Not Quite the Hilton: My 1st Hostel Experience

I've been researching, reading & learning about hostels since I started to plan my European adventure months ago. For those who are unsure about what a hostel actually is, I will fill you in now. Imagine an old, stone building probably built centuries ago located smack dab in the middle of a village or city. Inside you’ll find a small reception area where more often than not, another international traveler is working. After getting checked in & spending a whopping 20€ ($25) per night, you’ll be lead through the common area & kitchen where you’ll find people from ALL over the world sharing stories, playing games, making dinner together or listening to music. After being lead up a dark stairway, which can only be accessed if you have the secret pass-code  you will find your 5-Star room awaiting your arrival. Inside, you’ll see about 6 beds that look exactly the same – one of which has your name written all over it! After getting settled you may need to use the Lou so make your way back down the hallway to the bathroom, which looks more like the stalls you used at overnight camp when you were 10. Now, lock up your prized possessions in a locker & head back down to the kitchen for some good craic with your new friends…and roommates!

Now, some of you may be thinking, “What is she, crazy? Spend an extra $20 & get your own room at a B&B!” I could do this. I could spend just a little bit more for a hotel. I’d probably get better night’s sleep, have a big comfy bed to myself & have much more privacy. But by doing so I’d be taking out all the fun of my adventure. Traveling isn’t just about being in a city that you’ve never visited & eating the local cuisine. Traveling is about putting yourself out there, going out of your comfort zone, saying YES when you really want to say NO & meeting people from all over the universe. Hostels are the perfect avenue for any person that desires to do these things. After experiencing this for the first time this past weekend I have to say there is something humbling about sitting at a square table with two people from Spain, another from Germany & another from Canada – each with their own story to tell.

After sharing a couple drinks with my new friends at the hostel, we made our way to the famous pub in Westport, Matt Malloys. This pub is known for playing traditional Irish music every night. Here we ran into a 30^th birthday party, a wedding party & a “stag” party which in America we would call a bachelor party. The bachelor was actually wearing a full bridal gown! Interesting to say the least. After that we went to Cozy Joes, which catered more to our age group. We made some new friends & danced the night away (to American music!).

Check out was 10am the following day. We managed to drag ourselves out of bed around 9:45 & headed downstairs where homemade scones, tea & coffee were waiting for us. This was of course included in the 20€ that we spent to stay at the hostel. What a deal, eh?! After that we caught a ride to Croagh Patrick Mountain. This mountain is one of the most famous in Ireland. It also has significant religious meaning as well. It is said that St. Patrick fasted on the summit for 40 days & 40 nights. On the last Sunday in July of each year over 80,000 people make the pilgrimage up the mountain, usually barefoot. At the summit a mass is held in honor of St. Patrick. Unfortunately, due to dangerous wind & rain, we only made it about half way up the mountain. It was still an adventure & yet another beautiful view of Ireland.

The weekend concluded with the famous “All Ireland” match on Sunday. I’m going to need a full day to write a post about this event though! Cheers for now!