| Frequently Asked Questions |
Our Answers |
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Where do we catch the ferry to bring us to Cape Clear? |
Baltimore is the main ferry port to Cape Clear for 364 days of the year. A ferry also sails out of Schull from June to September. |
| What time can we check-in at Cape Clear Island Hostel? |
Check-in is from 11.30am to 5.30pm. |
| Can we check-in earlier than 11.30am? |
You are welcome to check-in earlier by prior arrangement and leave your bags while you explore the island but bedrooms are not usually available until 3pm. |
| Can we check-in later than 5.30pm? |
Yes, but it must be pre-arranged with Richie or Sinead. |
| Can we use the hostel throughout the day? |
Yes. Once registered our guests are given a key to the front door and are free to come and go as they please. |
| Can we use the bedrooms throughout the day? |
If you book a family or private room you are free to use the room throughout your stay. |
| Do we have access to the shared dorms throughout the day? |
Yes. But sleeping in dorms is restricted from 9.30pm to 10.00am - sorry no exceptions. |
| What is the check-out time on our day of departure? |
Check-out time on day of departure is 10.30am. |
| Can we use the hostel later than 10.30am on our day of departure? |
Subject to availability: We now offer a day rate charge of €5 per person for any guests wishing to use the hostel after 10.30am on their day of departure. |
| How does the Day Rate charge work? |
You pay €5 per person and can then use the hostel facilities from 10.30am until 3pm but you must still vacate your bedroom by 10.30am. |
| Is there a Cash Machine/ATM on Cape Clear Island? |
There are no ATM / Cash Machine on Cape Clear Island. However, you can usually get cash back with a purchase in the shop or an island pub. You may need to have the facility arranged with your card company. It is best to use the ATM's in Skibbereen or Schull before you come to the island. |
| Do we have to be a member to stay at the hostel? |
No, but if you intend to become a regular hosteller it would be a good idea. |
| What do we need to bring with us? |
Groceries, Flash-light, Slippers, Pyjamas, Dressing Gown,Toothpaste, Shower Gell, Towel, Extra pair shoes, Sun Glasses, Sun Block. |
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What groceries should I bring? |
Milk, coffee, tea, cooking oil, other groceries to suit your taste. |
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Is the island shop open when we arrive? |
From May 1st through to the end September the shop is open seven days a week. From September to the end of May it is a good idea to bring your own groceries if you are catching the last ferry, or coming to Cape on Sunday. |
| Are pets allowed? |
Sorry pets are not allowed. |
| How far is the hostel from the harbour where we arrive? |
The hostel is in the south harbour, which is a lovely 12 minute walk. |
| Is there a bus/taxi to meet us when we arrive in the island? |
The island bus, which is actually a mini-bus, is scheduled to meet the arrival times of the subsidised, authorised ferry. Tickets for the ferry can be booked on-line www.cailinoir.com If you want to be sure of a ride on the bus then do ring them and make a booking: Cape Clear bus /taxi/cab. Telephone: 086 383 6759.
Please note: It is an easy and very pleasant walk to the Hostel, which takes around 12 minutes. |
| Do you supply Bedding or should we bring sleeping bags |
Sleeping bags are not required as we supply all bedding. The cost of the bedding is included in the prices quoted for your first night's stay. |
| When can we use the lounge, kitchen, & dining room? |
Throughout the day from 8.00am to 11.30pm, sometimes at other times subject to availability. |
| Can we use the lounge, kitchen, and dining room earlier than 8am and later than 11.30pm? |
Yes, but subject to availability and prior arrangement. Availability is affected by the level of bookings and the time of year. The guest bedrooms are above the lounge and dining room, and most of our guests tell us that they want a peaceful night's sleep, this is one of the reasons why we sometimes close the lounge/kitchen/dining rooms at 11.30pm. |
| Can we go fishing from the rocks & pier? Will you show us how to prepare the fish we catch? |
Yes. |
| Is breakfast included / do you do catering? |
Breakfast is not included; we are a self-catering hostel. |
| Can we bring other friends into the hostel? |
Sorry only Registered Guests are allowed in the hostel - strictly no exceptions. |
| Can we bring alcholol to the hostel? |
No alcoholic spirits or slabs of beer or lager, however, wine and beer with food and in moderation is acceptable. |
| Can we smoke in the hostel? |
Sorry - no smoking anywhere in the hostel. |
| Do we need to bring slippers & pajamas & dressing gown? |
Pajamas, dressing gown and slippers are a good idea. Bare feet strictly not acceptable downstairs for safety's sake. |
| Do you have adequate fire and saftey procedures? |
We monitor our systems continuously and check our systems weekly. All guests are taken on a health & safety familarisation tour of the hostel when they arrive. |
| Is the hostel quiet or noisy? |
We aim for this to be a tranquil spot but we also love to hear the laughter of children. We do insist upon respectful behaviour and we ask all guests to be quiet about the house after 11.30pm in case people are sleeping. |
| Does the hostel have a curfew? |
We do not have a curfew - guests returning late are expected to be quiet and show respect for sleeping neighbours, children and other guests. Guests who flout this rule will be ejected and not allowed to stay in the future |
| Do you accept pets? |
Sorry no pets and especially not snakes, spiders, hamsters, dogs or cats, although a goldfish might be acceptable. |
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Do you take groups? |
We do but groups of three or more may be required to pay a safety and security deposit of €25 per person - refundable upon departure subject to acceptable behaviour - especially on bank holiday weekends. |
| Why do you have guidelines and rules? |
The short answer is because we care about our guests and we want all of them to have a great experience at the hostel. The majority of our guests are regular hostelers and won't need reminding how it all works, however, quite a few of our guests are new to hostelling and we aim, with these guidelines, to make it easy for them to learn the ropes. |
| How do we make a reservation enquiry? |
Click the contact us link below to send an email enquiry or give us a ring.
Contact us: Reservation Enquiries - Click here.
Telephone: National: 028 41968 ; International: 00 353 28 41968 |
| What is your postal Address: |
Cape Clear Holiday Hostel, South Harbour, Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, Ireland |
| Do you take credit / debit cards at the hostel |
Cash only at the hostel. But you can pay in a variety of ways before you arrive: cheque, paypal (credit card), direct to the bank - we will do what we can to make it easy for you to pay. |
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