Kinlay Hostel Website ReDesign

The redesign of KinlayGalway.ie by Copper Reed Studio is a complete transformation of the hostel’s digital presence, crafted to resonate with its core audiences: global travellers, solo adventurers, student groups, and young visitors craving energy, authenticity, and clarity in their travel planning.

At the heart of this project was a clear vision - to create a website that feels as vibrant, welcoming, and community-oriented as the multi-award-winning Kinlay Hostel itself. The resulting experience is a playful, fast, and highly interactive digital platform, combining intuitive navigation with a bold visual personality that reflects Galway’s creative spirit.

The site opens with an immersive soft-loading animation, designed to create an immediate sense of movement and anticipation, mirroring the journey and excitement of travel. From there, users enter a seamless browsing experience shaped by clear calls to action, dynamic content blocks, and user pathways optimised for quick decision-making and easy bookings.

Copper Reed’s creative team balanced youthful energy with functional precision. Vibrant brand colours, custom iconography, and expressive typography provide a lively aesthetic, while responsive layouts ensure the site performs flawlessly across mobile, tablet, and desktop - essential for the on-the-go traveller.

Interactive features, such as hover reveals, animated transitions, gallery sliders, sticky booking prompts, and playful micro-interactions, bring the personality of the hostel to life. The design centres around community imagery, authentic photography, and storytelling that highlights the social nature of the Kinlay experience - from shared spaces to activities and award-winning service.

UX is intentionally streamlined: users can view room types, pricing, facilities, location, FAQs, and booking information within one or two clicks. Accessibility and performance were prioritised, with optimised code, structured content, and WCAG-aligned design decisions ensuring the site is inclusive and fast-loading.

The final website is more than a visual refresh - it is a high-engagement, conversion-driven digital tool that positions Kinlay Galway as one of Europe's top hostels. It elevates the brand, strengthens global appeal, and provides a joyful, intuitive experience worthy of modern travellers and industry recognition.