Bru Radharc Na Mara Hostel

If you want to get away from the large flocks of tourists that head to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, try heading to Inisheer and the Bru Radharc na Mara Hostel. There are places to stay on Inishmore, but there on none on the middle sized Aran Island, Inishmann, and the Bru Radharc na Mara Hostel is the only hostel on the tiny but lovely and tranquil island of Inisheer.

Bru Radharc na Mara Hostel is a pleasant, fairly small hostel adjacent to a B&B run by the same family. There is no staff just for the hostel, so to ask anything, one has to go to the B&B next door and attempt to find staff. But the family is friendly enough. The hostel is immaculately clean. The rooms are light and cheery and the kitchen and common room with tv and fireplace are welcoming. The other guests may be slightly different than the typical backpacker crowd during parts of the year, with the possibility of groups of young kids and families. But backpackers will not feel enitirely out of place.

One can't say anything bad about the location of the hostel as the island is so small everything's centrally located. To get to the hostel, get off the ferry and head to the right; you can't miss it. One of the best parts about the hostel is the wonderful Irish pub directly next door where you can listen to fabulous Irish music being played until about 2 in the morning (but don't worry, it's not loud in the hostel). Being at the pub listening to wonderful music with the Irish speaking locals of the island is an amazing experience of true Ireland.

Bru Radharc na Mara Hostel is definitely not a big party hostel, but it will probably be the cleanest hostel you'll ever stay in. It's pleasant and a great escape if you're looking for a place away from the loud and noisy hostels of the major cities. If you're looking for a great night's sleep and some down time, Inisheer and Bru Radharc na Mara Hostel are the place for you.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review