Independent Holiday Hostels

IHH Hostel Awards 2011

2011-11-14T09:43:00.005Z

ROBIN HICKEY MEMORIAL AWARD
For an Oustanding Contribution to IHH and Hostelling
Michael McNamara, Jamaica Inn - Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

BEST IHH CITY HOSTEL AWARD
KINLAY HOUSE, CORK CITY

BEST IHH TOWN HOSTEL AWARD
KENMARE FAILTE HOSTEL, CO. KERRY

BEST IHH VILLAGE HOSTEL AWARD
AILLE RIVER, DOOLIN

BEST IHH COUNTRY HOSTEL AWARD
INISHBOFIN ISLAND HOSTEL, CO. GALWAY

BEST IHH HOSTEL 2011
AILLE RIVER, DOOLIN

Kenmare Failte Hostel - well done!

2011-11-14T09:41:00.000Z

I have just returned from a cycling tour in Ireland where I have used
independent hostels. If you were to award star ratings to hostels in your
organisation the above hostel would achieve the maximum rating! I have
visited it 4 times in the last 12 years-it is very well run, spotlessly
clean and maintained to a very high standard both inside and out. The owner
is to be congratulated.

Inishbofin Island Hostel

2011-08-11T08:21:00.002+01:00

I have been travelling to islands for five years now both in Ireland and Scotland. I have stayed at many hostels and met some really interesting people. This year I decided to return to the island hostel in inisbofin co Galway. I had very positive and happy memories about this beautiful island and the hostel location. I needed some time alone.. I value solitude and being by myself , but at the same time it is nice to have company especially in the evening around mealtimes. The island hostel is located up the hill from the ferryport. It is family run, very Eco friendly and the conservatory has commanding views. Yet I could say the same of many well run hostels. So you may ask what makes this one so special? I think it is a quintessential love and respect for the island portrayed by the owners that transmits itself to the guests. Grandparents, students, parents and children, solo travellers and teenagers all unite in gaining the best possible experience that suits them personally. The owners are always congenial and full of friendly advice. There is a family atmosphere there. The staff are courteous, the showers hot and the kitchen spotless. The hostel is on the road to the massive east end beach. There is a small hotel nearby which has regular music sessions. I went for six days and stayed eight. I have decided to return in the spring again. I feel rested, in tune with nature and ready to return to my busy life recharged. You will walk for miles on inisbofin. You will dive into the cold Atlantic and see the spectacular sunsets. You will hear the strains of music in the night. Most importantly you will sleep safe and warm at the Island Hostel at the end of the day. Thanks to Kieran, Teresa , and staff.
Sarah Varian-Barry, Cork City,Ireland.

IHH Hostel Awards 2010

2010-10-12T07:42:00.010+01:00

Robin Hickey Memorial Award
For an Oustanding Contribution to IHH and hostelling
Brian Nuttall, MacMurrough Farm Hostel, Co. Wexford

THE LUCKY WINNERS OF THE IHH AWARDS 2010 ARE:

BEST IHH CITY HOSTEL AWARD
ISAACS HOSTEL,DUBLIN

BEST IHH TOWN HOSTEL AWARD
DONEGAL TOWN HOSTEL

BEST IHH COUNTRY AWARD
CONG HOSTEL, CO. MAYO

BEST IHH VILLAGE HOSTEL AWARD
AILLE RIVER, DOOLIN

OVERALL BEST IHH HOSTEL AWARD
AILLE RIVER, DOOLIN

Corcreggan Mill Hostel

2010-10-12T07:37:00.000+01:00

Dear Brendan and Angelique,

We just completed our 2 week journey through Ireland. We stayed at the Mill for 1 night (28 September).

We stayed at a different location each night and the accommodation varied from B&B to expensive hotels. We never booked ahead and we never planned where to sleep. We simply drove to a (preferably small) town that looked interesting and beautiful and knocked on the door for a bed for the night.

