By Stacey Bridgeman
A view of the green lands of Ireland
Youth hostels are a way to see the land of St. Patrick on a budget. Instead of a room to yourself like at a standard hotel, students and young travelers share a room with two to 10 other people. For young, money-strapped travelers who are going to spend most of their time out sightseeing, hostels are a popular way to travel in Ireland.
Dublin
Dublin's attractions include the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and Dublin's Writers Museum. For as little as $21 a night (as of March 2010), you can stay at Dublin International Hostel, Dublin's only Irish Youth Hostel Association & Hostelling International Member. It has a garden area and free Wi-Fi. There's also Globetrotters/The Townhouse Hostel, just two minutes' walk from the main street, O'Connell Street. This hostel can also be booked for just about $20.
Dublin International Hostel
61 Mountjoy St.
Dublin 7, Co. Dublin, Ireland
353-1-8301766
dublininternationalhostel.com
Globetrotters/The Townhouse Hostel
46/48 Lr Gardiner St.
Dublin 1, Dublin, Ireland
01-873-5893
globetrottersdublin.com
Cork
Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland along the southwestern coast of the country. It is also the home of the world famous Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney stone. As of March 2010, the Cork International Hostel books for about $22 a night for a room with seven other people. The hostel is in a Victorian red-brick building with 96 beds. Another option is Sheila's Cork Hostel. For about $18 a night, you can stay a family-run hostel that is also Cork's longest-established independent hostel.
Cork International Hostel
1/2 Redclyffe, Western Road
County Cork, Cork, Ireland
353-0-21-4543289
corkinternationalhostel.com
Sheila's Cork Hostel
4 Belgrave Place, Wellington Road
Cork, Ireland
+353-21-4505562
sheilashostel.ie
Galway
Galway is a common stop for youth and students traveling across Europe. Sleepzone Galway Hostel is in the center of Galway City, within walking distance of Eyre Square. Accommodation is available for $21 a night, as of March 2010. There's also the Galway City Hostel across from the train station, and with views of Eyre Square. It is a smaller, more intimate hostel, and you can stay for about $25 a night.
Sleepzone Galway Hostel
Bothar na mBan, Wood Quay
County Galway, Ireland
353-0-91-566999
sleepzone.ie
Galway City Hostel
Eyre Square
Galway, County Galway, Ireland
091-566959
galwaycityhostel.com
Resources
About the Author:
Based outside Philadelphia, Stacey Bridgeman has written on numerous topics since 2006, including natural and organic family-planning, travel tips and arts and entertainment. Her articles have appeared in “KIWI” magazine, where she also ran the Web site. Bridgeman holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rowan University.
Photo Credits:
ireland,limerick image by AGITA LEIMANE from
Fotolia.com
