I needed a place to stay for one night in Cashel as I would be touring the Rock that afternoon after driving from the Dublin Airport. From the website this looked like an O.K. place at a very good price, but the experience was terrible.

I had booked directly with the hostel for a private single room for the rate of 30 euros. I knew there was limited street parking in front, but there were two pay parking lots nearby by which were free between 6 pm and 8 am. When I arrived, I found the four parking spaces in front on the very narrow street were all filled so I headed for the paid lot. When I arrived the young woman decided to change my room assignment to give me an ensuite (which I thought I was already booked for anyway). I was also asked to pay a 5 euro key deposit. I was given a small room on the first floor (second floor in U.S.) with two bunk beds and a very tiny bathroom. I was tired and stressed from having to deal with rental car problems by that point so I just accepted it.

The bunk contained a very hard mattress, with flannel sheet, a duvet, and a floppy pillow. I think they were clean but they were definitely old. The light over the bed was missing it's cover so wires were exposed. The ceiling light was not really good for reading and there were no other places to sit other than the bunks unless you went down to the lounge. About 8 pm it was getting cold and I went down to ask how to get some heat; I was told the radiators would come on soon; they never did and I only kept warm by staying buried in the duvet.

The bathroom had a very tiny sink, a soap dispenser, toilet and the dirtiest shower I've ever encountered. There was on old used bar of soap and clots on hair on the bottom. I'm not a neat-freak but even that shower was too disgusting for me to use. I had not noticed it the night before because the bathroom light was so dim so I just had a spit-bath the next morning. No towels were provided.

The location was right in the center of town so it was easy to walk to cafes and to the Rock, but I would definitely not stay here again.

Excellent situation close to Main Street and the rock of Cashel.
Shared kitchen favourable to meet the other residents.
Quiet, clean.

Cashel Holiday Hostel has definitely been our best hostel experience so far in Ireland! Granted, we are here during the off-season, so there's only a couple other guests here, but we have nonetheless had a great time! The location is fantastic, right off Main St. in Cashel. The service has been great, almost verging on too helpful! Its a funky building, with orange walls and lots of old posters, but its very comfortable and welcoming. The dining area is large and open, the common room has a fireplace, hardwood floors and comfortable couches. The dorm rooms are cozy and clean, although the bathroom (en suite) was a little small. They are doing improvements, however, so that may change as well. There is free wireless. Basically, I was sad to leave!

The comfort is minimal
The kitchen is not very functional, gas installation seems old and insecure
No parking, and in Cashel it a problem as no free park exists

Go there only if you cannot pay a few more.

Positive point : the staff is pleasant.