Needless to say we didn’t have any extraordinary expectations of either the town Dunfanaghy or the Corcreggan Mill Hostel. We saw it in our travel guide, but drove through the town a few times without seeing it. We then explored the Horn Head while trying to find the Hostel. We were amazed by the beautiful scenery that just goes on for kilometres, around each bend something new to take your breath away. I think it was around then that I was determined to spend the night in the town. We eventually found the Mill...

The house immediately impressed me with its gorgeous wooden floors. The more we saw as Angelique showed us the room options, the more I liked it. It felt very homely especially after staying in a different room for more than a week. The bright colours in the room brightened up the day and the prospect of a fireplace and kitchen facilities (although these are normal things) was so welcome after only having a bed in a small space for a while. We bought some groceries and I made supper which we enjoyed next to the fireplace with a bottle of wine. Very relaxing!

We also had a great night out in one of the local pubs while we made friends with some of the local musicians. One of the only pubs where locals actually spoke to us, made us feel part of the crowed and just treated us like locals too!!!

I must say that the 1 night at the Mill was our favourite night in the whole of Ireland. It was a combination of a few great things: the house, the rolling landscapes with lake and ocean view, the pub etc. But most of all I think it was the ability to feel at home far from home – and for that I want to thank you for the great effort you put into the place – we surely think it is a great place to stay.

I visited your website tonight and was surprised to read about the sailing options. It’s a pity that we didn’t know about this earlier – I would have really enjoyed a day trip. I was introduced to sailing while studying in the Netherlands, we went sailing on the lakes a few times. I will not call myself a competent sailor, but definitely passionate about it and planning to take it on more seriously as a hobby. We have a large dam close by (the Vaaldam) and I hope to buy a small sailing boat one day to pursue this dream.

Thanks again
Erika (and Charl) from South Africa

Canadians to test Cead Mile Failte

2010-07-01T09:05:00.003+01:00

Galway Independent published an article on our two volunteers encouraging them to test the Irish Hospitality. Have a read on the following link:
http://www.galwayindependent.com/local-news/local-news/canadians-to-test/

Travel Around Ireland for Free - West Region

2010-06-29T08:53:00.005+01:00

...and the challenges are over!!!
Jennifer Marra and Melanie Lafferty have just finished their trip.
Read about their adventures on our blog
http://freetravelireland.blogspot.com/

“Isaacs Hostel is 25 years old this year”

2010-06-08T12:11:00.001+01:00

Over the quarter decade, Isaacs has led the way in Tourist Hostel accommodation in the city.

There have been many changes, improvements, expansions, investments and of course, guests in our hostel

We promise to stay "Forever Young"

Rowan Tree Hostel - Voted Best Irish Hostel Ennis, Ireland

2010-02-11T09:12:00.001Z

Rowan Tree Hostel – Voted Best Irish Hostel Ennis, Ireland, 10th February 2010, Rowan Tree Hostel is proud to announce that it has been named ‘Ireland’s Best Hostel’ in 2009 by hostelworld.com. Hostelworld customers selected Rowan Tree on six criteria - character, security, location, staff, fun and cleanliness.
Rowan Tree Hostel, located in the heart of Ennis, opened in March 2009, following an extensive 2-year re-development project. Offering a variety of accommodations, including double, twin and multi-bedded rooms, Rowan Tree appeals to a wide range of people including; international backpackers, groups, families and the younger business person.
Speaking about the award, Marianne Maurer from Rowan Tree Hostel said, “We are delighted to have been selected as Ireland’s best hostel. We have only been open a year so this is a fantastic achievement. We work hard to offer a quality hostel experience that is value for money, meets the needs of today’s guest and above all is fun and memorable.”
About Rowan Tree HostelRowan Tree Hostel, located in the heart of Ennis offers quality budget accommodation. Only 20 minutes from Shannon airport it is the ideal base to explore Co. Clare, The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. With a variety of rooms including double, twin, multi-bedded and dorms sleeping up to 140, Rowan Tree will appeal to groups, families and individuals. Facilities include a licensed Cafe Bar, self-catering kitchen, free Wi-Fi and Internet access, recreational lounges, ensuite bathrooms and luggage and security lockers. Beds start at €16.00 per night and include a free light breakfast. Rowan Tree is a Bord Failte approved hostel. For more information visit www.rowantreehostel.ie

Dublin Hostels Break World Record

2010-01-28T11:41:00.001Z

Cnocnafeola Centre

2010-01-28T11:17:00.002Z

The Cnocnafeola Committee ltd. formed in 1989 with the primary aim of developing the social, economic and tourist potential of Atticall Village, in the Heart of the Mournes.

