St.Ciaran Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound : Ciaran  (Isaacs Ambassador )

I’m sitting in Munich. Tomorrow morning (Saturday) I fly to Ireland. I can’t believe how fast these past few weeks have gone. Yet, I am very happy to be returning to Ireland!

Since I spoke to you last, I swept through Vienna in two nights! Still though, what a cool city! The people seem so friendly! Although, as I lack the language, they could be cursing at me for all I know! Still, I’d interpret them all as compliments! Not only did Vienna give me some amazing sights, but it also gave me a chance to shop! I can’t go away for 3 weeks and arrive home with nothing but a smile! I’m sure that will be appreciated all the same, but thankfully I did find time to do a wee bit of shopping! Presents galore were purchases as well as a few things for myself. A few things in the form of Vinyl Records. I’m a lover of Vinyl and when you find a copy of Sgt Pepper by the Beatles, you buy it!

So by now, I’ve seen the sights, met the messers and travelled by train! I actually did a few calculations of my total travel time today en route to Munich. Trains alone and not taking into account planes, buses or metro underground trains, I’ve been on the railway for around 33 hours in the past 23 days. That’s insane!! Would I change a second of it? No. But those 80 minutes I was stuck outside of Frankfurt that eventually made me miss my train to Prague. I might alter those slightly. Only enough though so that I’d have to run to make my Prague train, resulting in a dramatic photo finish sort of leap of faith onto the train. But no. I missed that train. By 10 minutes!

What do I plan on getting up to when I return home? Tea. My bed. A good relaxing dip in the local pool! And of course my family and girlfriend! Throughout my time abroad I’ve shared with you different aspects of Ireland and what makes it great! However, I realised yesterday that I had made a mortal sin. I, never, not once, mentioned my hometown of Athlone! Could you imagine the local scandal. They even put me in the paper back there for winning this competition! Athlone is a town of around 20,000 people located on the River Shannon in the counties of Roscommom, and mostly Westmeath. As much as Irish people may say Athlone is in Westmeath, it in both. I should know, my address is Athlone, Co Roscommon.

So what is there to do in Athlone? WHAT ISN’T THERE!! Being on a river means that cruisers are always passing through and while you take in the breadth and length of the River Shannon, stop in Athlone for a relaxing break in the very centre of Ireland. That’s right, the very centre! There’s a plaque to confirm it! In recent years Athlone has become a hub for shopping in the Midlands. There are two shopping centres choc o block of designer outlets and high street names. Fashion ain’t my thing so I’ll stop here before I make an arse of myself, but if you like the biggest, classiest brands then you’ll find them in Athlone!

We also have a Clonmacnoise. A link to the Norman past of Ireland that lead to the formation of a multitude of monasteries across the country! I like Clonmacnoise because it has an incredible history, having been raided by the Vikings time and time again and still kept going strong. Not only that, but it was founded by a St Ciaran. Nice one!

Lastly on a list of what to see and do in Athlone, one should not leave the town without a visit to the Castle. Another feature of Athlones rich history and it stands on the riverbank so there is no excuse for missing it! They’re actually renovating it at the moment, so by the time you get there it’ll be even better! There might even be TWO CASTLES! Or not!

And that’s it. I don’t know when my time as the Isaacs Ambassador officially ends. I’m guessing when I leave their hostel tomorrow afternoon in Dublin. Supposedly there’s a big map of Europe in the hostel of where I’ve been. Looking forward to seeing that!

If this were a film, this would be the part where the credits roll down the screen! For this amazing opportunity I must thank a few people. Firstly, all of the Isaacs staff who stood in for the  very cheesy pictures with me before I left! Thanks to Colm Hanratty of Hostel World who sat on the interview board. Without Hostel World, I would’ve been sleeping under a bridge each night! Thanks to Deborah from Isaacs for taking care of the online side of things and in particular the blog! And finally, I’d like to thank Alan Duncan and James Clancy of Isaacs who not only gave me the chance to cross Europe, but funded the damn thing. What were yee thinking!? Sending a leprechaun like me across Europe! The absolute lunatics! Thanks guys! It’s been incredible!

