Non-profit help in a small mountain village in Donegal, Ireland
Last activity
: 8 Jul 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 3 days
Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 638248952938
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Feedback (8)
I really want to thank Sally and Erin for the wonderful experience they allowed me to have.
The hostel is located a stone's throw from Mount Erigal and the lake, making it an appetite for activities that can be done after work.
The highlight in the area is the beaches, which are certainly the most beautiful of those I have seen in Ireland (you can
… read more go by bus).
Everyone in this area speaks both English and Irish, so it is perfect for those who want to improve their English and for those who want to discover Ireland.
Sally and Erin are super nice and have done everything to help us and not miss anything and I really want to thank them.
The tasks I had to do were both those in preparation for reopening as a painting, and those of normal cleaning routines when the first guests arrived.
However, the work is not exhausting and is within everyone's reach.
Thank you very much for everything, a hug :)
Left by Workawayer (Shane) for host
I had a great time at this hostel and being in the Gaeltacht. There is an ethereal Irish feeling there around Dunlewey. I loved going for walks because everything was so beautiful, at least to me. In my opinion, they are amazing walks, right outside the door. Erin and Sally were really kind and there is not a lot of pressure from them. I felt I
… read more had my own space when I wanted it in the hostel which is good as well. I spent a lot of time listening to Irish music so that elevated the experience, and I would recommend others do the same. It can rain a lot there, for me being used to rain, it didn't bother me, you have to just get on with things and go for walks when there is a break in the raining :D But something to be mindful of. The rain almost made some of the walks better though.
I met some nice people there and it was cool exploring more of Irish culture. We went to some traditional Irish music sessions and that was great!!
I can imagine I'll be bringing some people to Dunlewey in the future, to show them how cool it is. The scenary is top-class!
Thanks for having me! :)Left by host for Workawayer (Shane)
It was a pleasure to have Shane at Hostel. He is keen, polite, hard working, flexible and adaptable to any task, which was undertaken with attention to detail, care and completed in a timely manner. He takes pride in his work and is eager to learn. During his 6 weeks with us, the tasks were varied, all which he excelled in. These included
… read more gardening, painting, organising, stock taking, cleaning rooms, setting up beds, arranging rooms and cleaning bathrooms. Shane was always on time, flexible, honest, helpful and adaptable. Thank you for helping us get the hostel ready. We wouldn't hesitate to have Shane stay with us again and wish him all the very best.
I stayed at the hostel for a month in May with a handful of friends and had a wonderful time!
The hostel was not open yet at the time so our works mostly consisted of painting, cleaning, deweeding and mowing the grass, doing inventory and the like. The workload was very well manageable, three hours of work for 5 days of the week, however they
… read more were very flexible with scheduling and we always found a way to take longer road trips and still do the 15 hours/week.
Additionally, Sally and Erin always had their eyes and ears open and let us know about any good opportunity to get in touch with local culture, be it music, nature sights or even ISS sightings! They were fantastic guides :)
Be sure to check out the beaches around the Donegal airport on a sunny day, they are magical!
-Having a car is a big help aound these parts, but you will manage without, as well.-
Jan worked at the hostel for 4 weeks, at a stage where we were getting the hostel ready to open for the new season. The roles were varied and wide from cleaning rooms, setting up beds, painting, cleaning bathrooms and gardening tasks. Jan was flexible and adaptable to various tasks with ease. Thank you for helping us get the hostel ready.
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
I really want to thank Sally and Erin for the wonderful experience they allowed me to have.
The hostel is located a stone's throw from Mount Erigal and the lake, making it an appetite for activities that can be done after work.
The highlight in the area is the beaches, which are certainly the most beautiful of those I have seen in Ireland (you can
… read more go by bus).
Everyone in this area speaks both English and Irish, so it is perfect for those who want to improve their English and for those who want to discover Ireland.
Sally and Erin are super nice and have done everything to help us and not miss anything and I really want to thank them.
The tasks I had to do were both those in preparation for reopening as a painting, and those of normal cleaning routines when the first guests arrived.
However, the work is not exhausting and is within everyone's reach.
Thank you very much for everything, a hug :)
Left by Workawayer (Shane) for host
I had a great time at this hostel and being in the Gaeltacht. There is an ethereal Irish feeling there around Dunlewey. I loved going for walks because everything was so beautiful, at least to me. In my opinion, they are amazing walks, right outside the door. Erin and Sally were really kind and there is not a lot of pressure from them. I felt I
… read more had my own space when I wanted it in the hostel which is good as well. I spent a lot of time listening to Irish music so that elevated the experience, and I would recommend others do the same. It can rain a lot there, for me being used to rain, it didn't bother me, you have to just get on with things and go for walks when there is a break in the raining :D But something to be mindful of. The rain almost made some of the walks better though.
