A great hostel experience. Stephen and his team are excellent hosts and seemed to always be available. The few other staff I met were also really nice. But you come to expect that of everyone in Ireland after a few days in the country.
I stayed in the stand alone cottage, but I met several couples or groups of travelers who were staying in the dorm rooms and everyone loved the place. The kitchen is well supplied with everything you need to cook just about anything you want, and the common room has a nice, cozy vibe. The breakfast includes Stephen’s home baked bread along with oatmeal, boiled eggs, fruit etc.
The property is literally right at the entrance to Connemara National Park with the visitor center and the trail to hike Diamond Hill which is the most popular trail in the area. And there’s a great pub and restaurant pub across the street from each other in the center of the village just a few minutes walk away. Lively local crowds most nights, and like the locals in most Irish pubs they make us travelers feel right at home. Also a grocery store. Everything you might need within very short walking distance while the hostel is surrounded by nature.
I plan to return.