure luggage storage, cable TV, a 24-hour reception, a BBQ and great outdoor recreational areas and it’s easy to see why this is a luxury rated hostel!
Newgrange Lodge Hostel provides a unique and popular venue in County Meath for the independent traveller, families and groups alike. Excellently located within 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and city, the hostel is half way between Dublin and Belfast just off the main M1 motorway.
Located opposite the world-famous UNESCO Heritage site of Newgrange, an ancient passage tomb over 5000 years old – that’s 500 years older than the Great Pyramids and 1000 years older than Stonehenge! Visit the burial chamber in Newgrange where the whole tomb lights up on only one day a year for 17 minutes on the Winter Solstice, showing the advanced thinking of the time. There’s a huge lottery list of people for this event – add your name you might get lucky!
Newgrange hostel provides an excellent base from which to explore the amazing attractions within the region including the Battle of the Boyne Heritage Centre, the Hill of Tara from where the High Kings of Ireland once ruled the country, Trim Castle, Monasterboice, Mellifont Abbey and the quaint village of Slane. Slane is home to the impressive Slane Castle famous for hosting some of Ireland’s most famous and legendary rock concerts. Past concerts include U2, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, the Kings of Leon and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Newgrange Lodge Hostel is a fantastic hostel where you will thoroughly enjoy your stay as you’re intrigued by the surrounding mythical lands and excellent Irish Hospitality.
Lakeland House
Located near the beautiful shore of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Lakeland House is a true gateway to Connemara and an excellent place to stay to enjoy the West of Ireland experience. Did you know that Lough Corrib is Europe’s premier destination for fly fishing? This combined with the beautiful walks makes this youth hostel a favourite with those that love nature and the outdoors.
Cong is one of Ireland’s most unique towns and popular destinations most famous as the setting for the John Wayne movie “The Quiet Man”. The classic film starring “The Duke” and Maureen O’Hara, was shot here in 1951 and ever since it has attracted movie buffs that come here to visit the stunning film locations.
As well as a beautiful rustic setting, Cong offers many activities to suit your interests in the great outdoors – in fact – it covers nearly all of them! Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, cruising on Lough Masks and Corrib and the River Cong. Clay pigeon shooting, abseiling, woodland zip wiring and tree-climbing, archery, mountain biking, pedal and paddle, pony trekking, mountain climbing, hiking and forest walks – You’ll find you are spoiled for choice with activities in Cong.
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