I loved the fact that the bunks were very secure and hence didn't squeak or move. I also liked getting my clean sheets handed to me. Thumbs up too for card access to the room. I hated the shower as I had to keep pressing the push button and it only stayed on for a couple of seconds. The kitchen is very small. Many people seemed to be ordering the cooked breakfast which you can buy there. The car park is also small and is at the rear of the building; it's not very well signposted so check with staff for directions. It's a bit of a walk to the city centre but not unreasonably far and it's on a wide safe street. Owners were very friendly and helpful.

The hostel was chosen on the bus going from Kilkenny to Cork, as an overnight stay had not been planned. It is a good walk from the bus terminal, but it was possible to call in advance to check room/ bed availabilities. At our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised; staff welcomed us and we were given clean sheets for our beds. Unlike some hostels, the rooms are locked by cards such as the ones in hotels. There is a common room on the ground floor with a sitting area and television and a kitchen at the guest's disposal (but breakfast can also be pre-arranged for a small fee) with lost of room to sit and eat. Our room itself was cozy and we even had our own shower. This hostel did not feel like a simple place to sleep, it was a good stop.

Upon arrival at Cork International Hostel, my husband and I were offered a twin room, despite having booked two beds in single sex dorms (as that was all that we could book at the time) which was much appreciated. The lad on reception didn't seem to know much about the on street parking situation at the back of the hostel, but helped us fit our car into thier small carpark.
The room was clean and had an ensuite bathroom, which was great. The only downside, which happens at most hostels, is that you have to keep pressing the button to get hot water.
The hostel is quite a walk from Cork town centre, but close to the university and buses run along the road in front.
There is a good kitchen facility where you can prepare meals or breakfast.

This hostel is set in a beautiful old building with a nice front garden and a spacious common area. The rooms are decent (you don't exactly stay in a hostel for the luxury), the staff is helpful enough, and the location is great. Don't bother with the breakfast though as they have a kitchen where you can prepare your own food. Close to the university and close enough to the wonderful Quay Co-op, as a lone traveler I found this hostel to be far more pleasant than the Avalon house in Dublin.