The Hostelz.com Review
Killeany Lodge Pilgrim Hostel is perfect for those who want something different -- peaceful and rustic, and giving the sweet sensation of a house where time has stopped long ago.
The Location
The hostel is situated in Killeany, on the east corner of Inis Mor. It's advisable to rent a bike because it's quite a walk from Kilronan. Be prepared to ride up a steep lane, but once you're there, the place is worth the effort.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Our private room had three wooden bunk beds equipped with bright colored duvets, a shelf, and an armchair near the window -- all spotlessly clean. No doors in the house have locks -- not even the entrance door. There is a common bathroom with two toilets and two showers, all very clean. It's on the far side of the house and you have to cross the kitchen to use it.
Common Spaces
The kitchen is large and well equipped with two stoves (one of them was out-of-order during our stay) and lots of plates/pans, but there's no microwave oven. Everything is very clean. Food can be stored in a big fridge, and there is opportunity to buy eggs and organic vegetables. The living room is absolutely fantastic, with a high ceiling, a big fireplace, and cozy armchairs. Two tables are used for breakfast and dinner. There is no TV nor computer for guests. Also, it is forbidden to smoke, drink, and use portable phones. The staff (Laura and Filippo) are extremely kind and ready to help -- Filippo gave us info on Teampall Beanain and how to reach it (we couldn't have managed to see it without that).
Summary
The general impression is a sense of peace. Obviously, one has to cope with some drawbacks -- the distance from Kilronan and other places of interest and a common bathroom. This place is recommended to families.
The Location
The hostel is situated in Killeany, on the east corner of Inis Mor. It's advisable to rent a bike because it's quite a walk from Kilronan. Be prepared to ride up a steep lane, but once you're there, the place is worth the effort.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Our private room had three wooden bunk beds equipped with bright colored duvets, a shelf, and an armchair near the window -- all spotlessly clean. No doors in the house have locks -- not even the entrance door. There is a common bathroom with two toilets and two showers, all very clean. It's on the far side of the house and you have to cross the kitchen to use it.
Common Spaces
The kitchen is large and well equipped with two stoves (one of them was out-of-order during our stay) and lots of plates/pans, but there's no microwave oven. Everything is very clean. Food can be stored in a big fridge, and there is opportunity to buy eggs and organic vegetables. The living room is absolutely fantastic, with a high ceiling, a big fireplace, and cozy armchairs. Two tables are used for breakfast and dinner. There is no TV nor computer for guests. Also, it is forbidden to smoke, drink, and use portable phones. The staff (Laura and Filippo) are extremely kind and ready to help -- Filippo gave us info on Teampall Beanain and how to reach it (we couldn't have managed to see it without that).
Summary
The general impression is a sense of peace. Obviously, one has to cope with some drawbacks -- the distance from Kilronan and other places of interest and a common bathroom. This place is recommended to families.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
July 2008
Their Description
Special Note from Hostelz.com: Killeany Lodge Pilgrim Hostel is no longer listed in any of the hostel booking systems, and the website we had listed for it is no longer up. There is a good chance they may have closed down. If you have any information about it, please let us know with the Listing Update Form.
For alternative options in Aran Islands, see the Aran Islands Hostels list.
For alternative options in Aran Islands, see the Aran Islands Hostels list.
Killeany Lodge Pilgrim Hostel DetailsDetails
Checkout: 10:00 (10 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Size: Small (less than 30 beds)
Open Dates: 1 April to 31 October
Reception Hours: No reception desk
Free Amenities
Luggage Storage BedsheetsOther Features
Smoke-free Book Collection/Exchange Concierge / Info Desk Guest Kitchen Laundry Lounge AreaNot Offered
Credit Card Payments Wheelchair Accessible Wi-Fi in LobbyAllowed
Service AnimalsAges / Restrictions
Max. Age: All Ages
Map Location/ContactHow is Killeany Lodge Pilgrim Hostel rated on other websites?
Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
We stayed here in August 2004 and had a very pleasant time. Although a familly of 4 we were happily accomodated in one of the dorms. The kitchen was well provided with,and excellent Breton cooking prepared by Simon. Bathroom and toilets were adequate. It is a little out of the way for the nightlife, but hey if we wanted to disco, we'd have gone somewhere else! A pleasant stroll back from the pub of a summer's night was just the thing. The peace and tranquility of this part of the island was worth the slight inconvenience of distance from Kilronan. — Dominic (2006-04-11) This hostel is appalling. There is one shower and two toilets for 22 people. There were holes in the ceiling, cobwebs everywhere and the bedclothes needed a wash. A group of 22 of us stayed there recently and it was so bad it was laughable. We all slept in our clothes. My skin is crawling even as I am writing this. It's away from the rest of the village and taxis or bikes are needed to bring you to the boat. Please don't stay there unless sanitation is not a priority. Also beware of nocturnal four-legged squeaking creatures that make an appearance at night. It's no wonder the owners live in a wooden shed outside the property! — Sinead Cunningham (2005-08-16) I have never in my life witnessed anything like this. To call it a hostel is doing a grave injustice to all decent hostels around the world. A hovel is a better description. First impressions from the outside give the indication of a near derelict building. On closer inspection the windows are rotting and impossible to close — providing you with an all-night-long opportunity to inhale the cold Atlantic sea breeze. The bedding is questionable and if you are lucky you won't get to see the "other" inhabitants of the dorm (not of the human variety). All in all it was an experience, one I would not like to repeat and would not recommend to anyone. Basic, sub-standard, poor. — Ronnie (2005-08-16)