Rainbow Hostel Doolin

Doolin's Rainbow Hostel is located on the main road through Doolin, just two doors up from McDermott's pub. McGann's is only a minute's stumble away, and O'Connor's, at the other end of town, is about a ten-minute walk away. During the summer, all three pubs have traditional music every night (one of Doolin's key attractions).

The hostel building is converted cottage with modern facilities kept in excellent repair, and the owners, Mattie and Carmel Shannon, also run a B&B and a working farm. The dorm rooms, with about six solid wooden bunks each, are bright and comfortable. Dorm rooms are en-suite, and bathrooms are kept clean and tidy. The showers are roomy with plenty of hot water. In the cold weather, the bedroom floors are heated -- a welcome treat for cold feet. There are also several private double rooms available, a new addition to the hostel.

The lounge is large but cozy, and most nights you'll find a turf (peat) fire heating the room. There's a bookcase where you can often pick up a good book to read, as well as brochures with plenty of information about Doolin and the surrounding areas. The kitchen is large and well-supplied, with lots of counter space and two big sinks. There are cubbies for guests to put their food in, and a large fridge. There's a small dining area inside, and a picnic table. There are also laundry facilities.

Bike hire is available at the hostel, and guests may want to bike the few miles to the Cliffs of Moher, or just take a stroll through the Burren or down to the coast. The hostel's lounge has lovely views of the stone walls typical of the region, as well as the ruin of a beautiful old church. Mattie is well-known for his tours of the Burren, which are free to hostel guests. His knowledge of local anthropological sites and flora is impressive, and he often hosts slideshows during the winter. Mattie and Carmel often come through the hostel, and can also be found by ringing at the B&B next door.

This hostel brings together a remarkable mix of people, both from Ireland and abroad. Several years' worth of guestbooks attest to many a guest's happy stay, including more than a few repeat customers.

Review by Kristen Eaton

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
June 2007