I met some nice people there and it was cool exploring more of Irish culture. We went to some traditional Irish music sessions and that was great!!
I can imagine I'll be bringing some people to Dunlewey in the future, to show them how cool it is. The scenary is top-class!
Thanks for having me! :)Left by host for Workawayer (Shane)
It was a pleasure to have Shane at Hostel. He is keen, polite, hard working, flexible and adaptable to any task, which was undertaken with attention to detail, care and completed in a timely manner. He takes pride in his work and is eager to learn. During his 6 weeks with us, the tasks were varied, all which he excelled in. These included
… read more gardening, painting, organising, stock taking, cleaning rooms, setting up beds, arranging rooms and cleaning bathrooms. Shane was always on time, flexible, honest, helpful and adaptable. Thank you for helping us get the hostel ready. We wouldn't hesitate to have Shane stay with us again and wish him all the very best.
I stayed at the hostel for a month in May with a handful of friends and had a wonderful time!
The hostel was not open yet at the time so our works mostly consisted of painting, cleaning, deweeding and mowing the grass, doing inventory and the like. The workload was very well manageable, three hours of work for 5 days of the week, however they
… read more were very flexible with scheduling and we always found a way to take longer road trips and still do the 15 hours/week.
Additionally, Sally and Erin always had their eyes and ears open and let us know about any good opportunity to get in touch with local culture, be it music, nature sights or even ISS sightings! They were fantastic guides :)
Be sure to check out the beaches around the Donegal airport on a sunny day, they are magical!
-Having a car is a big help aound these parts, but you will manage without, as well.-
Jan worked at the hostel for 4 weeks, at a stage where we were getting the hostel ready to open for the new season. The roles were varied and wide from cleaning rooms, setting up beds, painting, cleaning bathrooms and gardening tasks. Jan was flexible and adaptable to various tasks with ease. Thank you for helping us get the hostel ready.
Left by host for Workawayer (Margaux)
Margaux, what a pleasure to have you stay with us, we were very lucky to have met you. You arrived when we were getting the hostel ready for the new season. During this time the role was varied, with each day bringing new skills and tasks which you excelled in, these included painting, building furniture, organising, stock taking, cleaning rooms,
… read more setting up beds, arranging rooms and cleaning bathrooms. You have a calmness and ease which was a lovely energy to have in the hostel and with the team. You were always on time, flexible, honest, helpful, adaptable and took pride in your work. You worked so hard on learning the language, you should be proud how well you progressed during your stay.
We hope to have the pleasure of meeting you again and stay with us. Thank you for all your help in getting the hostel ready, we wouldn't hesitate to have you stay with us again and wish you the very best.
Left by Workawayer (Margaux) for host
I should have only stayed at the hostel only 10 days but when I arrived, I immediatly liked this place so I asked Sally to extend my stay, she agreed and I stay for one month.
I was there before the reopening and I really wanted to do as much as I could to get everything ready in time.
The hostel is really beautiful and very well maintened, you
… read more have space, you feel safe and at home.
The tasks were easy and always did in a good atmosphere, with no pressure. We painted a fence, chairs outside with music, sun and ice cream breaks (thanks Sally). We deep cleaned bedrooms and others areas. I also built some furnitures and loved it ! Not forgetting feeding Fiadh (and her sister) the cats, that was my favorite part :)
The staff Erin, Sally and Ed are the kindest and friendliest people that I have ever met. They were always very patient with me and my English level, they took care of us, explained everything we needed to know. They were always opened to speak and share with me their life experiences or even tips and ideas to going out, visiting and exploring the region.
In Donegal, I wasn't expecting to see some stunning beaches with white sand but it's real. There are beautiful walks along the beaches and cliffs, Glenveagh national park and Mont Errigal of course !
We also can visit the beautiful islands of Arranmore and Tory.
It's more confortable if you have a car but if not, there is bus and yo can always hitchhike. I met several local people and there were all very friendly and open.
I met up with others volunteers I hade already met on my previous workaway and I met some new people, so lovely !
I recommend this place at 100%, and if I can, I will definitely be back !
1000 thank you Sally and Erin for being such a wonderful hosts.
Left by host for Workawayer (Michela)
Michela worked at the hostel for 3 weeks, at a stage where we were getting the hostel ready to open for the new season. The roles were varied and wide from cleaning rooms, setting up beds, painting, cleaning bathrooms and gardening tasks. Michela was flexible and adaptable to various tasks with ease. Thank you for helping us get the hostel ready.
… read more Wishing you all the best.
Sofia and Anna, it was an absolute pleasure to have you stay with us. As our first workaways for some years you were the perfect first arrivals into the hostel. You brought experience and new ideas, along with a hardworking attitude and great work ethic. You were both always on time, flexible, helpful, adaptable and took pride in your work, with
… read more attention to detail. Your 4 weeks stay with us, was when we were getting the hostel ready to open for the new season. This meant the role was varied from cleaning rooms, setting up beds, painting, photography, organising rooms, cleaning bathrooms and gardening tasks. You never complained and loved the challenge!
