An Oige Glendaloch Lodge Hostel

Description:

• Location, location -- this An Óige (Irish Youth Hostel Association) hostel has a prime location right near the Glendalough ruins and lakes, with spectacular views. It was renovated a few years ago, so everything's clean and comfortable, if a tad sterile, and there's no curfew. Doors are locked between noon and 5pm. A full breakfast is available for €7.50, and packed lunch for €6. Dinner is a slightly less reliable affair; although it's good value (a three-course meal costs just €13) it's normally available only to groups of 10 or more, and even then only if prebooked. However, if they are already cooking for a group, then other guests are welcome to join in for the same price. Otherwise, you'll have to head to Laragh, 1.6km (1 mile) away, where there are pubs, restaurants, and grocery stores. The Irish Writers' Centre of Dublin hosts traditional music and poetry sessions at the hostel three times a week during the summer months, and there's live music in the bar every Saturday year-round. It's got a great vibe, attracting people of all ages, and it's very big with hikers.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010