Foulksrath Hostel, Kilkenny

Rosa_Mundi · Veteran Member

Foulksrath Hostel, Kilkenny

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rosa,

Sorry to hear the castle hostel has closed. On the website it says "permanently" closed so I think you should make other plans.

Unfortunately the economy is taking its toll on many different places in Ireland. Many hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses have closed also.

Let me know if you want a recommendation in Kilkenny. Or as an alternative try Waterford Castle.

Michele

Rosa_Mundi · Veteran Member

Thanks, Michele. Someone on another board has said that it is to be sold so definitely is closed. I'll survive wink but it IS a little disappointing.

I am looking for something fairly inexpensive (under 30E for one person) for the Kilkenny area so that's why the hostel was on my list. Now I'm looking at a place called Macgabhainns since they are inexpensive and have female dorms.

1) Any clue on how Macgabhainns is pronounced?

2) (and more importantly) Does anyone have experience with this place?

This portion of my trip needs to be somewhat inexpensive since saving money here will help me afford a much nicer lodging at another point (I'm booking a variety of lodging types during my stay) plus allow me a little extra money to take a friend to lunch. Being in Kilkenny instead of miles out will be more convenient so I'm really trying to keep sight of that when comparing places to Foulksrath.

Thanks! smile

Michele Erdvig · Host

Rosa,

It certainly is disappointing to have your plans dashed. Thirty euro is on the low end of the scale especially for Kilkenny. It is a popular place to visit and stay. Plus you will most likely pay a "single supplement". Most B&Bs run at least 30 euro and up. They do provide a great breakfast though. Many hostels don't provide breakfast or you cook your own with what you have purchased. That differs from place to place. But take the breakfast into consideration as it can keep you going all day.

Are you spending more than one day in Kilkenny? If so, ask about "specials" or lower rates because of that. Perhaps a B&B will drop the single supplement if you are spending more than one day. It never hurts to ask.

As for Macgabhainns I have no experience of it but my focus never has been hostels. Have you looked for online reviews? How to pronounce it? Never having heard it said before I will give it a wild guess Ma-gab-aans. If I'm wrong you can let me know when you get back!

Michele