Neither of us had ever stayed at a hostel before, but the reviews of Aille River convinced us that this would be a good place to start. 

The big, well-stocked, clean kitchen was often in use as was the commons area in which Robert lit a fire every evening. A free washer (with soap powder) and pay dryer were available to use in the afternoon/evening.

Robert was very helpful and friendly throughout our stay, recommending a walk down the road from the hostel toward the shore (and past the "Danger! Beware of the Bull" sign) where we saw an unbelievably beautiful sunset. He also gave us a ride to the pier and let us leave our car at the hostel while we went to Inis Mor.

The location was very central: across from one pub and easily walkable to several other pubs in either direction.