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These are the hills between Galway and Sligo.

 

A very good place to stay for Connemara and hills south of Westport is the Sleepzone Hostel at Derrynasligaun near Leenane.  A variety of rooms are available.  The communal rooms are very spacious and the staff are excellent.  The view to Mweelrea across Killary Harbour is captivating.  The hostel is some way from the nearest shops but this is not a problem if you plan ahead.  The staff are excellent.

The link is http://www.sleepzone.ie/the-connemara-hostel.  Telephone 00353 91 56699

 

Westport is probably the best place to stay for the hills to its north although Achill Island is still a fair drive.  There is a hostel on Achill Island but it hasn't been visited so no comments can be posted.  In 2018, there was one hostel in Westport, the Old Mill Hostel.  This was very clean and the staff very good but it is a town hostel and not a rural one like Derrynasligaun.  This means it has different issues to deal with such as town drunks who would wander in if the hostel was kept open all night.  There is 24 hour access, via keycode entry, to the dormitories but the kitchen and small communal area are closed to everyone from 11 pm until 8 am so if you want an early start you cannot use the kitchen before 8 am.  Westport is a bustling small town with all the shops, including Lidl and Tesco, you will need.