One of the things that impressed HostelBloggers on our recent trip was the artistic qualities of a few of the hostels we visited.
These days, it seems that if you don’t have a rash of swanky design features, a flash mural or two, or a series of artfully composed shots of former guests, you’re just not trying hard enough…
Anyway, here’s a handful of the more arty hostels in Dublin and Edinburgh that inspired us:
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Over the course of HostelBloggers’ time in the city, we visited a fair few Dublin hostels. And very nice they were, too. All gave us an almost ridiculously warm welcome (although special mention’s got to go to the guys at Kinlay House for a great stay).
But the manager of the Brewery Hostel, John Quinn, had a story to tell that was, well, just a bit different.
John’s bassist for the band, Legion of Ape, who, it turns out, have acquired a burgeoning cult following on the Dublin music scene – and beyond. And to confirm their rising star status, their rollocking, take-no-prisoners tunes graced the Leftfield Stage at Glastonbury this year.
Accoustic Ape Action!
So anyone who fancies having a jam with a superstar of tomorrow should get down to Brewery Hostel, Dublin, while stocks last…
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Dublin’s Temple Bar has got a bit of a bad rep in recent years.
By day, the area had become clogged with too many tourist tat shops; by night, hordes of stag parties wound from one tiresomely ‘Oirish’ pub to the next.
Add a near total absence of any locals and it hasn’t always seemed the most interesting area of the city.
But it’s by no means all bad news for Temple Bar. These days most of the stag parties have wound their drunken, costume-clad way across to Central and Eastern Europe.
And despite the throngs of tourists, there’s still plenty to get your teeth into (and not just in the great cafés and restaurants).
It’s a funny place, really:
…galleries and art centers sit alongside
…scruffy alternative shops and tattoo parlors
…to create a surprisingly vibrant and attractive quarter of Dublin.
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Far be it for HostelBloggers to stir up the muddied waters of politics (like religion and money, our mothers always told us not to talk about it in ‘polite society’), but this was pretty much the first thing that struck us when we arrived in Dublin.
Speaking purely as travelers in Europe, we’ve always rather applauded anything that brought the continent closer together. But then again, we almost certainly don’t understand the bureaucratic ins and out of it…
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Getting to Stansted, the feeling of excitement at our imminent trip soon evaporated. There’s nothing that sucks the joy out of a journey like staring at those computer-designed carpets while you glumly sip a laughably priced coffee (seriously, you’ve almost got to admire the chutzpah) as you wait in a departure lounge for an early morning Ryanair flight.
Incidentally, what were Ryanair thinking with their Vengaboys/Eurovision ‘Let’s Fly Ryanair’ jingle? Maybe it’s a sly marketing ploy to annoy people, thus reminding them that you get what you pay for, and reinforce their unapologetic ‘it may be pretty miserable, but at least it’s cheap and miserable’ brand? Who knows.
The flight itself was uneventful (apart from the usual barrage of chirpy lotto ticket announcements) until we started to come into land. The plane was slowly descending towards the runway, only for it to surge away again, almost as we were touching down. The pilot, in a rather cheerful way, explained away his aborted landing attempt, putting it down to “getting the approach wrong, and coming in too fast.” So that’s alright then.
Anyway, having finally touched down safely, a grey and mizzly Dublin stretched out before us…
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Marietjie and I start our second day in Dublin with a scheduled meeting with the Barnacle Temple Bar House hostel manager. A great spot if you’re a group looking for a good nights sleep in central Dublin and have partying on your mind. The common area is a comfortable setting to relax with a book in a very soothing environment. Very close to the Temple Bar Cultural Trust for finding out the going on in the surrounding area. They’ll also be able to take on larger groups once their new location opens up.
Marietjie and I have now moved on to our next scheduled meeting at Kinlay House Hostel and as we enter were greeted by the reception and informed that Liza is not available but the Hostel Manager is present. There were more renovations taking place so we saw what we could. The most striking thing to me though was the architecture, so for those that enjoy high ceilings and windows and space this is a great spot.
It’s a great hostel for a group who’s looking for some privacy and wishes to be located in central Dublin. They’ve put the effort in to keep guests with basic needs, while making a transition with new ownership and renovations.
After a relaxing lunch on the grass of St. Stephens Park, we started to head towards our scheduled meeting with Laura from Mercer Court Hostel. It isn’t the easiest place to find, so bring a map. A great spot if you’re a group looking to take advantage of music in the park or even a picnic. Even though it is centrally located, the area is quiet.
