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

Post Olympic Blues ?

Oh boy …on a bit of a comedown after the highs of the Olympics and we really need something new to chin wag about. Luckily things are really hotting up in Dublin with a stack of great events taking place over coming weeks. Here are some favourites for you to ponder chosen by Myra a member of our reception team (at Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs inn.)  Or check out our Dublin events guide here

 A rare variety of sports takes  over Dublin thus week  including the annual  RDS Dublin Horse show from 15- 19th  August . This is is but a dart ride away from the hostels. For those who enjoy all things horsey or in fact just like to be seen this is one of the highlights of the Dublin social scene.

For something slightly more racy you can get up close to the thrills of Motor racing in Phoenix Park on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18^th. This one’s FREE! or  Just take a leisurely stroll down to the Liffey this Saturday and marvel at the madness  of those 250 men and 100 women who will swim in the historic Annual Liffey Swim Spectators are encouraged to support the competitors from the banks of the river, with the Liffey Boardwalk providing a great viewing point  . Who needs an Olympic pool to show off your speedos? - Michael Phelps eat your heart out!!  

 If rock is more your style then The Boys is back in town … for Phil lynott Thin Lizzy fans check out Still in Love with You: The Philip Lynott Exhibition 19^th July 2012 – 30^th September 2012 at St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, Dublin.  Gig season is still in full flow and though Bruce the Boss is a hard act to follow you can catch Noel Gallagher & Kasabian, Marley Park on 23/8 or  for a bit of nostalgia Tom Jones and Van Morrison at Marley Park on 24^th .

Dublin Tall Ships-Set sail 

Time : Duration : We won’t  miss The Tall Ships Races 2012 arriving  here ( a  mere  hop, skip,  and a splash from  Jacobs  Inn and  Isaacs Hostels ) from 23^rd August 2012 – 26^th August 2012 at  Dublin Docklands There are loads of FREE   events and gigs,  ideal for our  backpackers on a  budget .

For the unique entertainment experience of American Football Try the American football event on 01/ 09 at the Aviva stadium - the home of Irish rugby opens its doors to a wild legion of American football fans  .

So Olympics though  we will  never forget you  it's  time  to move  on and enjoy  all Dublin has to offer  this August . And if that is just all too much for you and per chance it does get actually hot again (say past 20c!)  then head out to  the seaside  to feel the sand  between  your  toes  ,have an ice cream and  if you are really mad a “refreshing dip “ in the Irish sea  (  we are only a  20 min minute dart ride away from bathing spots at the 40 foot Sandy cove or Malahide etc.  ) 

Best week in Dublin City!

Bring your drinking boots with you if you are visiting Dublin this weekend, you have picked a great week to sample a tipple or two in Ireland's capital.

First up is Arthur's Day which is happening on Thursday 22nd September. It's a night of music and celebrating Ireland's most famous export. Pretty much all of the pubs in Dublin will be packed with people and there are sold out gigs on in venues all over the city. Start your night in the Backpacker's Beer Garden in Isaacs Hostel where pints of stout are just €2.50 and then head up to Dame Court for a pint outside The Stags Head and The Dame Tavern (my favorite place to celebrate Arthur's Day. Trust me, it rocks!)





So, when you have wiped the stout foam from your lips it's time to head to Oktoberfest on Friday 23rd September. Just a couple of minute walk (or stumble on your way home!) from Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs Inn, Oktoberfest is the celebration of all things German with German food, German music and of course litres and litres of German beer on offer. This is one of the best festivals of the year in my opinion. Good, clean, tipsy fun!
Oktoberfest runs from 22nd September to 09th October on George's Dock, Dublin Docklands in
the IFSC.



If you fancy a break from boozin' you can visit any museums, galleries, studios, historical buildings and all things cultural in Dublin on Friday for free as part of Dublin's Culture Night. Hundreds of Dublin's most famous landmarks are open to the public and there are free tours all over the city. For more information check out the website here.


Saturday is the hostel party of the year, the Backpacker's Ball. Run by the ten best hostels in Dublin the Backpacker's Ball is in The Village on the 24th September from 8.30pm 'til very, very late. There is a popcorn party, live music, DJ's, acrobats, drinks promotions, competitions, a giant pillow fight and much, much more. Entrance is by guest list only, if you are with us for the weekend just pop your name down at reception in Isaacs Hostel or Jacobs Inn.

Sunday...well, there are sausage or rasher sambo's in the deli and the Backpacker's Beer Garden opens in the evening for those who need a curer. You WILL be tired on Monday morning, guaranteed!

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.

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.

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.

"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).