The Hideout is a small and friendly place. I saw Micheal only rarely, but his employees are always available and have helpful tips for things to see and do in Dingle and vicinity. Because the rules are enforced fairly strictly, the hostel is clean, quiet and safe. It's easy to strike up a conversation with other guests. The only drawback during my week-long stay was that the smoke alarm went off twice in the early morning hours - once because someone was smoking in the room, once for unknown reasons. The staff was quite apologetic and assured me that that was highly unusual. I would come back again.