I might be finished travelling, but I’m not finished Tweeting. Follow me at @ciaran_o_connor where I tweet on all subject matter, expect hostels. I leave that to the professionals. You can follow them on @IsaacsHostel or on Facebook their page!

SLÁN

The Truth About Leprachauns

Centre of old town Square Parague 

Typical tourist.. camera ready !

The Truth About Leprachauns.

Hello hello hello. Everytime I begin these blogs I feel like Marty Whelan (Irish TV Commentator) as he broadcasts from the Eurovision. “Hello to you all from (Insert obscure city that nobody has ever heard of!)”

Here I am in Vienna. Since I last spoke to you, I experienced all that Prague has to offer! After my delay and stopover in Berlin, I caught a train to Prague on Monday morning. Exploring that city was great! It’s really incredible. Not only is the architecture beautiful, but there’s a cool vibe about the place! What really did it for me however, was the train ride to Prague. The countryside that the train passed through between Dresden and Prague was absolutely amazing. A big river, forests for miles, houses built into the mountainside and of course, the mountains! Talk about awe inspiring. I sat there, wide eyed, mouth open, simply watching it all unfold before my eyes. The train wasn’t too hot either, but that was probably all my drool cooling me down. I joke! But not about the landscape! That really was incroyable!! It reminded my of Irelands rugged natural beauty! Fair enough, the sun may not be shining as much as it was en route to Prague, and if you wish to sunbathe, you may have to do so in 6 minute shifts in between the wind and rain! Yet what better way to experience Ireland than in it’s natural, regular climate. Who needs the Sun. Puuuuhlease!

Again though, I’m not joking! Biased as I may be, Ireland has some of the most mesmerizing natural beauty in all the world. Admittedly, we have a very green image abroad. It sort of ties in with the Leprachauns doesn’t it!? Well, you won’t find any of those little fellas. They only appear to the locals. NOTE*

Whether it’s the green fields you want to see, or our jagged cliffs and wild beaches that lie hidden across our coastline, Ireland has it all for you! This may be of service to you. http://www.hostelworld.com/guides/country-guides/ireland/

So this morning I departed Prague for Vienna! One more train, one more city! I’m getting near the end now. It’s crazy how fast these 3 weeks have gone. It’s feel like yesterday I was grunting down a phone to win tickets to the Olympics. That’s a smashing nostalgic memory isn’t it?

I love it when a hostel is easy to get to! Really makes travelling all the less stressful. Although, as I write this I can already sense the guys in Isaacs thinking “Lazy Bugger!” However, once off the train in Vienna, a quick metro and a 2 minute walk and there I was lying on a bed, chilling out, listening to two Australian girls debating whether or not they would need Havaianas Flip Flops before they leave for the Middle East. This is the good life.....!

Two nights await me here in the home of ….. Wait a second, what is Vienna famous for? Jazz…I better go find out! Until next time kids, same bat time, same bat channel!

NOTE* You’re really not that gullible are you? Just in case, I  had best clarify, there are no such things as Leprachauns. The Green Fields we do have though!

To follow me and my travels, you can follow me on Twitter @ciaran_o_connor and @IsaacsHostel and on Facebook on the Isaacs Hostel page!

Cheapest beer in Dublin

At Isaacs Hostel we pride ourselves in doing things First - We were the First Independent hostel in Dublin (possibly even Ireland)celebrating our 25th Birthday this year. We were First hostel to be computerised, First hostel to provide a sauna, internet access etc.... the list goes on and on but now we have another fantastic FIRST - perhaps the best FIRST ever - we are the first hostel in Dublin to have a Beer Garden AND WE HAVE THE CHEAPEST PINT IN THE WHOLE OF IRELAND.