You are missed already and hope to have you stay again in the future. Thank you for all your help in getting the hostel ready, we wouldn't hesitate to have you stay with us again and wish you both all the very best.
This hostel is such a special place. Starting with the village it’s in—surrounded by nature, right by the lake, and with Mount Errigal (you have to hike it!) just behind—it offers an absolutely stunning and magical landscape that takes your breath away.
It’s also super convenient, with a small grocery store (don’t miss the amazing 99 ice cream!)
… read more just a short walk away, and the bus stop is basically right next to the hostel.
But what really makes this place unforgettable are Erin and Sally. They’re incredibly kind, thoughtful, welcoming, always ready to help, and full of great tips. Honestly, the best hosts we’ve met so far. It was such a pleasure to meet you both!
We arrived at the hostel at the end of April—just the four of us Workawayers—and helped out for about a month to get the place ready after five years of being closed (painting, cleaning, and loads of other fun and easy team work).
We can’t wait for the hostel to open again and we’re sending you a huge good luck—you’re going to do great, we’re sure of it! We totally recommend this place—it’s an experience you really don’t want to miss. Hope we see each other again soon. Big hugs! ❤️
Left by host for Workawayer (Ethan)
Ethan worked at the hostel for 3 weeks, at a stage where we were getting the hostel ready to open for the new season. The roles were varied and wide from cleaning rooms, setting up beds, painting, cleaning bathrooms and gardening tasks. Ethan was flexible and adaptable to various tasks with ease. Thank you for helping us get the hostel ready.
… read more Wishing you all the best.
Left by Workawayer (Erin) for host
I spent around 3 weeks helping out in the hostel in the weeks leading up to reopening and had a great experience!
The hostel is in the perfect position for hikes and is in easy reach of the beautiful beaches along the coastline by car/bus.
The work was very flexible, and we were able to combine working hours in order take multiple days off for
… read more exploring more of Ireland.
Erin and Sally are both very communicative, and keen to make sure you have a good experience - even with the odd ice cream break during work! Tasks consisted of cleaning bedrooms, organising cupboards and stock, painting and general maintenance around the building.
Best of luck with reopening! :) X
Left by host for Workawayer (Jesse & Stephanie)
We LOVED this couple great duo :) we wish they could have stayed forever. They helped us with general cleaning, answering phones, taking bookings, interacting with other guests, just helped in every way they could. Both work very well together and with others. Stephanie even left us a beautiful mural we wanted done for a LONG time so every morning
… read more we get think look at it and think of this lovely couple :) Hope to see you both soon xx
Left by Workawayer (Jesse & Stephanie) for host
We stayed at this Hostel for our first workaway experience and it was incredible! Sinead and Anne were wonderful and made us feel at home. The volunteer hours were pretty straight forward and nothing difficult at all. We had plenty of time to climb the mountain and enjoy the tranquility, as well as see the sights we wanted to see. They allowed us
… read more to leave a little early to stay in some other places around Ireland. Overall it was an amazing place to stay with some amazing people! You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)
Annika was a fantastic worker very enthusiastic and worked really well with our team and on her own. She helped out everywhere from cleaning rooms, answering phones, taking bookings, dealing with guests questions and general day to day duties.
We loved having her so much we asked her to stay another week :)
Best of luck in whatever you are
… read more doing now Annika :)
Left by host for Workawayer (Linda)
Linda was a fantastic addition to our team. Very friendly and eager to help. Nothing was ever a problem and she had great initiative. We were sad to see her go :) Good luck in whatever or wherever you go next Linda :)
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
It was great to make my first working experience in Ireland at this Hostel. I enjoyed a lot of freetime to discover wild Donegal and to make a lot of friends.
The people I worked with were really kind and helpfully either. Anytime I had a question they were pleased to help me out.
If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities this is the right place!
… read more
Nevertheless I met so many nice people during my work that I was really sad to go in the end.....You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Lee)
Lee is a lovely girl, great worker and takes on every task with great enthusiasm. You would be very lucky to have her on your team.
Thanks for all your help Lee
Left by host for Workawayer (Riccardo)
Riccardo stayed with us for the months of April and May. He was a fantastic worker. He was very pleasant to guest and staff, he fitted in very well.
No matter what job we gave him he gave it his best effort and we were never disappointed.
He was very trustworthy and friendly.
We hope he enjoyed his stay as much as we enjoyed having him
… read more stay here- Come back soon Riccardo :)Help us with gardening in Ennis, Ireland
Connect with the nature and ground yourself in the mountains of Connamara, Ireland
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