The 31 bed centre boasts of excellent budget accommodation. All rooms are Ensuite with a mixture of private, four bed and eight bed dorms. The centre provides secure car parking, laundry facilities, bike storage, lockers, self catering kitchen, lounge, restaurant and conference suite.
We offer the backpacker / outdoor enthusiast / family group everything for their stay.

We have recently received a wonderful review in The Observer Magazine on 18th October 2009. You can read this article on the Guardian website. We have also had a visit from a new travel magazine, The Outsider for Oct/November 2009. We also had a group of people here from England who gave us an excellent article in an Irish Community newspaper called The Harp. This group were from the Birmingham area.
During the summer we were ranked one of the top hostels on hostelworld.com.

We also have an online booking system using Eviivo; we were one of the first in Northern Ireland to use this program.
We are currently working with Queen’s University Research students on two projects- one evaluating methods of payment and the other on marketing.
We are in the process of developing a five year plan for the centre and have some innovative ideas which we would like to implement in the future.

Mairead White MBE

Tourism Ireland Goes for +3% Growth in 2010

2009-12-18T09:49:00.002Z

Tourism Ireland Goes for +3% Growth in 2010
Major focus on Great Britain, Germany, United States

Dear Industry Colleague,
As you may be aware, Tourism Ireland has launched its Marketing Plans to restore overseas tourism to growth in 2010. While international experts have forecast a decline of -2% in tourism to the island of Ireland next year, we will go flat out to grow visitor numbers by +3%. This will translate into an additional 230,000 visitors, giving a total of 7.85 million. Tourism to the island of Ireland will grow faster than our competitors.
2010 will be about action to deliver immediate returns and short-terms wins for you, our industry partners. Great Britain, Germany and the United States will be the focus of major investment next year. However, as we reiterated at our marketing launches, we will maintain a presence in all our source markets.
The value message will be key in the battle for the return to growth. Tourism Ireland will invest heavily in cooperative and price-led marketing with carriers and industry partners to bring the best value available to consumers and trade overseas. We will highlight the uniqueness of holiday experiences here to secure ‘stand out’ in highly competitive markets. We will re-engage with the influential travel trade across markets to ensure we maximise their role in promoting and selling the destination. We are going to step up our publicity campaigns which this year generated almost €200/£180 million in positive broadcast and print media coverage across the world. This gets off to a great start over Christmas. In Britain, the BBC will air two hour-long programmes, shot here, in the popular “Three Men in a Boat” series to an audience of over 6M. In the Netherlands on Christmas Eve, a further 2.5 million viewers will see the family show “All You Need is Love”, also filmed here recently. This is on top of the BBC “Top Gear” programme which aired to 6.5M and repeated to a further 4M in GB recently.
Getting back to growth in the prevailing circumstances will require a collective effort on an unprecedented scale. We will provide over 3,500 co-operative marketing opportunities – including many free and low-cost – for you to engage directly with consumers, trade and media overseas to boost your business. http://tourismirl.newsweaver.ie/3xof1fihiwe1085nkj5gqr?email=true has all the details and I urge you to sign up today.
2010 will be another difficult year but I am confident that, if we work together in a new way, we can return overseas tourism to growth.
Full details of the Marketing Plans are available at: http://tourismirl.newsweaver.ie/ez4ik8fu2b91085nkj5gqr?email=true
In the meantime, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and better things to come in 2010.
Niall Gibbons
Chief Executive

Donegal News

2009-11-24T09:35:00.001Z

INTEREST-FREE MORTGAGE

A DUNFANAGHY property owner has come up with an "interest free mortgage" option in the hope of finding a buyer for his unique property.Brendan Rohan who developed Corcreggan Mill into a popular tourist attraction has decided that he may well find a buyer by using a more "Christian way" of repaying loans.The former army officer is asking €800,000 for the extensive property with half to be paid on purchase and the other €400,000 to be paid to Brendan over 20 years without added interest.

