How to Stay in Hostels in Ireland

Ireland is a country of myths, legends and beautiful vacation spots. Whether you are visiting the land of your ancestors, backpacking to the Blarney Stone and Dublin Castle or there for the colorful pubs and delicious beer, hostels may be the way to keep you from being flahulach*and keep an extra joyce** in your wallet. Hostels are a backpacker's traditional way to a thrifty stay on the Emerald Isle.

*Flahulach: adj, very generous, throwing money around
**Joyce: adj, 10 pounds

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Light-weight but informative guide book (the Lonely Planet series is my personal favorite). Plenty of Euros or Pounds (if you are exploring Northern Ireland in the U.K.) Well-organized itinerary Travelers backpack Padlocks for your backpacks and luggage Money and passport pouch you can wear around your neck or waist Sleep sheet (two sheets sewn together to make a sack). It's light and the inside can stay clean. Adapter plug set Ear plugs Key chain light Hand towel Small compass Sandals for the shower Wet wipes or hand sanitizer Visa Checkcard (because it does not charge a fee for currency exchanges) Travel tissues Inflatable pillow International Hostel membership card Small plastic bag (for dirty laundry, shoes, etc) Toiletries in travel size Cell phone with alarm clock International phone card Insect repellent
Light-weight but informative guide book (the Lonely Planet series is my personal favorite).
Plenty of Euros or Pounds (if you are exploring Northern Ireland in the U.K.)
Well-organized itinerary
Travelers backpack
Padlocks for your backpacks and luggage
Money and passport pouch you can wear around your neck or waist
Sleep sheet (two sheets sewn together to make a sack). It's light and the inside can stay clean.
Adapter plug set
Ear plugs
Key chain light
Hand towel
Small compass
Sandals for the shower
Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
Visa Checkcard (because it does not charge a fee for currency exchanges)
Travel tissues
Inflatable pillow
International Hostel membership card
Small plastic bag (for dirty laundry, shoes, etc)
Toiletries in travel size
Cell phone with alarm clock
International phone card
Insect repellent

Step 1

Plan and prepare for your trip. The secret to smooth traveling through Europe is to do your research and be prepared. The more you prepare, the more money you will save and the safer (and cleaner) your hostels will be. Try writing out a detailed itinerary. Know exactly where you want to go and how many days you want to spend there. Plan out what you are going to pack and keep it down to the bare necessities. Don't pack an outfit for every occasion but an outfit that can be used on many occasions. Pack things that are light, compact and useful.

Step 2

Research and reserve hostels. How much are you willing to rough it? Hostels can be great opportunities to meet fellow travelers. You can potentially reserve a private room, share with a roommate or live in a dormitory-style room with three to 30 people.

Check out online hostel databases and review centers such as Hostels.com, Hostelz.com, Hostelireland.com, hihostels.com and HostelsEurope.com. These sites allow you to research hostels, read user and travel writer reviews and book in advance. You can get a good idea of the hostel's cleanliness, security, set-up and more.

Book through Hostelling International, (HI) hihostels.com, if possible. HI hostels have to maintain certain standards to be a member of this international organization. To stay in a HI hostel, you have to become a member, which you can do here: https://www.hiayh.net/hiusassa/memssaord.wizstep1

These sites reserve a certain number of rooms or beds every day to be purchased on their Web site. By booking in advance, you won't leave your hostel reservations to chance. Imagine getting off a train or bus to find that the hostel you wanted is full. You might be temped to go the spontaneous route, but remember, you have to coordinate your stays with bus, train and flight schedules anyway. You can't really be that spontaneous when your plane is flying out the next day. If booking in advance is not possible, call the hostels of your choice and ask if they take reservations. Remember, the best hostels can fill up weeks in advance, so try to beat the rush.

Step 3

Adjust to hostel life. Be flexible. Staying in a hostel is roughing it. If you are worried about cleanliness, you can sleep in your own sleep sheet, wear sandals in the bathroom and use hand sanitizer.

Be sure to check out the hostel rules. Ask if your hostel has a curfew and, if so, get back by the designated time or be prepared to sleep outside. Keep a safe guard on your belongings at all times. Never leave your passport, credit cards or money lying around. Try to keep them in a travel pouch under your clothes. Keep your bags padlocked and unexposed when you are out of the room or asleep. Some hostels offer lockers or will put your bags in storage upon request so you can travel bag-free throughout the city.

Lastly, keep an open mind and be courteous and friendly. Meeting new friends along the way can make your traveling experience that much better.

Resources

Hosteling International

Article Written By Susan Thomas

Susan Thomas has been a journalist since 2004. For three of them she was freelance writer for the "Florida Today's" teen section. She worked for one year as a staff writer for "The Oracle," the student body's newspaper. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and psychology from the University of South Florida.

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