The rate to stay at Barnacles starts at 14 euros a head. The hostel has a variety of sleeping arrangements ranging from one up to twelve beds in each room. Each of the bright but spartan rooms contains its own bathroom with toilet and hot shower; although I cannot imagine that the twelfth guy to wake up in one of the bunk-o-rama party rooms will be guaranteed a hot shower! The shower is a bit tricky to figure out the first time out, so having some extra roommates may come in handy if you have questions. The heat and the bed linen are provided free of charge, while towels and locks are available for rent. You can also request an iron, hair dryer and board games from the reception desk, though the bored may resort to other games. All doors are operated by key cards, a security measure not seen in hostels of lesser repute. Some rooms have balconies overlooking cobbled streets, while guests staying in rooms with skylights are sure to get a wakeup call from the burst of daylight overhead.

All guests get to enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. This is light, definitely not one of those massive heart-clogging Irish breakfasts you might find at a bed-and-breakfast or local diner. The breakfast includes bread, cereal, and your choice of morning beverages. The sugar packets embossed with Irish witticisms are a cute touch. If you are still hungry, buy some groceries and prepare your own grub in the self-catering kitchen.

The cozy communal lounge room has comfy chairs, large windows and even a fireplace. Barnacles is an appealing place for young travelers to stay and swap stories and suggestions. Hopefully your stay here will be peaceful and free from the sounds of fire alarms accidentally going off in the middle of the night.