Just to put things into perspective for you, our dear readers. A Pint is 0.568 261 25 litre - just in case you didn't know! The average price of a pint of beer is €4.50 (and the price depends on where you are drinking - the posh places and the tourist places charge more!). Nowhere charges €2.50 a pint - BUT BELIEVE IT OR NOT, ISAACS BACKPACKER BEER GARDEN IS NOW OPEN AND SELLING A PINT OF LAGER OR STOUT FOR ONLY €2.50 to the residents of Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn. If you are not booked into one of our hostels - sorry but you have to go elsewhere for your pint.

So get on that plane, train or automobile and come to stay with us! It's probably chepaer than staying at home.

Bumper to Bumper disco is back

The bumper to bumper disco Headphone disco is back.

The headphone disco is presented by Dublin Dance Festival in association with Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Phantom 105.2 with the station’s Jim Carroll and Michelle Doherty on the decks spinning all the best tracks, from the latest indie floor fillers to classic tunes from the 80s and 90s.

The headphone disco will start at 9 pm with gates opening at 8.30 pm. All you have to do is bring your headphone and have your radio tuned to 105.2 FM.

Tickets to this event are free but must be picked up from the Dublin Dance Festival Box office on 12 East Essex Street.

For More information click here

And don't forget when staying in Dublin, stay with us at Jacobs Inn or Isaacs Hostel

May at Jacobs Inn and Isaacs Hostel

Things are really hotting up at Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn. More and more events are planned for the summer months and the now famous Isaacs BBQ's are already running on two nights every week. Live bands regularly perform in both hostels and the best new of all is that the Isaacs Backpackers Beer Garden is now open serving the coolest and the cheapest beer in Dublin (perhaps even in Ireland)

Other events such as free walking tours, video nights (with the latest movies) and our special Italian and Mexican nights - with a beer or glass of wine plus your dinner for only €5.

We are really committed to getting the best possible deal for all our guests and our staff are constantly on the look out for new places offering good value to add to our Recommendation Board.

Have a look at our events page for up to date information on the events planned over the coming weeks.

Win Westlife tickets and accommodation in Dublin

Finally the dust has settled (or should I say Volcanic Ash) and we are gradually getting back to normal after a crazy week sorting out guests who couldn't get back home and dealing with other guests who could not get to us.

Now we are getting ready for a really busy summer in Dublin which is going to be fantastic because this summer Isaacs Hostel is celebrating it's 25th birthday - and we are going to party! - Isaacs Hostel is committed to staying forever young so watch out for our special 25th offers and deals - there are new ones every week so check out our website to keep up to date with everything.

Competitions are also coming fast and furious and in conjunction with Hostelworld, we are giving away two tickets to see Westlife plus 3 nights accommodation at Isaacs Hostel. Click here to enter the competition.

Isaacs Hostel's 25th Birthday

Isaacs Hostel is celebrating 25 years since opening the first independent hostel in Dublin in 1984. The building which was originally a wine warehouse has some wonderfully quirky architectural features now fully refurbished.

Whether you're enjoying a long weekend taking in the sights and sounds or coming for one of the many concerts or festivals taking place around the city, then along with Jacobs Inn, Isaacs is the perfect central location for a visit to Dublin.

To get a taste of Dublin before you travel take a look at 'Truly, Madly, Deeply, Dublin' the tourist boards promotional video. Enjoy images of a young vibrant city interspersed with glimpses of our ancient civilisation and stunning scenery all set to the background music of U2s 'Beautiful Day'. Visit www.visitdublin.com or google 'Truly, Madly, Deeply, Dublin'. Also visit www.youtube.com to see a selection of amateur and more professional videos of the capital and surrounding areas.

Live postcards from Dublin

Smile, You're on Candid Camera!

Send a live postcard to all your friends back home. World Link house have cameras on the streets of Dublin. The cameras are located just around thecorner from the Jacobs Inn and Isaacs hostels in Lower Gardiner Street between Talbot Street and Lower Abbey Street. Send the link (www.nci.ie/ipsy) to your family and friends.

