Awards & Reviews
Commended Finalists! 3 June 2010, Downhill Hostel was awarded a commendation as finalists in the Non-Serviced Accommodation category. This prestigious event was held in Belfast city hall and designed to recognize excellence in the tourism industry. |
NEW!!! Again voted #1 hostel in Northern Ireland and #2 in the UK by Hostelworld customers (January 2010) |
-Voted #1 hostel in Northern Ireland and #2 in the UK by -Hostelworld customers (January 2009)
-Winner of NRRTI Rural tourist accommodation 2006
-Let’s Go recommendation for top 10 accommodation in Ireland 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
-Supported by International Fund for Ireland and Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust
Media Reviews
London Guardian Newspaper top 10 UK hostels for 2008 by Dixie Wills 3 February 2009
“Rarely will you see another hostel with such a look of permanent surprise on its face. This lovely detached villa, parked under the cliffs, stares out wide eyed over a country railway line to the longest beach on the north coast of Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Inside, the decor and furnishings give the unmistakeable feeling that you’re a guest in someone’s enviably comfortable home. The Giant’s Causeway is just a short bus ride away … but perhaps we’ll curl up with a book and go tomorrow.”
London Guardian Newspaper top 10 UK hostels list 2009
Times article: Walks around Downhill and Benone Strand 4 July 2009
Guest Reviews
“Amazing location – could have stayed a week! will be back one day, made our stay in Ireland so special.” – Louise, New Zealander, 21 February 2010
“Northern Ireland’s best kept secret .. don’t hesitate to go here .. make sure you explore/ enjoy the incredible setting .. walk to down hill house ruin .. and the temple .. and to castlerock .. black glen .. bishop’s gate .. bring food of course, it’s a fair walk to the nearest shop .. first class facilities here – amazing hostel .. lovely people .. enjoy !” – Catherine, N. Ireland, 16 February 2010
“Even more beautiful than shown on pictures. host was very nice, even providing assistance when we had problems with our car.” – Katrin, Germany, 4 January 2010
“Excellent place for a family to visit – our room was quiet and clean, and the location is beautiful.” – Patrick, Ireland, November 2009
“La atención fue excelente, nos sentimos muy comodos, y tanto la casa como la zona eran preciosas para ver. muy tranquilo.” – Beatriz, Spain, 9 October 2009
“Downhill Hostel is the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in. We were a group of 8 and stayed in two 4-bed rooms. The rooms are both very clean. The hostel is right by the beach which is awesome! The kitchen facility is very good. Very good value for money. I would definitely recommend this lovely hostel and would definitely stay there again if I visit the North coast of Northern Ireland again. ” – Crystal, Hong Kong, September 2009
“Very good hostel with very comfortable beds. Extremely clean and in a fabulous location – just seconds from the beach!” – Christine, England, September 2009
British Pound Exchange Rate
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello,
I came to stay at Downhill Hostel in 1999. It was my favorite place to stay during my 3+ months in Ireland. I intended to stay 1 night and stayed at least 3 – a common story, from what I remember. I recall meeting William and McCall, listening to music in the lounge area with a fire, having a wonderful shower and comfortable bed, going for several long walks and hitchhiking to Devils Causeway. It was a magical place. In 1999, I believe the hostel was new and less well known than it seems to be today – I just had a look through your website and am thrilled to see you still own and operate this wonderful place and that it’s doing so well and has earned such a good reputation. My mom just sent me a small calendar with scenic photos of Northern Ireland and one of them features the Mussenden Temple – that’s what sparked me to look you up again. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that 11 years later, I still have the most clear, fond memories of your hostel and your area and still hope to come back.
Hello Molly, what a lovely message to find in my inbox! Yes, Downhill Hostel was just a couple of years old when you came in 1999, and we were still very much finding our feet. We still love running the hostel and meeting people from all over the world! All the best to you and perhaps we will see you again someday. -McCall
I stumbled upon your website today, and what a great ‘trip’ I had. You should be named ambassador of the NI coast. The site is very well organized and informative and welcoming. The pics are awesome; I can tell you have an artistic background.
I am planning a genealogy trip to NI this year and will surely not want to miss the Downhill area.
Best wishes for 2011.
DJR, Gardiner, NY, USA
Hi, I stayed a couple of nights in easter 2009,I was flying at the nearby Ulster Gliding Club,I have to say I really enjoyed my stay in your hostel,it was very clean ,warm and friendly,And the view is spectacular,I’d love to be getting up in the morning and looking out at the panorama,beautiful.I hope to stay this easter 2011 ,and I am looking forward to it.Fran
4 of us stayed in this hostel in June 2011. Our stay was wonderful! The setting for this hostel is amazing, so beautiful! William was wonderful to us. He gave us good suggestions for restaurants and what to see nearby & the price was very affordable. The entire home was very clean, had a complete kitchen & even laundry facilities. We fell asleep listening to the ocean & woke to the waves as well. We would return in a heartbeat & recommend it highly!