The most unsanitary place I have ever set foot in. The walls are covered in mould, which has left me with a chesty cough and the rooms don’t have heating so you can see your breath. Cups smell like slurry and all the cooking utensils and cutlery needed to be washed before using. Blood stains were found on sheets and I would say the place hasn’t ever been cleaned. Mary, the owner is so lovely but so many health regulations being broken. The other building is essentially a shed. Many of the people sleeping there moved to the main building, as it was so dirty and affecting people’s breathing/asthma. Two men were also camping outside and using the facilities of the hostels without us being informed beforehand. We had no locks on the doors, therefore security was an issue. The only good thing about the hostel was Mary and the view. Also no WIFI and one socket per room.…
I'm surprised at such positive ratings on this site re Dooey Hostel. I went here prior to holiday season. On approach to the building I got excited as I thought it was a modern and Interesting building with a grass roof. Upon entering the building which seems to be a co vetted horse stable I noticed that the roof was indeed corrugated metal where grass happen ed to grow. To the left of the concrete floor was a stream where water ran off the hillside and through the building. A "feature" boulder wall had more water running from it into the stream which featured real ivy and green goo. It immediately rang alarm bells for me. Brilliant location and views however it needs Renovation. Rooms were plane, not much cooking facilities or indeed washing facilities on offer. Little plugs for charging phones and cameras etc. Bathroom needed modernisation, mouldy shower curtain and a plastic coating on toilet seat which was cracked and needed replacing. Lovely lady but unfortunately I couldn't stay due to the above reasons. At the time I was travelling Ireland and staying In a lot of hostels which offered WiFi etc for uploading photographs etc but this place felt very dated and unsecure. …
I would say this hostel is a gem. I have spent my fair share in hostels but I have never come across such an extraordinary one. I don't want to ruin it for future travellers by giving its charming features away on tripadvisor. My advice - go and check it out. Leo, who was running the hostel at our arrival, was the perfect host - He welcomed us with a tray of biscuits and tea. Leo made us feel really welcome and at home. The friendliest host I have come across in a hostel so far. It is not one of the newest / state of the art hostels, but that only adds to its charm. And the view from our window across the bay was just exceptional.
Stayed here at the end of August for one night. Totally loved it. Although it may not be the Ritz it is definitely one of the best hostels that I have ever stayed in. The decor is unique!! The owners Mary and her son Leo are the friendliest and most welcoming hosts that I have ever encountered in any hostel. So if you want atmosphere, great craic and to stay in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland Dooey Hostel is a must. The facilities are basic but you won't need anything more than the warm friendly atmosphere that this place has to offer! Will definitely stay here again
I have had the chance to stay a couple of days at this hostel during spring time and overall i have had good impressions. Yet since it is located in a small village without any social life, I would day that it is nice to have a rest for just 1-2 days. It is quiet, near the Atlantic ocean, clean and rural. As a matter of fact, those people coming from big cities, would have a chance to get to know how everyday life is in the countryside of Ireland. No wireless connection inside the hostel or television. Yet there is lounge and dining area. You should not expect a lot of amenities but the hostess is polite and will treat you nice with a cup of hot tea. Visitors can buy good from local supermarket and cook their food. No laundry facility provided as well. Again this place is for relaxation and for a short time period so as to stay calm and quiet. You may reserve the place before going there, but once you arrive there from Donegal by bus, you should expect to go on foot 1.5 km upwards to find the place.…
The overall rating probably doesn't reflect objective reality, in the sense that it's not a 5* hostel or even a 4*. I guess Mary , who runs this place, her personality and character gets a 100* rating, and easily makes up for dated equipment, leaking roofs etc .For anyone looking to make memories and get away from it all- this is the place to do it in !!! FABULOUS.
We camped on a garden under trees (wind protection) with very beautiful views. The owners, Mary and Leo, were very warm and welcomed us with a cup of tea and cakes. They're very thoughtful. This is definitively not a luxury hostel but as camper we can use the hostel's facilities (kitchen, tea and coffee, bathroom). An uncommon place for a different experience.
Absolutely amazing spot made all the more enjoyable by the wonderful warm welcome. The hostel itself is quirky and perhaps a little ramshackle but to me that is part of its charm. Don't go if you are expecting everything to be new & pristine but if you like something a bit different then this is the place for you. We were very comfortable, had everything we needed and more. We stayed an extra night we loved it so much. Excellent value for money and an experience not to be missed - wish we could have stayed longer.
What a wonderful place and location! Me and a friend stayed here in a tent on the small camp near the hostel, and used all the facilities there. Good kitchen, very nice living-room with an absolute magnificent view. I agree that the place could do with some work, it is a bit dated. Every 8 bed dorm has it's own toilet and kitchen, that's seems very handy. I'm definitely visiting again! ONLY MINUS is that there's no website, I've even wanted to make one for them in trade for a stay, but she's not into computers at all ;-) So give her a call, if you google you'll find the phone number!
we chose to stay in Glencolmcille at the end of October, to experience the slower pace and get away from the hustle and bustle of cities. Glencolmcille certainly allows for a more relaxed pace. The welcome we received at Dooey hostel was in keeping with the traditional Irish friendliness that we were seeking. Mary spoke to us on the phone before we arrived and was instantly friendly and welcoming. Leo met us when we arrived at Dooey and was full of the hospitality that Mary had warned us about. Leo made us tea and snacks on arrival, ensured we were comfortable and kept us informed of any entertainment that would be of interest to us. The village is a 5 min walk away where you can get a quiet pint in front of an open fire. The beach is a couple of mins from the hostel and adds to the wonderful scenery from the window. There is a very cosy communal kitchen and lounge and Leo proves to be highly entertaining for the banter. A rustic accommodation which is in keeping with rural Ireland and where the warm atmosphere is a contrast to the roaring winds of Ireland's North West coastline.…
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