Katie O'Connor's Holiday Hostel

County Clare


Dating from the 18th century, this tall townhouse once belonged to the powerful Vandeleur family. Today it's a well-equipped IHH-affiliated hostel with clean dorms and private rooms with bathrooms.

Other bonuses include a barbecue and picnic tables, plus bike storage. Bike hire costs €15 per day.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Clare attractions

1. St Senan's Church

0.11 MILES

St Senan’s Catholic church has a lovely rose window as well as four stained-glass windows by well-known early-20th-century artist Harry Clarke.

2. Shannon Dolphin Centre

0.46 MILES

The 170-plus bottlenose dolphins swimming out in the Shannon are monitored by this dedicated research facility. In addition to learning about its latest…

3. Vandeleur Walled Garden

0.57 MILES

Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and…

4. Scattery Island

2 MILES

This uninhabited, windswept and treeless island in the estuary 3km southwest of Kilrush was the site of a Christian settlement founded by St Senan in the…

5. Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail

6.37 MILES

If you're catching the ferry between Tarbert and County Clare, take time to visit the renovated Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse, which has exhibits …

6. Doonbeg Castle

6.69 MILES

The ruined 16th-century tower next to the graceful stone bridge over the River Doonbeg is all that remains of Doonbeg Castle – its entire garrison was…

7. Doughmore Bay

7.53 MILES

A long, sweeping 2km stretch of golden sand, Doughmore Bay is 4km north of the village. There's often good surf here; rent equipment in Lahinch.

8. White Strand

8.07 MILES

Secluded White Strand (Trá Ban) offers relatively safe swimming sheltered from the Atlantic swells. With a Blue Flag rating, the 250m beach is patrolled…