Hostels

Hostels are the miracle of the accommodation world.  We don't have nearly enough of them in the USA but Europe is busting at the seams with them.  What ARE they?  Cheap, clean, community oriented places to stay...with full kitchens and sitting rooms, complete with books, TV, and wifi.  Although you can opt for a private room, the most affordable option is to share a room with other travelers (about $15 to $20 a night).  Most rooms hold between 6 and 16 people, and either has a private bathroom or you can scamper down the hall to a shared bathroom.  Mostly, it's a bunk bed setup, first come first pick, as far as who gets what beds. Sometimes you're assigned your bunk.   In general, they're a great way to sleep on the cheap.  I love them!!

Fitzgeralds Hostel, Castlegregory, Ireland  This hostel was situated over a bar.  You checked in AT THE BAR.  I woke at midnight to the sounds of live Irish music in the bar.  I should have gotten up and gone downstairs...instead I rolled over and kept sleeping.  :(

Rowan Tree Hostel in Ennis, Ireland.

Crieff, Scotland.

Pitlochery, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Pitlochery, Scotland.

For the long term travelers, you can set aside a spot in the kitchen for your personal supplies.  Generally, though, they supply you with tea, coffee, milk, juice, salt, sugar, etc.

The kitchens have all of the pots, pans, silverware, plates, glasses, and cooking facilities you need.  Label your things when they're in the fridge, throw out what goes bad, and clean up after yourself.  Easy!  And you can make your own meals, which is so nice to be able to do.  Staying at hotels and B&B's, you aren't given kitchen access, which I find frustrating.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Backpackers Hostel, Oban, Scotland.

Katie O'Connors Hostel, Kilrush, Ireland.

Katie O'Connors Hostel, Kilrush, Ireland.

Katie O'Connors Hostel, Kilrush, Ireland.

Fitzgeralds Hostel, Castlegregory, Ireland

Fitzgeralds Hostel, Castlegregory, Ireland

Rowan Tree Hostel, Ennis, Ireland

Rowan Tree Hostel, Ennis, Ireland

Backpackers Hostel, Pitlochery, Scotland.

And, as a final note...it must have been subconscious, but I never even photographed the bad hostel in Glasgow.  I meant to...after all, I stayed there 2 separate nights.  But there's not a single image.  I can tell you the story about it if you want to know.  Some of you may not want to know.  :)