During the summer we really wanted to go and spend a couple of days in Portrush, just for a change…read moreof scenery. Unfortunately when I had a look, everywhere was either booked up, or the prices were daylight robbery. I came across this place, and to be honet nearly didn't book it, becauase I have never stayed in a hostel before in my life, and didn't think I ever would, however I came across some other reviews online and decided to give it a go, but just for one night, just in case. We arrived and found the place no problem, and got parked in the same street. We went inside and were greeted by the owner who talked us through everything and showed us where everything was. What struck me was how spotless the place was, it was a very highly maintained property, which in my prejudice, I hadn't been excpecting. Our room was basic but has everything we needed, and we had a great time in Portrush at a fraction of the cost!

I'm not Irish. I'm a Jewish/German American. But I'd always longed to visit Ireland and get…read moreexposure to the longstanding Irish tradition of storytelling. So when I got the opportunity to stay at the Ballyeamon Camping Barn and shadow storyteller Liz Weir, I jumped at the chance. I was there for seven weeks and helped run this amazing hostel, and any time I meet someone who's thinking about visiting Ireland, I tell them they must go here. Here's why: -Simple but clean and nice accommodations (with recent renovations) -Access to a full kitchen to make your own food -Gorgeous views in every direction -30 seconds from major hiking trails -6 miles from the charming small town of Cushendall (and the fantastic pub Joe's (http://www.mccollamsbar.com) -Not far (by bus) from the Rope Bridge and the Giant's Causeway (both free and amazing attractions) -Opportunity to interact with a variety of amazing storytellers, musicians, and other travelers Staying at the barn, I met people from England, Israel, Egypt, the US, Eastern Europe, Germany, etc. Some days it was quiet, some days we were a small troop of cooking and playing music and telling stories. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back!

Welcoming mail on evening before arrival. Greeted by great staff.. Food delicious and very very…read morereasonable. Rooms lovely.. Breakfast gorgeous and any amount of it. Family run business that puts customer first.. I would strongly recommend this establishment and will return again

Great facilites (self-catering houses as well as the hostel). Suitable for families, groups of…read morefriends, etc - anyone really! The centre is in a small rural village that is super friendly

If you book ahead, show up at the appointed time. Reception. Runs errands throughout the day and…read moremight miss you. The hostel was clean though a bit cramped -- but the prices are excellent and everything worth seeing in Derry is within walking distance. We checked in without much fuss, got our keys, a tour of the hostel, and a wonderful conversation with the operator which included advice for dining, drinking, music, and walking tours. We even got a map. In one of the hostel buildings (they own two rowhouses), the basement is dominated by a kitchen area that is very well appointed. There are laundry machines, but they bear signs requesting that guests contact reception before use -- so I don't know if there's a charge. I would stay here again, on my own, with a partner, or even with a young travel group.

I only spent one night here, but I absolutely loved it…read more I was doing a bit of traveling by myself for the first time and this hostel really made me feel at home. The owner is a very, very nice man and explained everything to me as soon as I arrived. It was a slow week and I had a room of six completely to myself. Now that I think of it, there were only a total of three people staying in the whole hostel that night. The bathrooms were very nice and the bathtub on my floor was one of those fancy old ones with feet. I didn't feel like going out during my night in Derry because I felt kind of nervous going out on a Saturday by myself in a different country. The living room area had over three hundred movies saved to a hard drive so I just sat and watched one. The owner (whose name escapes me, it's been a while) came in and watched it with me! He was a really lovely man. I woke up early the next morning to the smell of freshly baked bread. It really made me feel at home, even though we don't exactly bake bread at home. And luckily for me, I could eat a ton of bread as the only other guests had already left. When I went to pay for the hostel during check out, the total came to £10 even though I was told it was going to be £13. Awesome!

Loved this place…read more Super great value for money, this place was a treat. Like something from one of those family-bonding American roadtrip movies. An excellent warm welcome by lovely locals was the first impression quickly followed by comfortable beds, clean showers.. everything from a good B and B, but in a big old building that looked like a converted barn. Lots of quirky wee touches, including a TV room with an extensive library. We had a dorm booked with room for 6, including a big table to play cards and have a drink. There was also a porch for the smokers amongst us. Just when things couldn't get weirder.. a bat entered the equation. Followed by another bat. Screams. Laughs. It was memorable. Would definitely go back (if they have us back!). Only 15 euros a night each. Top fun, or should that be craic?