Traenlaur Lodge Hostel,Mayo - Hostels in Ireland - Irish Youth Hostel Association

**Please note due to severe flooding damage caused in 2009 this hostel remains closed. We will not be reopening it for Summer 2010 but please contact us for advise on alternative locations.**

The Mayo Hostel - Traenlaur Lodge - is truly charming - a home away from home! A former hunting lodge - it is situated in an idyllic location and boasts its own private harbour and pier!!

Newport is a small picturesque town located on the north-east corner of Clew Bay. It stands at the entrance to the Bangor Trail, a 26 mile walking route. A beautiful feature of the town is its seven arch viaduct, built in 1892 to carry the Westport to Achill railway line.

As well as a calm, tranquil atmosphere in Traenlaur Lodge, there are great walking, cycling, fishing, and swimming on the lake amid the wonderful peace and solitude. Within walking distance are many sites of historical and archaeological interest.

The manager Elma, has written about the many bats in the area, in an effort to create an awareness of their habits. Over the last few years’ arrangements were made with Conservation Rangers in Mayo National Park to conduct bat-walks in the area around the Hostel using bat detectors. These prove to be very exciting indeed!

"Beautiful old building in a wonderful location. Good for walking, swimming and fishing. Living room has a fireplace. Owner goes out of her way to make everybody welcome. Recommended." Hostelworld.com Review, August 2006

Features

Traenlaur Lodge dates from the 1830’s and was originally the fishing lodge of Lord Sligo. It is situated on the scenic shores of Lough Feeagh near Newport, Co. Mayo and has its own private harbour. The views are magnificent. This is a great area for hillwalking and hiking. The hostel has self-catering facilities and group meals can be arranged in advance.

Directions

Road/Car: From either Castlebar (23 kilometres) or Westport (17 kilometres) via Newport (8 kilometres). Take the Achill Island road and turn right as signposted. The hostel is situated on the Nephin Drive route, beside Lough Feeagh, 6 km up this road.

Bus:From Westport, follow N59 to Newport; Westport - Achill service, alight at Newport, follow signs for hostel (8km).

Rail: Dublin service.

Air: Nearest is either Knock or Shannon - Again via Westport or Castlebar roads.

View map

Things to do

Great walking, cycling, fishing, and swimming on the lake will keep you busy while staying at Traenlaur Lodge.

Use your Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following attractions in the area:

The Ceide Fields in North Mayo make for a good driving destination, situated 5 miles west of Ballycastle. The The Ceide Fields in north Mayo make for a good driving destination, situated five miles west of Ballycastle. They Fields consist of the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, albeit buried under up to four meters of bog! The visitors centre, 5000 years later attempts to explain the archaeological, geological and botanic significance of the site.

At the foot of Croagh Patrick, Murrisk, Westport is the Croagh Patrick Visitors Centre!

Night Life

The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar offers a variety of evening entertainment. Their gallery is open Monday-Friday 10.00 am-5.30 pm and Saturday 11.00 am-5.30 pm http://www.thelinenhall.com

“On the QT” – http://www.ontheqt.ie – at the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar according to themselves is Castlebar’s freshest and funkiest late night venue. (Half an hour’s drive from the hostel – this allows for narrow road conditions and speed limit!)

On the same location is the TF Royal Theatre – http://www.royaltheatre.ie –
Who provide a variety of international and nation acts to suit all tastes.

In Newport there is:

- The Black Oak Inn is now only a bar and lounge its details are
Tel: 353 (0)98 41249 E-mail: mailto:blackoakinn@eircom.net

- Bayview Inn and restaurant – Tel: 353 (0)98 41524: Bar food and upstairs restaurant

- The Grainne Uaille bar and restaurant Tel: 353 (0)98 41176: Bar food and upstairs restaurant

Grainne Uaille by the way is the familiar name given to the famous ‘Pirate’ queen, Grace O’Malley, who built and lived in Rockfleet Castle in around 1600 A.D.

Meals

Breakfast @ €4.50 pp (Cereal, juice, bread/toast/tea/coffee)

Full Irish Breakfast @ €6.50pp (served 8.30- 9.30am)

Packed Lunch @ €6.00 pp (Sandwich, drink, fruit, crisps and a bar)

Dinner - One Course @ €10.00, Two Course @€12.00, Child’s half portion @ €5.50

Sample Menu (Dinners served at 7.30pm)

Seasonal salad and homemade rustic bread OR Homemade Soup and Bread

Dessert

Home baked scones/cake/nut brownies OR

Plain yoghurt with fresh fruit salad, Either with Tea/Coffee

Main Course

Ragout of lamb with root vegetables and rice/potatoes