Grapevine Hostel

The Grapevine Hostel is right in Dingle's City Centre. From the bus stop, go right through the Supervalu grocery store. Turn right out the front door, and take your first left up Dykegate Lane. After a short walk, you'll find the hostel on the left.

The hostel is in a large blue building, but has a cozy feel inside. Dorms have four or eight beds, and are ensuite. Clean sheets/duvets are included, and the beds are comfortable. Both the dorm rooms and the bathrooms are clean and bright. The bathrooms are a little cramped, and could use a few hooks or shelves to put clothes on, but there is plenty of hot water for a shower. The building has three stories; dorm rooms are on the second and third floors, accessible by a staircase.

The ground floor is where you'll find the kitchen, dining area, and lounge. The lounge is small but cozy, with a fireplace and a bookcase. It's a nice sitting area but was, in my experience, often empty. The dining area is a simple but bright room, with a pretty grapevine design painted around the top of the walls. It's stocked with solid wooden picnic tables. The kitchen is small but adequate. It's very convenient to use if you're the only one in it. In busier times, its small size can make cooking dinner into a bit of an awkward dance.

Probably the biggest drawback of this personable hostel is that there are no laundry facilities. It is only a short walk to the town where there are three laundrettes, but they may be closed on holidays/Sundays and aren't cheap.

In short, Grapevine Hostel is in a remarkably convenient location for those wanting to explore the pubs and shops of Dingle Town, and the nearby bike hire is handy for tourists who want to venture farther afield. It may feel crowded in the busy season, but feels cozy and comfortable nevertheless.

Review by Kristen Eaton

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2007