Neptune Hostel, Killarney, Ireland's
The Neptune’s Hostel, Killarney, Ireland

My previous post listed some of the housing options in Killarney, but I chose to stay in the Neptune’s Hostel.

Front desk of the Neptune's Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
Front Desk of The Neptune’s Hostel in Killarney, Ireland

Why a hostel? I’m a hostel lover! My first hostel was in Paris and it was more a hotel than hostel and I didn’t have an opportunity to meet new people. BUT I also left the premises pretty early and returned really late so maybe I missed my opportunities to be social. I chose the Neptune’s based on a few reasons:

  1. Price: it fit into my “I’M GOING TO IRELAND” at the last minute budget. My accommodations budget was split between Killarney and Dublin.
  2. Free breakfast: I DO NOT COOK.
  3. I could have a room to myself: I am NOT a dorm sleeper. I must have my own bedroom and I prefer my own bathroom. However, there were only shared bathrooms when I booked my room. I did it because I would be away from the hostel most of the day and night and I’ve never shared a hostel bathroom so that would be new
  4. It is pet and smoke free. My sinuses cannot tolerate a new country and old pet and cigarette aromas.
  5. It was within walking distance of the city center and the event center.
  6. It was a ten minute walk to the train station.
  7. It’s a “green” hostel meaning they are actively recycling, reusing and reducing.

I try not to leave a “tourist” footprint when I travel. I don’t buy disposable clothes, I eat at locally owned restaurants and I don’t need my sheet washed every day. The Neptune Hostel seemed perfect online.

Entry to the Neptune's Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
Entry to The Neptune’s Hostel in Killarney, Ireland

And for me, it was. I had my own room with a full bed, an ensuite, a desk and a window. It would probably have been warm if I had used the heat and it was extremely clean and neat. The wifi did not reach into my room but it worked in the common areas. This was a reminder for me to get out of my room and meet people but it was inconvenient when I woke at 4:00AM and wanted to check my email.

Bed and desk at the Neptune's Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
My bed in the Neptune’s Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
The bathroom at the Neptune's Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
The Bathroom at the Neptune’s Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
The Sink and Shower at the Neptune’s Hostel in Killarney, Ireland

The communal kitchen was large and a breakfast of toast with butter and jams, coffee, hot chocolate, and cereals with milk was offered each morning. You could also purchase food from the Tesco around the corner and cook if you chose. But why cook? The kitchen is self cleaning (clean up your own mess) but the staff kept it clean and I never saw any signs of bugs.

the kitchen at the Neptune's Hostel in Killarney, Ireland
The Kitchen at the Neptune’s Hostel in Killarney, Ireland

The front desk staff was smart, funny and gave me perfect directions and advice. I felt welcomed each time I arrived and they always asked if I needed anything. Would I stay there again? Absolutely! Although I try not to repeat visits, I would make an exception for The Neptune’s Hostel.

But how do I get back to Ireland? Sponsors, anyone?