After a big breakfast I walk down to the railway station and take the train to Thomastown, named centuries ago after Anthony Fitz Thomas. I grew up in Thomastown, Victoria, Australia so I was interested to compare the two places. I alight at the small station with its quaint office. Since the stationmaster is about to drive the ¼ mile distance into town, I manage to get a lift with him.
Foulksrath Castle – Ireland's oldest hostel
After a big breakfast I walk down to the railway station and take the train to Thomastown, named centuries ago after Anthony Fitz Thomas. I grew up in Thomastown, Victoria, Australia so I was interested to compare the two places. I alight at the small station with its quaint office. Since the stationmaster is about to drive the ¼ mile distance into town, I manage to get a lift with him.
I’m saddened to hear this hostel has closed. I stayed there in May of 2009. It is a very relaxing and tranquil place. I was planning on returning, but came across this post informing me it is closed. Does anyone know why it closed?
Hi Dan,
from the website Castle Stories, “Until the end of October 2009 Foulksrath Castle was one of the oldest Youth Hostels in Ireland. The hostel is now closed and the property up for sale by its owners. The property was able to accommodate 52 visitors.” That’s the latest on it.
cheers.. Almis.
it caught on fire in january 2010.you can google it on utube under foulksrath castle. i am very sad over this.i wanted to stay there when i visit.how great that would have been to be in a home stead that my ancestors actually lived.and now i cant.
I stayed there in 1998. That time the where renovating it.
A think 3 nights. There was just one other girl staying there and later a dutch man.And ofcourse the manager. I think his name was Partick.
We had nice conversations by the fire place.
I always wanted to return. 🙁
sad it’s closed
Hi Jeske,
yes it was one of those rare opportunities. I think we finally realise when they come around to take them. There was another great YH castle on the shores of Loch Lomond in Scotland… Almis
I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to stay here on April night in 2008 while visiting my daughter in Ireland. We were on a 5 day drive through the country. We arrived at 10 at night, and were met by a very nice young woman and her dog. We followed them upstairs to register, got our supplies, and wrapped in our sleeping blankets for the night. It was chilly, but it felt like sleeping in the tower in its heyday! If its walls could have spoken, I imagine that I would have heard at least 1,000 stories! We heated up our food in the microwave and drove off to the next adventure. Of all the hostels were stayed at in Ireland, this one was the most intriguing! Sorry to see it close!
Hi Debbi, as is said “One door closes….” We’re looking for more intriguing places. Regards.. Almis
Hi Everyone
Foulksrath Castle actually closed after the caretaker Jack died. The fire happened after it was closed.
It is currently still closed and is unlikely to operate as a Youth Hostel again. This is mainly due to the fact that current regulations on fire, safety and ratios of Toilets etc coupled with restrictions on what can be done to an old protected building make it virtually impossible to operate as a youth Hostel. However, it is possible that it will open it’s doors as a small Bed and Breakfast. If planning permission is given to rebuild/restore the old stables/coach-house at the back it may resume a backpacker/hostel role….time will tell.
If anyone has any interesting stories then please either post them here or go to the Facebook page for Foulksrath Castle and add them there.
Have fun and be happy.
Paul