Highly recommend this lovely hostel if you're traveling to the Cliffs of Moher/Aran Islands. I had a private sleeping room and en suite bathroom to myself for a great price, and the common areas are very well set out. The common living room has a warm wood stove and relaxing seating. Big kitchen with everything one needs, lots of table area to write or eat in the dining room.
This is one of the better hostels I've stayed at anywhere and you can't beat the location in
Doolin. McDermott's Pub is right there. The other famous pubs, like McGann's and O'Conners, is an easy walk. All have the live music and craic one comes to enjoy in Ireland.
Doolin is a really small seaside town with pubs and not much else, but the affordable bus comes RIGHT to the hostel door to get you around anywhere you want to go in County Clare, like the Cliffs of Moher visitor center. Or you can just walk to the top of the cliffs (about two hours each way up the trail). There's also an old church ruin and graveyard a block away to explore. And cows, horses, donkeys, and various ruined castles/villages strewn about -- just ask around to find them. Wild blackberries on the sides of the roads. A cheese shop. It can all be very touristy, but there's other stuff to do if you're willing to talk to people and ask.
A big plus to Rainbow Hostel is the owner, Carmel. I ended up catching a bad case of bronchitis and she not only called her Dr for me, but kindly drove me there. This is above and beyond and I'd never ask someone to go out of their way for a stranger like this. Also, the other visitors staying there were so kind and helpful. It was lovely and astounding.
I don't have enough good things to say about Rainbow Hostel, but it should be anyone's first option in the area if they're on a budget, and especially if traveling alone.