Aille River Hostel

Tucked back from the road behind the small river it’s named after, the Aille River Hostel is a warm and cozy retreat that often feels like a B&B, though the variety of visitors makes it an equally great place to meet fellow travelers. The hostel also has a small car park and camping lot adjacent to it, and those who pitch their tents also have access to all common rooms and bathrooms. The staff are welcoming and helpful, and a quick look at the guest book reveals how many travelers have visited several times, and how many are anxious to get back “the best hostel ever.”

The Location

Aille River Hostel is centrally located on Doolin’s main road, about a three-quarters-of-a-mile walk from the ferry terminal that runs to the Aran Islands, and steps away from a bus stop that runs to nearby Lisdoonvarna, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren, as well as daily buses to Galway. While the hostel is a five-minute walk from Doolin’s pubs and shops, the nearest ATM and full-service grocery is in Lisdoonvarna, and the hostel itself doesn’t accept credit cards, so having groceries and cash on hand in advance is a good idea.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The hostel has a variety of sleeping options on both floors -- including coed dorms, private rooms with double beds, and a larger en-suite family room -- and all are immaculate and spacious. With clean sheets and duvets that are changed daily, and sweet personal touches like colorful curtains in the private rooms, sleeping accommodations are tidy and cozy. While all the rooms have door locks, there are no lockers in shared dorms, and aside from the en-suite family room, all other rooms share two bathroom/showers upstairs and three bathrooms and separate showers on the ground floor. The hot water supply is plentiful, and there is rarely a wait for bathroom facilities, all of which are clean and spacious with adequate hooks, soap, and hand towels.

Common Spaces

There are various common rooms, and though each is relatively small, the variety allows for a bit of privacy, if needed. All located on the ground floor, there is a small cubby under the stairs that just fits a chair and computer, and internet access is free and fairly fast. The advised time limit is twenty minutes, and often there is a short queue. Around the corner is a washer and dryer -- you can do all your washing for free (including detergent), but the dryer charges a small fee for gas. There is also a clothesline outside if you want to risk Irish weather.

Through a door and at the front of the hostel is a large, well-stocked kitchen with free tea that is open twenty-four hours and offers breakfast for a small fee, as well as a dining area. Slightly set off is a “reading nook” that is made up of built in benches and rocking chairs that center around a turf-burning stove, and around the corner is another dining area that faces reception. Outside is a lovely little sitting area overlooking the river, though everything outdoors tends to be a bit damp, given the propensity for rain.

Though the hostel is open all hours, the doors do lock after 8 p.m., and the code must be obtained from reception. Also, check-in ends at 8 p.m. as well, unless you arrange with reception, and you must notify them of your arrival time.

Summary

Overall, Aille River Hostel is a clean, cozy hostel that is ideally situated in the heart of Doolin. Not only is it a great base from which to hike and explore, but it’s also a wonderful spot to dry off, recover, and relax in an atmosphere that feels like home. This place is highly recommended!

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2011