Off we go and jump in a taxi to our last scheduled hostel meeting at Dublin International Hostel – it’s just outside the city centre but a quick taxi ride in and out. It was a beautiful site, which was a church in the past and had been transformed. There was a beautiful terrace being built at the time so that people could enjoy the outdoors with patio and seating. You will also be served a full Irish lunch and dinner. But, most of all the architecture is great…oh yes no mixed dorms
It was great to see all the various hostels that we work with in Dublin, Ireland. Dublin was a very good place to start since many of the hostels are located, somewhat in the vicinity and weather conditions allowed for genuine time to meet our contacts.
This trip was to gather accurate knowledge about our partners and illustrate the variety of destination options out there for traveling around, eating, bars and fun filled activities.
Comprehensive list of Dublin Hostels.
For more information on getting aroun Dublin go to Dublin Transportation Office
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Marietjie and I start our day with a scheduled meeting with Sharon, whom is the Hostel Manager of both Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn. We were both provided with a tour of the facilities, starting with Isaacs.
Isaacs Hostel is a great place for any group type from hen/stag partiers to backpackers of any age to stop off and enjoy a good rest in the centre of Dublin, just about a 2 minute walk from Connelly Street. Whether their looking to lounge, watch TV, take advantage of an outdoor terrace and sit back and listen to some live music in classic sand blasted bricked environment. If you have an appetite than you might want to do your own cooking since they provide a muffin and hot beverage for breakfast. Oh yes! They have security guards and there’s a police station 1 minute away.
Once we had finished our tour of Isaacs Hostel, Sharon escorted Marietjie and I to Jacobs Inn, the sister hostel to Isaacs. Another great place for those groups of any age and may be accompanied with person/s physically challenged. All rooms at the Jacobs Inn are provided with ensuite facilities which are another great plus since your dealing with many children. Located just 1 minute away from the Isaacs Hostel and attached to the local police station.
Marietjie and I had now moved on to our next scheduled meeting at Paddy’s Palace with Phil, who is the new Hostel Manager. We were both provided with a tour of the facilities. A great spot if you’re not looking for any luxuries but a great time. They can get you on some tours and introduce you to some bars in the local neighbourhood. No activity nights but something they’re working on for the future.
Marietjie and I moved on to our next scheduled meeting at Abbey’s Court with Steve, Hostel Manager. This is one hostel that can be noticed from anywhere, its beautiful powder blue painted exterior; with flowers hanging on the outside breathe relaxation. A great spot if you’re a group looking for simple luxuries and to be located in a central location. They’ve put the effort to align his guests with quality in and out of the hostel. No activity nights but leaflets for extracurricular activities. Best location for those that are possibly behaved groups from religious and alumni’s to chorals.
Marietjie and I have now moved on to our next scheduled meeting at Litton Lane Hostel. A great spot if you’re a group looking for little bit of musical history and located in a central location. They’ve put the effort to keep guests with basic needs from a hostel. No activity nights yet, but leaflets for extracurricular activities. The most striking thing to me though was for people who enjoy the music would love to know that this use to be the ‘Litton Lane Recording Studio’ for great Irish artist who inspired many around the world.
After lunch we jump on a train 15 minutes outside Dublin city centre to Marina House. My first view is of the ocean and groups of people gathered around to sail. It took us a little while to spot Marina House with the directions that we had but when we arrived we made our introductions. A great spot if you’re a group looking for outdoor activities, peaceful surroundings, good nights sleep, and well Marina House is located fifteen minutes outside central Dublin. They’ve put the effort to keep guests entertained with a bbq in the back of the hostel. No activity nights yet, but leaflets for extracurricular activities. The most striking thing to me though was activities offered to people who enjoy sailing, mountain climbing, riding and outdoor activities.
Back in Dublin centre and we’ve reached our next scheduled meeting at Brown’s Hostel with Romana, the new Hostel Manager. A great spot if you’re a group looking for a good nights sleep in central Dublin. They’ve put the effort to keep guests entertained with internet in the back of the hostel. No activity nights yet, but working on themed nights.
End of a very long day, and celebrated with a pint of Dublin’s finest – a Guiness at the Temple Bar!!
Comprehensive list of Dublin Hostels.
For more information on getting aroun Dublin go to Dublin Transportation Office
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