Errigal Hostel (An Oige)

Errigal Hostel (An Oige) is a purpose-built hostel with clean, modern facilities. It has large common areas and well-designed rooms and makes a good base for exploring Glenveagh National Park and the Donegal area.

The Location

The hostel is located at the base of Mount Errigal in Dunlewey. It is convenient for hiking Mount Errigal, hill walking in the surrounding area, and visiting Glenveagh National Park. The hostel is located on the main road in Dunlewey. There is a gas station with an adjoining food store/deli right next door. There is a pub about five minutes down the road, and there are more pubs with traditional music in nearby towns. The hostel has free parking and it is best to have a car. It is not the easiest place to get to by bus, but there are buses that come to Gweedore. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at Dunlewey Cross, the closest stop.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The facilities here are modern and clean. The hostel can accommodate up to sixty people in a variety of rooms with two to six beds. Bed linen is included in the price but towels are available for hire. The furnishings in the rooms include a handy, lockable cupboard to put belongings with a good number of hooks. The rooms are well laid out to provide each guest with cupboard space and hooks near his/her respective bed. There are reading lights over each bed. A table with a couple chairs are also provided in the rooms -- it's a nice touch to have a place to sit, work, read, put stuff.

There are ensuite bathrooms for the private rooms, with showers that are built into the bathroom, but not enclosed. There are plenty of shared baths conveniently located for the nearby shared room. Bathrooms are stocked with hand soap and paper towels.

Common Spaces

There is a large dining area that can seat up to sixty people. It has plenty of windows, making it a bright and airy room. The large seating area is conducive to meeting other people and having the opportunity to socialize, as well as having adequate space for some privacy if desired.
There is also a living room with sofas, a fireplace, and books. A computer is available and Wi-Fi is available and included in the rate. There is a drying room and laundry on premises.

The kitchen is well equipped with three cooktops, three ovens, decent counter space, color-coded cutting boards, stacks of clean dishtowels, decent cutlery, dishes and pots. There is free coffee, tea, and sugar, and a big hot water dispenser available all the time. A place on the counter and in the fridge is set aside for "community" food that might be left to share. The kitchen has two sinks and two fridges, toaster, and microwave. It seems there might be continental breakfast, although it is not set up until about 9 in the morning.

Summary

This is a modern facility with plenty of space and logically laid-out rooms. It is clean and comfortable. Errigal Hostel is well suited for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2011