Tell them when you'll be out and about and they can see you live and in action. Don't forget about the time difference - we're GMT = 0 hours. Remember the picture updates every 15 seconds so have lots of fun – send messages making letters with your body or have people pop in and out of the picture! Visit www.hidden-dublin.com/card for more ideas and maps of the cameras exact locations.

"These feet are made for walking"

Walking is the best way to explore any city and when you stay at Isaacs Hostel or Jacobs Inn you're perfectly positioned to see all the best Dublin has to offer. You can even take a guided 3 hour walking tour right from the front door of your hostel every day.

To set off on your own walking tour just arm yourself with a good map, a raincoat and a pair of sunglasses (to cover every eventuality!). Dublin is a compact city ideal for covering on foot.

Around the corner from the hostel is the new boardwalk which runs along the river Liffey. You can stroll towards O'Connell Street for a perfect view of the Spire. After visiting the G.P.O. (General Post Office) site of the 1916 Rising you can turn left onto Henry Street home of great shopping. Pop into Wolfe Tone Square to see the Oxfam exhibition.(http://www.oxfam.ie/) Then head over the hal'penny bridge to Temple Bar, centre of Dublin's night life with restaurants, pubs and nightclubs for everyone.

Then head for Trinity College with a quick detour to see the Book of Kells and on up to Grafton Street to enjoy the street performers. Finish up in St. Stephens Green, feed the ducks or just enjoy the summer sunshine!

Food for thought

Food for Thought

'Me stomach thinks me throat's been cut' is just one of the entertaining ways an Irish person can let you know they're ready to eat! Good hearty fare can be as simple as a burger and beer enjoyed right here in the hostel every Friday and Saturday evening or try your hand at preparing a full Irish breakfast in our self catering kitchen.

On your visit to Dublin the more adventurous visitor will want to sample some of our more traditional dishes including coddle, Irish stew, colcannon and corned beef and cabbage which can all be found in the great selection of restaurants around the city. Try Gallaghers Boxty House in Temple Bar (http://www.boxtyhouse.ie/) or the Shack (http://www.shackrestaurant.ie/). Why not visit Hotel Isaacs Il Vignardo restaurant, where Italian food with an Irish slant is served in attractive surroundings which will make you feel you've entered a Tuscan vineyard. With early bird and lunch specials at €9.90, the value is hard to beat.

For the serious foodies among you a trip to the 'Taste of Dublin' festival (http://www.tastefestivals.ie/) will be just the ticket. Running from the 11th to 14th June and now in it's fouth year with over 30,000 visitors the idea behind this festival is to allow everyone to taste food prepared by the best Irish chefs. Prestigious restaurants such as L'Ecrivan, Diep Le Shaker Chapter One and King Sitric to name but a few prepare 3 signature dishes each. It all takes place is the beautiful surroundings of the Iveagh gardens off Stephens Green just a 15 minute walk from the hostel.

Party time in Dublin

2nd June 2009
Dublin city is famous for it's live music venues and there's nothing we like more than a good hooley (party)! So whether you're here for one of the big Summer concerts or to enjoy some more low key shindigs then you'll be perfectly placed in Isaacs Hostel or Jacobs Inn.

Our Irish Dance Parties take place right here in the hostels so learn a few steps to impress your friends with. The 'Live @' series features some of the best Irish music around with regular gigs in both hostels. If you're a musician and would like to perform your stay could be free!

U2 are performing 3 already sold out concerts in Croke Park on July 24, 25 and 27th. If you'd like to see the band on their home ground then enter our competition. Visit www.isaacs.ie for a chance to win. Also performing in Croke Park on the 13th of this month is Take That.

Dublin's O2 arena is hosting a series of concerts over the summer including Beyonce 3/6 & 4/6, Britney Spears 18/6 and 19/6 (www.theO2.ie) and Ireland's internationally renowned music and dance spectacular Riverdance is on in one of our oldest theatres from 22/6 to 29/8 (www.gaietytheatre.com).