Speaking to the Donegal News this week Brendan said the biggest challenge for a prospective buyer at the moment is where to get a loan."I will give a 20-year, no-interest mortgage, to the right person, who can come up with a deposit of 50 per cent of the purchase price. I’m not a banker and for ethical reasons I will not charge interest on the loan but I can create a mortgage document for the new owner as any lender does. Furthermore, anyone who has some initiative and some equity or some backing will have access to the 50% deposit, which makes for ethical sustainability as well. No 100% mortgage madness here.”
Corcreggan Mill Hostel has been developed as a tourist-hostel business, expanding from simple dormitory accommodation in the Mill Cottage to include unique private rooms in a restored railway carriage and rustic, luxurious en-suite accommodation, restaurant facilities and workshop/retreat rooms in the extensive and authentically re-built Mill House in 2000. It is Failte Ireland registered. Located beside the New Lake it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Tory Island. It has an extensive organic vegetable and fruit garden, secret meditation sanctuaries and a gushing mill-stream to inspire peace and tranquillity.
"Since, in the short term, I only need half the equity that the sale of the Mill House would release to me, I would be happy to be repaid the balance as a monthly income. It is novel yet ancient, ethical but simple, solution," he added.
Brendan maintains that the existing income in the Mill House can easily repay this no-interest mortgage. "With the benefit of a fresh look from a distance at where I am in life, I have decided to sell my property and business. Of course I realise that the current financial crisis and the stagnant property market are not conducive to selling anything. “Seeing the past sins and the current inability of the banking sector to help any business-minded person and knowing their unchristian and excessive borrowing charges I have come up with what I believe is a possible solution," he said.

Christmas Competition at Isaacs Hostel

2009-11-06T09:11:00.001Z

We have an Amazing New Competition for you this month.We have joined with the Irish Greyhound Board to bring you a Fantastic Night Out at the Races for you and 9 friends with FREE Accommodation in Isaacs Hostel.
Everyone knows a Dog is Man's Best Friend but we want to see yours.
Send us a Picture of your Best Friend to events@isaacs.ie and you will be in with a chance of winning a Fantastic Christmas Night Out for you and 9 of your friends at the Races.
You can link to http://www.isaacs.ie/isaacs_hostel/Competition%20.aspx

IHH Hostel Awards 2009

2009-11-03T09:12:00.009Z

Robin Hickey Memorial Award
For an Outstanding Contribution to IHH and hostelling

Marella Fyffe from Omagh Hostel, Tyrone

We wish you all the best in the future!

THE LUCKY WINNERS OF THE IHH AWARDS 2009 ARE:
Best IHH Village Hostel Award
Aille River, Doolin
Overall Best IHH Hostel Award
Ailler River, Doolin

Best IHH City Hostel Award
Avalon House, Dublin

Best IHH Town Hostel Award
Neptune's Town Hostel, Killarney

Best IHH Country Hostel Award
Inishbofin Island Hostel

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Midleton, Co. Cork, celebrates!

2009-08-18T15:41:00.002+01:00

* Midleton, Co. Cork, has reason to celebrate! *

The Cork to Midleton rail line, which had been closed to regular passenger trains since 1961, was finally re-opened on the 30th of July this year. It is now possible to travel by train from Belfast to Midleton and all parts in between. The rail link also provides a valuable connection between the town and its picturesque neighbour, Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic on its first and last voyage.

Visitors to The Jameson Experience in Midleton will be able to taste the whiskey to their heart's content and travel onwards in comfort and safety.

Rail services between Cork City and Midleton begin at 06.45 weekdays, and continue at hourly, or half-hourly intervals until 23.00. Visit www.irishrail.ie for details.

From Maria at An Stór Tourist Hostel, Midleton

...and the challenges are challenging!!!

2009-08-18T15:37:00.003+01:00

Well, well... they're well on the road... and the challenges are challenging!!! Follow the adventures of Claire & Sadhbh this week at http://freetravelireland.blogspot.com/

2009-07-29T16:57:00.004+01:00

Travelling around Ireland for free

The first of our volunteers will be travelling to the Southwest in 2 weeks staying in hostels and performing challenges set by the hostels for a free bed. We're working on getting as much publicity as possible for the trip so you'll hopefully be reading about it in the paper or on the radio soon. You can follow their adventures on the free travel blog at freetravelireland.blogspot.com
The first stop is Cork on August the 17th - keep watching this space for more.....

Traditional Arts & Crafts for Kids - The Foy Centre, Carlingford - August 3rd-7th

2009-07-22T17:28:00.012+01:00

A Cáirde/Friends,
The Foy Centre in Carlingford, County Louth, are running a Childrens' Traditional Arts & Crafts Camp from August 3rd to 7th.
The camp would suit a group of young people, between the ages of 5 & 15 years old, visiting Ireland, or a group from within Ireland. It will be a nice introduction to aspects of Irish culture and no prior knowledge of arts & crafts is necessary.
So, if anyone fancies heading to Carlingford that week, visit http://www.carlingfordbeds.com/ for more information about the camp and accommodation.
Slán,
Seán... at the Foy Centre

Ireland Voted Best European Destination for Family Holidays

2009-07-01T09:48:00.004+01:00

Ireland was voted “Best European Destination for a Family Vacation” in the annual WAVE awards, organised by TravelAge West magazine, the leading travel trade publication covering the 14 Western States of the US.
Accepting the award at a gala awards ceremony in Beverly Hills attended by over 300 travel industry leaders, Joe Byrne, Tourism Ireland’s Executive Vice President United States and Canada, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ireland has been singled out for this award by Travelage West. Tourism Ireland has been working hard to build awareness of the island of Ireland as a premier vacation destination among US consumers. And of course, in a difficult and competitive year for tourism, anything that gives us stand-out from our competitors is very welcome.”
Other destinations nominated in the prestigious WAVE Awards (Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence) included Great Britain, Italy and Germany. Tourism Ireland also picked up a second award during the evening when the organisation was runner-up in the category “International Tourist Board Providing Best Support to Travel Agents”.

IHH Green Card works!!!

2009-06-26T09:03:00.004+01:00

The green card is working very well for our businesses, everybody wants to use them in bad times. I have managed to get discount on the local cruise, restaurant, bar, taxi, minigolf, local museum. My customers are very thankful and it all goes very well for the future.
Margaret from Cong Hostel, Co. Mayo

Top Travel Award for Northern Ireland

2009-06-26T08:59:00.005+01:00

Northern Ireland has been awarded the "Foreign Destination of the Year" by the prestigious Finnish Guild of Travel Journalists. The award ceremony took place in Helsinki, during Finland's largest holiday fair, Matka.

Accepting the award, Steven Roberts, Tourism Ireland's Manager for the Nordic Region said: "We are absolutely delighted that Northern Ireland has been singled out by the Finnish Guild of Travel Journalists. We have been working hard to build awareness of Northern Ireland as a premier holiday destination among Finnish consumers. And of course, in a difficult and competitive year for tourism, anything that gives us stand-out from our competitors is very welcome."

2009-05-21T10:08:00.000+01:00

save with your IHH Green card

The Green card offers are growing. Save on the entrance fee to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. Great savings on tours with Shamrocker and Over the Top Tours. Great discounts in Wexford for the Famine Ship , the Ros Tapestry and the Hook Heritage Lighthouse
New offers are being posted every day here so make sure to keep checking and using your Green card.

Omagh Hostel in Irish Times

2009-05-19T10:14:00.000+01:00

Saturday, May 16, 2009
The way of the Wwoof
ETHICAL TRAVELLER: CATHERINE MACK on responsible tourism

WOOFING SOUNDS fantastically illicit, doesn’t it? The first time I came across it I was staying at one of my favourite eco-friendly spots, the Omagh Hostel (00-44-28-82241973, www.omaghhostel.co.uk), in Co Tyrone. The owner, Marella Fyffe, showed me to my room, saying: “There are a couple of woofers in the next room, but they are very quiet.”
I wondered if this was dubious Tyrone slang, but, seeing my confusion, Fyffe quickly put me right. Woof, actually spelt Wwoof, stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Just to confuse matters, it is also sometimes known as Willing Workers on Organic Farms. Wwoofers are, therefore, the willing workers. Until that point I had been a Wwoofing virgin, with no idea of all the fun I had been missing.
The Wwoofing system, brilliant in its simplicity, is one of the finest examples of successful, practical and sustainable tourism. People of all ages who are keen to travel the world sign up with the international Wwoof network, set up in the UK in 1971, to see who in the world is looking for volunteers. It might be on an organic farm, in a vineyard, in an orchard or even in a restaurant with an organic kitchen garden. In exchange for four or five hours’ work a day the Wwoofers get accommodation and meals.
For people such as Fyffe, Wwoofers are an invaluable workforce. But good hosts will always give back as good as they get, which, in the Fyffe family’s case, is great company, superb meals and the best local guides you could ask for.
Wwoofing work varies from farm to farm, of course, and during my stay at the Omagh Hostel Jurgen from Düsseldorf and Mary from Pennsylvania were planting seeds, transferring young beans to the polytunnel, watering the burgeoning young strawberry plants, stocking up the composter and cutting the lawn in time to install a yurt for the hostel’s summer party in aid of a local conservation charity.
As I helped place some organic lettuce seeds delicately into trays we are all enthralled by Fyffe’s boundless energy and plans for total sustainability. That evening she taught Jurgen how to knead bread while I prepared a vat of salad using some of our freshly picked leaves.
Did Wwoofers ever abuse the system, I wondered. “I have had Wwoofers for 10 years now and never had a bad experience,” Fyffe told me. “You have to trust your instincts. You can usually tell from the first phone call if this is the sort of person you want to be sharing your time and home with.”
She went on to tell me that Wwoofers can be exploited, overworked and badly fed. But she insisted that this is extremely rare and that the network is so tight that such people would be exposed straight away.
Wwoofing is not just for a student gap year, either. It is a great way to travel at any age, especially if you like the idea of travelling alone for a while, and often just a few weeks’ work is much appreciated by hosts, so you don’t have to give up a whole year. You just need to embrace the ethos of Wwoofing, which is all about enjoying the old-fashioned principles of non-monetary exchange of work for food and a bed for the night.
It is also a short cut to breaking down cultural barriers and creating friendships, and it teaches the fundamentals of organics and caring for the environment.
I hope the world is still Wwoofing when I have the opportunity to take off in carefree mode, and make up for all that lost time, when Wwoofers were still one of the world’s best-kept secrets.
www.wwoof.org.uk
www.ethicaltraveller.ie
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times

Free travel in Ireland

2009-05-08T12:08:00.001+01:00

NO MONEY - WILL TRAVEL!

The IHH is challenging people to travel all over Ireland without spending any money....
We already have a group of volunteers who will be braving the world with no money in June. They will use their wits and charm to survive, testing the generosity of the Irish people. They are going to travel by any means possible to all four corners of Ireland staying in the best hostels in Ireland - IHH hostels. Our volunteers will have to perform challenging tasks to earn their keep and will be documenting it all on our blog.
If you are interested in participating in the challenge, why not send an email to us at info@hostels-ireland.com . Tell us a bit about yourself, why you'd like to take part, when you're available and what part of Ireland you'd like to explore.

2009-04-08T14:17:00.000+01:00

The launch of the IHH Green Card

Independent Holiday Hostels will shortly be launching the Green Card. You can get one at any IHH hostel in the country. The card saves you hundreds of euros with discounts throughout the country. The card also entitles you to no booking fee when you use it on the IHH website - www.hostels-ireland.com. Just enter your Green Code on the card when you are booking your bed.
Also check the website for a full list of discounts on everything from car hire to museums and restaurants.