The Hostelz.com Review
Smack in the middle of Temple Bar and two doors from The Temple Bar, one of the finest drinking establishments in the world, one would have to consider the location a plus. The place is very well organized at the front, and a very comfortable stay on the whole.
Beds come in a variety of prices and room sizes, and it's a little more expensive than other places in Dublin. The beds are very comfortable and come with a personal light and a lockable storage cage underneath the lower bunk. Rooms are also well-heated, as the balcony-door was open during the daytime and the room stayed comfortable... in December. The larger rooms have bathrooms ensuite with an extra shower room. Everything is very clean, keeping this somewhat older building entirely pleasant. The only problem we experienced was a broken shower door which took a day to be fixed.
The hostel has a beautiful spacious kitchen with cooking facilities and plateware. There is plenty of fridge and cabinet room to accommodate anyone's cooking desires, as there is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy your meal. Breakfast is included, but it's just toast and tea and is served very early. There is also a common lounge with lots of couches, cable tv, and no smoking restriction. This of course may not be good for the more sensitive, but it contributes to the relaxation factor. Alcoholic beverages are, however, not allowed in the lounge or anywhere else in the hostel. And drinks are expensive in Dublin, so this may constitute a major drawback for some, although it seems to keep the place from being a super party hostel which may be a positive in itself.
Overall, the experience was fantastic and can easily contribute to a great stay in a great town.
Beds come in a variety of prices and room sizes, and it's a little more expensive than other places in Dublin. The beds are very comfortable and come with a personal light and a lockable storage cage underneath the lower bunk. Rooms are also well-heated, as the balcony-door was open during the daytime and the room stayed comfortable... in December. The larger rooms have bathrooms ensuite with an extra shower room. Everything is very clean, keeping this somewhat older building entirely pleasant. The only problem we experienced was a broken shower door which took a day to be fixed.
The hostel has a beautiful spacious kitchen with cooking facilities and plateware. There is plenty of fridge and cabinet room to accommodate anyone's cooking desires, as there is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy your meal. Breakfast is included, but it's just toast and tea and is served very early. There is also a common lounge with lots of couches, cable tv, and no smoking restriction. This of course may not be good for the more sensitive, but it contributes to the relaxation factor. Alcoholic beverages are, however, not allowed in the lounge or anywhere else in the hostel. And drinks are expensive in Dublin, so this may constitute a major drawback for some, although it seems to keep the place from being a super party hostel which may be a positive in itself.
Overall, the experience was fantastic and can easily contribute to a great stay in a great town.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2004
Their Description
Barnacles Temple Bar House Hostel Details
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Barnacles Temple Bar House Hostel Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Buzzing Large, busy hostel in great location; it's a short stagger home from the pubs. It's pretty clean, but breakfast is just toast. It caters to a younger crowd, lots of people are around and eager to swap stories, but also school groups. Night noise from the street is loud if your room is on that side. I've stayed there twice while in Dublin. — Anonymous , Canada (2010-03-31) Disgusting and loud A friend and I stayed here for two nights. the first night we had a double to ourselves and enjoyed the privacy of having our own bathroom. the only problem is, you couldn't use the toilet if the door was closed, it was so small! the staff are very nice and helpful, there is an open kitchen although i was scared I would contract something from using the dishes since the guests are responsible for washing them with nasty sponges. The second night was the worst night of our trip hands down. It was incredibly noisy, we woke up with bedbug bites everywhere. Not only was I affected from sleeping in the bed, but my bag was stored under the bed and now all of my clothes have to be washed to prevent any more bites. Needless to say we are miserable. The good news is, the staff offered to buy us ointment for our bites -- how considerate. — Itchy McScratch , USA (2008-09-28) Invaded my Personal Bubble The staff was friendly and the place was clean, but the rooms were VERY cramped, so do not stay here if you are a person who likes your own space or gets claustrophobic. Also, bring earplugs and try to get a bed that isn't next to the window, because the Temple Bar district is loud all night. There was extra charges for everything, but if you are hosteling you should have your own sheet and towel regardless. If you are going to be out most of the night and want to be close to the action, this is a pretty good hostel, if you are going to bed early or planning to spend time in your room (and would like to be able to move around) it is not the best choice. — J9 , USA (2007-07-25) I spent the last two weeks of december in this hostel. While I've stayed in nearly a dozen hostels, I can say this is a great hostel in a great location. Common room and large kitchen facilitate meeting people, bathrooms and bedrooms are clean. The room was a bit tight on space, and the staff were not as helpful as some i've encountered, but overall, a good experience. — Katherine (2007-01-16) Difficult to fault the place really...the only negative is that the hostel is too big and therefore there is very little interaction/mixing of guests. Also it is so big that you feel like a number and it sometimes comes across as being a bit clinical in atmosphere.
The kitchen appliances need an upgrade. Aside from that the place is extremely clean and extremely central. — Anonymous (2005-06-03) I stayed here the first week in March. I had an absolutely wonderful time. The evening staff is by far the most helpful, although I am not knocking the morning staff; they were great, too. I stayed in a 12-bed dorm and met quite a few people. The room was clean, the bathroom clean. You cannot beat the location right in the center of Temple Bar. Cross the Liffey and you can get any tour bus you little heart desires!! It was my first time in Ireland, actually the first time outside of the U.S., and I absolutely loved it!! I would definitely go there again. — Marisol (2005-03-14) I had a great time, even if there was a Leprechaun named Joan McCabe living in the hostel, who the management called "harmless." By the way, she woke me up two days in a row to ask what time it was (5 a.m.) after I'd had long hard nights of mass Guinness consumption. Stay here because the staff are generally friendly and the other travelers are as well, plus the Irish are some of the most welcoming people on the planet. You will have the time of your life. — Connor (2004-11-07) Was there in July 2004 and it was a great time. The only problem was night noise, but that was because we were right in the middle of what was happening. All the ammenities were great. The the staff were very helpful, and the security was good. I would go back and stay there, no problem. — Anonymous (2004-08-09) I stayed two nights in this hostel, which is located at the heart of Dublin. There were a lot of pubs, a cafe nearby and it was very happenning at night. The staff were great and kind. The breakfast was nice, and the kitchen is fully equipped. If I go back to Dublin, this is the hostel where I'll stay. — Anonymous (2004-05-30) I can't praise this place enough, even though I missed the breakfast, but in all fairness that was my own fault getting up at mid-day. Very clean and very central. Loved it. — Peps (2003-11-25) I stayed in this hostel about 3 weeks ago with 2 friends and we had a brilliant time. The rooms are very basic but clean, a good breakfast and very friendly staff. The best thing about Barnacles is the location. It is literally right next to all the best pubs. We are going back in a few weeks time. I highly recommend it. — Anonymous (2003-11-10) I stayed at this hostel last year with a friend. It was so nice, right in the centre of the city close to all the bars and shops. The staff were really helpful and told us about all the best pubs and clubs to go to. The rooms are all en-suite and you get a free breakfast. I'd definitely recommend going here!! — Anonymous (2003-04-10)