The gatehouse is a charming separate little unit with its own private bathroom. We didn't meet Stephen but his assistant Heike was there to meet us. It was a coldish and rainy day and she had the cottage all warmed up for us. Much appreciated! The main building of the Old Monastery has its own particular vibe. There are loads of interesting books and a couple of comfortable couches with a fireplace. The kitchen is functional and stocked with all the utensils you may want to use. Breakfasts were great with delicious porridge and freshly baked bread. The setting of the hostel, right behind the entrance of the beautiful and wild Connemara National Park, is wonderful and the village of Letterfrack is certainly worth exploring. Even discovering the darker and tragic history of the Industrial School through documents and transcriptions added a sense of historicity and humanity to our stay here.