In what feels more like a celebration of community than just another accolade, Kinlay Hostel Eyre Square was crowned Best Hostel in Ireland at the 2025 Hostelworld HOSCAR Awards. For anyone who’s stepped foot inside the vibrant, welcoming space just off Eyre Square, this award comes as no surprise, and the story behind it is just as colourful as the hostel itself.
Frank has been at the heart of Kinlay’s journey since 2011, when he took over the running of what was then a property and business in need of refurbishment and modernisation. He saw it as a blank canvas, an opportunity to build something truly special. “I had never been involved in the hotel or hostel industry,” Frank admits. “But I see that as an advantage.” Rather than focusing entirely on what was the industry norm, he asked: “What does the customer really want, and how do we give them that?”
To answer that question, he went back to basics. Before taking over Kinlay, Frank set off across Europe, staying in 30 different hostels over 30 nights, to get a feel for what made the best hostels tick. “In my head, backpackers were all on a budget, so I made sure I travelled on a budget; train, boat, bus journeys, whatever was the best value” he says. “I booked dorm beds and the cheapest rooms in the property to really understand the backpacker experience. I wanted to know exactly what it felt like to arrive into a hostel after a long days travel with a large backpack”
What he found surprised him: “Most backpackers do have money, they just choose to not spend it on a more expensive accommodation, instead they want to spend their money on local restaurants and experiences. Most of all, what backpackers really want isn’t anything physical, it’s to meet new people, and create new experiences and memories together.” At one of the hostels he visited, there was a pasta night taking place: “It was the most basic meal I’ve ever had in my life,” Frank grinned, “but I met the most amazing people. We went around Barcelona together for the night, and I've made lifelong friends from it. All from a simple bowl of pasta.”
That insight changed everything and showed Frank exactly where prioritises lie. “[Backpackers] might book a low-cost bed,” Frank explains, “but they were willing to spend their money experiencing the food in the city, experiencing the tours.” He also noticed solo travellers often preferred dorm rooms over private ones, as it offers the opportunity to meet others.
This philosophy shaped every aspect of Kinlay. From free tea & treats in the common areas at 4pm each day, to group dinners, walking tours, game nights, and many more activities, everything is designed to make guests feel welcome, just like they’ve arrived at a friend’s house.
Creating a culture where the guest feels this at home, but also giving them the best possible facilities; this was the combination that really makes an impression on people. Whether it’s advice on the best trad Irish music spots, bars, restaurants, or photo ops in Connemara, the Kinlay team is ready with a tailored list of suggestions. If a guest would rather relax for the evening, they can do so in Kinlays plush lounge areas which are fitted out to an impressive high standard.
This level of service and quality has led to consistent 5-star reviews and multiple HOSCAR wins. Hostelworld, the leading global authority on hostel travel, bases its awards entirely on customer feedback. In 2025, Kinlay’s commitment to community, delivering top-quality amenities, and thoughtful service shone above all others, earning it the title of Best Hostel in Ireland once again.
Kinlay Hostel is just one part of a City Centre based trio that make up Galway’s top-rated hostels. Frank and his team also run Snoozles Hostel, a very modern and cosy mid-sized property with boutique comforts, and Galway City Hostel, a favourite for solo travellers thanks to its very homely and secure feel, and it’s warm social vibe. Each offers something unique, but the priorities remain the same.
Kinlay Hostel is more than just a place to sleep. It’s where friendships form, where a guest might extend their stay just to continue hanging out with their new friends, and where late-night piano sessions bring strangers together. To learn more or to book your stay with Kinlay Hostel visit their website at kinlaygalway.ie.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
