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In the town of Doolin, a surf, sailing, and traditional
music hub in Co. Clare, we locate a wonderful place to stay for the low-key
traveler. It is the Aille River
Hostel. Situated on the edge of the
Aille River, it has all the amenities of home for a tiny price.
The hostel has been alive for 20 years and is a stopping
ground for traditional musicians, artists, and backpackers passing through
Doolin. It has a communal feel that
attracts seekers of free living.
Architecturally, it has several common rooms with large wooden tables
where the world gathers. A couple
backpacking from Spain can share a word, a meal, and a laugh with American mom
and daughter cycling duo. Round the
table are woven rocking chairs for the wayward guitarist hitchhiking the coast,
and stools for the studious young initiates to budget traveling. All can study the collection of maps and
guidebooks and exchange information about their travels. Round these tables is where you learn the
best information, what isn't in the books.
Emily, the friendly woman working at the hostel, told us
about a hike to The Cliffs of Moher. It
is along the goat trails near the edge, over barbed wire fences and past
abandoned houses. It goes right up to
the cliffs.
The hostel has a self-catering kitchen with all kinds of
pots and pans for cooking up delicious food and baked goodies, just like at
home. It also has refrigerator and shelf
space to house your fixings. It has tea
free to travelers, so make up a hot pot and take it river side for a quiet
sit. A beautiful Irish setter puppy with
the whitest teeth and boisterous attitude hangs about the river, waiting to
play. After being on the road and away
from animals for a while, playing with a dog can be just the thing to revive
the spirit.
Other perks: free showers and private bathrooms for
guests. Aillwee River Hostel has free
internet access. To freshen up your
clothes, use the free washer. The dryer
is 2 euro or sundry clean clothes on the line out back.
Accommodations: Camping with use of hostel facilities is
7.50 euro per person, dormitory rooms for 4-8 people beds are 15 euro pp, and
private rooms are 20 euro pp. The hostel
is closed during January and February.
Camping is allowed only during the summer months because during winter,
the river floods and the winds pick up; tents have blown into the river. For other questions email
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.
Written by Liz O' Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
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