Rules / Guidelines - why!

Ríchie & Sinead your hosts at the hostel.

We take our responsibilities very seriously, but we do try to squeeze the odd laugh in from time to time and are happy, cheerful people (although the wife can be grumpy at times; you should see her in the early mornings).

We hope that the following set of guidelines/rules, which explain a little of how hostels should work, will help those who are new to hostelling.

Why do we have to have 'Rules' ?

The easy answer is that if we didn't we would end up like many other hostels where guests experience disturbed nights and are disappointed by the conditions they find.

Cape Clear Holiday Hostel is different - and thank goodness for that!

We have heard so many horror stories over the years, about other hostels, that we are determined to ensure our hostel is as good as we can make it; and would be a place that we, ourselves, would be happy to stay in.

We do our best to avoid the 'pitfalls' of other hostels and do not 'hide' behind a reception desk. We choose to mix with our guests, we check conditions about the hostel continuously, and we always have an eye on safety.

If the hostel 'guidelines', which we actually see as the minimum requirements of respectable, and respectful behaviour, seem too much then please..........do consider a local B&B instead.

Our Commitment

We promise, for the benefit of all of our guests, to reject any guest not adhering to our guidelines:

• Only Registered Guests are allowed in the hostel.

• Wine and beer with food, and in moderation, is welcomed.

• No alcoholic spirits or slabs of beer/lager - this is a family friendly hostel.

• No Smoking anywhere in the hostel (a legal requirement).

• Children remain the responsibility of their parents/guardians and must be supervised at all times.

• Children of 8 years or less must use bottom bunks only (Hostel regulations).

• Parents must decide on the suitability of top bunks for children over 8 years of age.

• We always take new guests on a safety tour of the hostel.

• Bare feet Not Allowed - guests do break glasses, bottles and jars from time to time.

• Pyjamas are for bedrooms and are not acceptable downstairs.

• In the Kitchen - sharp knives, gas and electrical appliances must only be used or operated by adults / parents / guardians.

• You must clear up, wash up and put everything away after every meal - no air drying please - tea towels are supplied.

• We do not have a curfew - Guests returning late are expected to be quiet about the house and show respect for sleeping neighbours, children and other guests.

• Single sex groups of three or more may be required to pay a safety and security deposit of €25 per person - refundable upon departure subject to conditions.

• Sorry, no pets and especially not snakes, spiders, hamsters, dogs or cats, although a goldfish might be acceptable.

• No drying of shoes or clothes by the fire or anywhere else inside the hostel - oooh no!! much too smelly, especially trainers, and it spoils the ambience.

• We have laundry facilities for your clothes (Washing machine & Tumble dryer with slot machines).

• We will even dry your wet shoes with our special hygenic boot dryers and, if you can't afford the €2 charge, we will gladly do it for free!!!!