I stayed in hostels in Galway, Ireland and Killarney (no I didn't find any DZ Killarney Roses
) Ireland.
I went traveling with a friend of mine studying abroad and 2 of her friends. The hostels we stayed in were both just your average room - nothing special about it. but it was a big room, the beds were comfortable and we didn't need the extras a hotel provides - we were only in the room to sleep and the rest of the time we were out in the city.
We opted for a private room with bath - it had 2 bunk beds and slept 4. It was around $60 a night - which isn't bad for 4 people.
When traveling through Europe, I heard its the only way to go. I would definitely do it again.