Hostelz.com Hostels Reviews
EnglishFrançaisEspañolItalianoDeutsch
Find hostels in:

Paddy's Palace Killarney

Killarney

3 of 11
Address
31 New Street, Killarney County Kerry, Ireland   Map
Price
Dorm beds from US$11.00. Private rooms from US$19.00/person. Price may vary by season - Check Current Prices by Date Here
Location/Contact
Details
Paddy's Palace Killarney Online Booking
Arrival Date:   Nights:  People: 
Their Description

Features

  • Lounge / Common space
  • Travel information provided
  • Kitchen
  • Free Breakfast
 
The Hostelz.com Review
Don't let the name fool you -- there is nothing palatial about Paddy's Palace. It offers the basic needs in a good neighborhood but not much else.

The Location

Paddy's Palace is well positioned within Killarney. It is within walking distance from the bus station and Killarney's National Park. The shopping district is just down the street and there is a large grocery store just across the road.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are clean, and most offer an en-suite (these are also well kept with nice shower facilities). There is only one bathroom that is separate from the guest rooms and it is located one floor up from the ground level. It has a single toilet and a bathtub (perhaps the bathtub is why they think the name "Palace" is appropriate -- it is certainly not a normal sight in a hostel). This hostel is clean, but security is less than tight, with only one key per room, and no lockers.

Common Spaces

Paddy's Palace offers a cramped kitchen, uninspired lounge/dining room, and a stairwell base fitted with one computer. The kitchen does have two stoves, but rather ill equipped otherwise. It is questionable if the kitchen could hold more than two or three people at one time. The lounge/dining room is not much better, with room for about twelve people at best. This limited space is somewhat disconcerting, considering that this is where the Paddywagon Tour company makes overnight stops with large tour groups. Overall, the common space at Paddy's Palace is bleak, offering little space and even less character.

Summary

If all you need is the basics, Paddy's Palace will fit, however, don't expect any savings for the limited facilities. Paddy's Palace offers a relatively expensive room for a forgettable experience.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2008


Ratings & Comments

3.3 Average from 10 Ratings

This is an open forum, and unlike other hostel guide websites we don't censor out the negative comments.
We can't validate the legitimacy of comments posted on this site—so take what you read here with a grain of salt.
Comment by Abby
June 2006
1 I stayed here just a few days ago and was really disappointed, as I was with the other Paddy's Palace (Dublin) I stayed in. They were both very untidy and unwelcoming for a traveler just wanting to relax. There was not much of a lounge and the staff were drinking and or smoking right where we were to have relaxed. Paddy's Palace is tied to Paddywagon Tours and although the tour ended up just fine and the sights were good, I would not recommed this company to any traveler unless you don't care for learning the history and prefer bar stories from your guides.
Comment by Anarae
November 2005
4 This hostel has a really friendly vibe and is well located to all the bars of Killarney! I stayed in a double room on the top floor, which was clean and comfy with an excellent en suite bathroom. You can easily walk to shops, transport and the great nightlife - modern bars, nightclubs, or traditional Irish pubs! It is about a 15-minute to walk to the national park, which is really tranquil, and home to the picturesque Ross Castle. Staff at Paddy's were very friendly and the night porter, although a bit scary (!), was good for security. Breakfast was standard cereal, toast and coffee - satisfying, just not special. Killarney has a reputation for being a bit touristy, but a stay here is worth it anyway!
Comment by Aylsa Keenan from Aotearoa/NZ
July 2005
4 I stayed here on the 4th and 5th of May 2005 as part of six-day Paddywagon South tour. Once again I had great drivers/guides — Mike, Gabe, Steve and Joey. You guys rock! What a great location the hostel is in — central to everything. I got a warm welcome — thanks Aran. The rooms were spacious, clean and had an en suite. The only downers: lack of communal space for when four or so tours all come in at once and there was no bedroom curtain — a sheet became a makeshift one. Sweet as bro! Excellent security; they had a night porter/watchman.
Comment by Kim
June 2005
4 VERY convenient to everything. I went here with a Paddywagon Tour, and I highly recommend Rooms 1 and 4. We didn't have any problems with the bathroom curtains, but smoked glass would make more sense. Most of the rooms are en suite, and even the 6-room dorms have sufficient space. However, two important cautions: 1) Try not to get a room on the top floor. While we were there, it stank horribly of mold/mildew. 2) This is a major Paddywagon stop, so that might contribute to an antisocial atmosphere (lots of groups). This being said, I enjoyed my stay immensely. It's safe (there's even a night porter, who checks off names to make sure everyone's in), and it's convenient to the rest of the city (Tesco and the post office are 2-3 minutes away).
Comment by Katrin
March 2005
1 I went to Killarney with a Paddywagon Tour and stayed there for two nights. I was shocked when I saw where I had to stay for two nights. The whole house is smelly and there was dust and dirt everywhere. The showers rarely had hot water and the kitchen was messy, with 5 cups for a tour of 33 people!!! Rather go elsewhere and spend a few more euros.
Comment by Anonymous
August 2004
4 We were here in July and stayed in a 4 room mixed dorm with private bath. I found the place to be fine. The rooms were not cramped and the bathroom was more than adequate. There is not a quality common area, but the kitchen was fine. The location is right in the middle of town and the staff were friendly and helpful. I would go back again and encourage others to do so.
Comment by maeve
July 2004
1 Location location, location, but what about everything else? I planned to stay there for a few days, but I ran out of there after the first night. The room was rather nice, but the whole atmosphere of this hostel was gloomy and alienating. The last straw: the bathroom curtains can't be closed. Do you think I want the whole world seeing all of me while I'm peeing?
Comment by Anonymous
May 2004
4 It was fun to stay here. It was nice and clean, although the shower needed some work! The small rooms were a treat. The staff were really great and helpful.
Comment by Susan
February 2004
5 Right in the centre of things and plenty of activity. Has the B & B feeling with more beds! It's missing a tv room, but makes up for it in other ways! Great staff and atmosphere one of my favourites by far!!
Comment by Gareth
January 2003
5 Central converted bed and breakfast so maximum beds per room is 6! All rooms with private bath and breakfast thrown in for free. Paddywagon buses coming and going make this a lively spot and always plenty to do. Highly recommend it for sights and fun in Killarney.
Have you visited this hostel? Post your comments here.

3 of 11


Hostelz.com is the only hostel guide with complete information and reviews on all youth hostels and backpackers worldwide.

Exclusive Photos Taken by the Hostelz.com Reviewer
Additional Photos

Hostelz.com Poll
Which do you use for opinions when choosing a hostel?
Comments from Hostelz.com Users (the ones with star ratings)
Hostelz.com's own Exclusive Reviews
Both
Not sure / don't understand
Other: