Kilronan Hostel

My best friend and I stayed here a few years ago while traveling the west coast of Ireland. Kilronan Hostel is still fresh in my mind as a place with fabulous hospitality, a great owner and a wonderful sense of community.
I reserved a few months ahead on line and had no problem with the reservation upon arrival. This hostel could not be more perfectly located as you can see it directly from where the ferry drops you off. Dave, the owner, is a super guy who went above and beyond with hospitality. Our room was a shared four bunk with two other girls. One who was American and very nice. The other girl informed us that she was going to her friend’s wedding that evening at an Inn on the Island. The room was clean with a shared washroom and I had the bottom bunk by the window. When I woke up each morning, the first thing I saw was the beautiful Irish Harbour.
This hostel was like a big warm family. The kitchen was a huge communal space with music playing and everyone was friendly, chatting and getting to know one another. Lots of room to keep your food and also a rec room with free wifi and a computer, lots of movies and couches to chill out.
That night after dinner we were invited by Dave, who was also the best man at the wedding, to come and celebrate with the bride and groom! After a few drinks at the hostel we wandered down in bunches to the inn. It was a massive party and I must admit that I thought the bride and groom would be like: Who ARE these people at our wedding? But they were so wonderful and we met so many wonderful people. I mean, drinks weren’t free, so it was more business for the inn, but still… the hospitality was incredible!
Dave was also wonderful about telling us where to rent bikes to explore the Island and helped us plan our day trip. That night, there was a BBQ at the hostel in honour of the bride and groom. The beer, wine and food was all free! And all the same people from the night before were there. After drinks and revelry we all stumbled down the road to a pub for some live music and lots of Guinness!
Overall this was one of the best places we stayed on our trip. I don’t think we would have loved Inish Mor so much if it weren’t for the lovely people and wonderful accommodations at Kilronan Hostel. Actually, calling this place just an «accommodation» doesn’t do it justice because it was so much more.
Thanks for a fabulous stay!