Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Rainbow Hostel
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
#3 of 4 hostels in Doolin
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quirky Hotels
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
Doolin Ireland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 54 out of 100
54
12 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 233
- 38
- 18
- 4
- 1
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
Brilliant place to stay Carmel the owner was so helpful and the hostel is well situated, cosy and welcoming. Definitely a place to go back to. Doolin is a fascinating area with plenty to do. A tip for the Cliffs Visitor centre go on the early 8am bus to have an hour there before the crowds descend. Coastal trail and the Aran Islands all close by are stunning . As are the wild flowers of the Burren. McDermotts pub nearby recommended for food and music.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the minute we arrived at Rainbow Hostel, we felt at home. Carmel, our host, gave us a great welcome and ensured we had everything we needed and more. It was such a comfortable home with a super relaxing atmosphere throughout.
All amenities were close by and we were able to pack it all in - walking, swimming, boat trip to the Aran Islands. Local pubs served great food but the kitchen facilities were excellent also, for those who might like to relax at home.
And did I mention the wonderful solid fuel stove in the common area? This really is a home from home. Thank you Carmel, Mattie and Ciara.
All amenities were close by and we were able to pack it all in - walking, swimming, boat trip to the Aran Islands. Local pubs served great food but the kitchen facilities were excellent also, for those who might like to relax at home.
And did I mention the wonderful solid fuel stove in the common area? This really is a home from home. Thank you Carmel, Mattie and Ciara.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Rainbow Hostel never fails to disappoint! It was so nice to return here after my first stay in 2019 and it really felt like visiting a fond relative. I received a very warm welcome from Carmel (owner with Mattie) I had booked for 3 days but ended up staying for 6 as my sister visited for 3 of the days. Thankfully things (other than breakfast no longer provided) hadn't changed since my last stay. The bright spacious well equipped kitchen was as good as ever and the communal area continues to have a nightly fire which offers a great opportunity to chat with other guests.
A bonus on this trip was Mattie doing a slide show presentation on local history and archaeology. Mattie is from Doolinis a fountain of knowledge on all things Doolin. The talk was very interesting and informative. I'd recommend asking about this if you visit b the hostel. He also did a walking tour which I. Missed out on. Also ask about that.
March is a great time to visit Doolin, especially if the weather is good as it was for me - sun and no rain for 6 days! It's not overly busy, but still has enough people visiting.
There is something very special about Doolin's landscape, pier and cliffs - Doolin is not just about traditional Irish music.
Thanks Carmel, Mattie and Pierre for my lovely stay. I'm heading back to London recharged!
A bonus on this trip was Mattie doing a slide show presentation on local history and archaeology. Mattie is from Doolinis a fountain of knowledge on all things Doolin. The talk was very interesting and informative. I'd recommend asking about this if you visit b the hostel. He also did a walking tour which I. Missed out on. Also ask about that.
March is a great time to visit Doolin, especially if the weather is good as it was for me - sun and no rain for 6 days! It's not overly busy, but still has enough people visiting.
There is something very special about Doolin's landscape, pier and cliffs - Doolin is not just about traditional Irish music.
Thanks Carmel, Mattie and Pierre for my lovely stay. I'm heading back to London recharged!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A wonderful stay right next to the Cliff of Moher. There is a bus stop just in front of the hostel which is located in a 10 minutes walking distance from the center of Doolin. The owner was very kind and welcoming, our room and the bathroom were clean.
We recommend it 100% !!!
We recommend it 100% !!!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brilliant hostel! Carmel and Mattie were excellent hosts and the hostel was a very convenient base for exploring the area. The rooms were a very good size and everything was kept clean. I would definitely highly recommend it and would not hesitate to visit again.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
“I walked in on their opening day and stayed 4 days and it was GREAT. The shower is new, the toilet is clean, the bed is comfortable and the sheets clean and duvet are clean. The internet is FAST and steady. The kitchen has many plates and cooking pots and pans and breakfast had many choices of cereal and bread and scones. I am going back on the 30 th of March for another 7 days!!”
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from carmel shannon, Owner at Rainbow Hostel
Responded 7 Mar 2020
Thank you for your generous and kind review and we look forward to return at the end of the month. From Carmel & Mattie at the Rainbow
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent three nights at the hostel with our 8th grade students from the Palermo Waldorf School in April/May 2024. We had the most wonderful time at the Rainbow Hostel, everything was perfect. Carmel welcomed us "home" and helped us with any question or need we had. The kitchen is fabulous, lots of space and light. The fire was always on in the wood-burning stove in the cozy living room. Only wish for next time: more light in dining room :-) The hostel is located in a perfect spot, we traveled by public transport only and on foot. Thank you so much, we'll be back!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My first hostel experience in a few years and it was excellent. We were 2 adults and 3 kids. Everyone loved it. From the spacious ensuite room, the bright roomy kitchen and the cosy sitting room to the back patio with playground, this hostel ticks all the boxes. Carmel made sure we had everything we needed.
The hostel is located near Mcdermotts Pub which is ideal for pub grub. It offers great value for money and I have no hesitation recommending it.
The hostel is located near Mcdermotts Pub which is ideal for pub grub. It offers great value for money and I have no hesitation recommending it.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Book early. Parking available on site.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just back from what my seven year old has described as his "best holiday ever". Rainbow hostel and in particular the lovely, warm welcome we received from Carmel have made our week in Doolin really memorable. We stayed in the family room which had ample space for us 4. I absolutely loved the mornings, eating breakfast outside with a beautiful view, chatting to people from all over the world before exploring this stunning part of the world.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in Rainbow Hostel for 3 nights in the beautiful village of Doolin. Although the weather was a real mixed bag of sunshine and torrential rain the warm welcome we received was more than enough to make up for anything the weather could have thrown at us. We couldn't have asked for a more helpful host in Carmel and we will definitely be ventureing back in the not to distance future.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"Some rooms did not have good Wifi reception, but they are about to install a new system."Read full review
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty ClareThe BurrenDoolin
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingRAINBOW HOSTEL | UPDATED 2025 Reviews (Doolin, Ireland) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to Rainbow Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Clare Coastal Walk Project (0.9 km), Irish Crafts - Doolin (0.8 km), and Doolin Garden and Nursery (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Rainbow Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Rainbow Hostel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Rainbow Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Oar Restaurant, Russells Seafood Bar, and McDermott's Pub.
Is Rainbow Hostel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Doolin.
Are there any historical sites close to Rainbow Hostel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting O'Brien's Tower (6.6 km).