Malin Beg Hostel, Glencolumbkille

Room en suite at the end of the corridor: excellent bed and bathroom

Room en suite at the end of the dormitory is excellent, enough furniture to put your things in for a short stay, a nice view from your bed. Quiet room and an excellent bed. Free use of coffee and tea and if you need drinks or soap you can buy it in his little store. A fridge to put things in. Frank always makes time to give you information. Everywhere it was clean and at the end of the day there was always a fire to welcome you in the cosy sitting room. I like the environment and the road with the sheep and cows that are walking freely on the road. The beach is just a short walk from the hostel. A place to return, a place to relax and enjoy.

Just Great!

I've never stayed at a hostel being so tidy! Frank, the hostel owner is just great. If you want to stay at a quiet and clean place, go there! The view and the area is amazing.

Best Hostel Ever!

So relaxing and peaceful. The area is gorgeous with so many places to explore! The hostel was VERY clean and Frank was so helpful and nice! The beds were so comfortable and the fire was nice on a cold night. Beautiful. Will definitely be back!

Malinbeg Hostel really makes you feel at home. Located off the beaten path in a seaside location with beautiful scenery, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is comfortable, clean, and cozy. The owner/host, Frank, is very friendly and provides suggestions on things to do in the area and he lights a fire in the evenings, inviting guests to enjoy the ambiance of the large living room.

The Location

Malin Beg is a small village in southwest Donegal. The hostel is located on the right as you drive into the village, and is well sign-posted on the rural roads that lead to the place. Without a car, you need a lift to get here as there is no public transportation to this area of rugged coastline. Hard-core walkers or cyclists could probably get here, but be aware that it is remote in an area of narrow winding roads. The hostel has plenty of parking.

The village's business establishments seem to be the hostel and a very small food store/post office across the street run by the hostel owner, Frank. There is a lovely beach right in the village, and the area is good for activities such as cliff climbing, scuba-diving, deep sea fishing, hill walking, and climbing Slieve League.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The facilities here are modern and very clean. There are private, dormitory, ensuite, and family rooms that can accommodate twenty-six guests. Everything is well maintained and nicely furnished with a bureau and chair and good linens. Some hooks to hang stuff up would come in handy. There are ensuite and shared baths, with adequate space. Everything is immaculate. There is plenty of hot water and water pressure, much appreciated by divers when they return from the cold sea.

Common Spaces

The common areas are just great. There are two fantastic kitchens that have everything you need for self-catering. The kitchens have good counter space and are well stocked with decent cutlery, dishes, pots, coffee pot, toaster, and microwave. The kitchens are well organized and kept tidy and clean. It is pleasant to cook here. Coffee, tea, and sugar are available and there is a cupboard set aside for "everyone" food that is left behind or donated to the common good. Between the two kitchens is a dining area with three large tables and a microwave. There is also a washing machine in this area.

The living room is large with a big table for eating or playing games. A bunch of comfortable chairs and sofa are grouped around the fireplace. Frank starts a turf fire in the fireplace each evening -- this is a warm and inviting place to sit and chat with other guests, as well as with Frank, who pops in regularly to check the fire and make sure his guests have what they need to feel at home. There is no Wi-Fi at the hostel, but that actually becomes a good thing as it encourages guests to socialize and enjoy chatting.

Summary

This is a well-run hostel in a beautiful location where you will feel at home. It is clean and cozy with attentive staff obviously dedicated to their guests' satisfaction.

Absolutely fantastic and great value for money

Really a luxury hostel in a wonderful location. Perfectly clean, new and impeccable bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dinning and sitting room with fireplace. Wonderful scenic views over the sea and very convenient location, close to Slieve League, Glencolmcille, megalithic tombs, and trekking routes.

Clean, comfortable and cheap.

This hostel is the best and most comfortable hostel I've ever visited!!! If you didn't know it was a hostel, you'd think it was a hotel. It has excellent, and - most importantly, clean rooms, and a very polite and uncomplicated hostel owner, Frank. :-)