Title: MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel History and convenience merge in Kilkenny's city center, where travelers can relax in a peaceful garden or stroll to the magnificent castle nearby. ## Photo gallery for MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel ![Front of property - MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel (Kilkenny)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/082b42a6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![In-room safe, free WiFi - MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel (Kilkenny)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/bb378f17.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Living room - MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel (Kilkenny)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/74ec9bc6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![In-room safe, free WiFi - MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel (Kilkenny)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/cdcd5804.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Restaurant - MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel (Kilkenny)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/0e577bf5.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Rooms - Location - Policies MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel in Kilkenny City Centre offers continental breakfast, a peaceful garden, laundry facilities, an outdoor terrace, and free WiFi. Its perfect location is just a short walk from Kilkenny Castle. ## Reviews 7.6 Good ## Popular amenities - Breakfast included - Free Wi-Fi - Parking available - Laundry room - Housekeeping - Kitchen ## Room options ### Check availability for these dates Tonight [Feb 2 - Feb 3](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-02&endDate=2026-02-03&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-02&endDate=2026-02-03&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Tomorrow [Feb 3 - Feb 4](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-03&endDate=2026-02-04&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-03&endDate=2026-02-04&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) This weekend [Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-08&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-08&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Next weekend [Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-15&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-15&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) All rooms 1 bed 2 beds 3+ beds Showing 8 of 8 rooms ### View all photos for Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking ![In-room safe, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/88f7f77e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Basic Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 2 - 1 Double Bed ### View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Ensuite ![In-room safe, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/215d4e9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Ensuite ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 1 - 1 Single Bunk Bed ### View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom ![In-room safe, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/215d4e9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 1 - 1 Single Bunk Bed ### View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom ![In-room safe, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/215d4e9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 1 - 1 Single Bunk Bed ### View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom ![Shower](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/d48f1885.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Triple Room, Shared Bathroom ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 3 - 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed ### View all photos for Comfort Double Room (With Shower) ![In-room safe, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/88f7f77e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Comfort Double Room (With Shower) ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 2 - 1 Double Bed ### View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Ensuite ![In-room safe, free WiFi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/31000000/30060000/30054000/30053914/215d4e9d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Ensuite ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 1 - 1 Single Bunk Bed ### Triple Room (With Shower) ### Highlights Shared/communal kitchen In-room safe Daily housekeeping - Sleeps 3 - 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds ![Mod logo](https://a.travel-assets.com/pricing-claim/sparkle_dark.svg) Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures! [Sign in](https://www.expedia.co.uk/login?ckoflag=0&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FKilkenny-Hotels-MacGabhainns-Backpacker-Hostel.h30053914.Hotel-Information)[Sign up, it's free](https://www.expedia.co.uk/signup?enable_registration=true&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FKilkenny-Hotels-MacGabhainns-Backpacker-Hostel.h30053914.Hotel-Information) ## About the area Kilkenny City Centre, a neighbourhood in Kilkenny, is home to MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel. Medieval Mile and Black Freren Arch are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Dunmore Cave and Jerpoint Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kilkenny Squash & Racquet Club or Nowlan Park. [Visit our Kilkenny travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kilkenny.dx8298) [View more Hostels in Kilkenny](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kilkenny-Hostels.d8298-aaHostels.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C52.65665%2C-7.25592&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=NEnbaBhFwGRy-_fVFnSdOH92AdU=) 24 Vicar St, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, R95 HX81 ### What's nearby - ![St. Canice\'s Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090025/1436eb8c-287f-4938-8935-486f42541f74.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) St. Canice's Cathedral 1 min walk \- 0.1 miles - ![Black Abbey showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090023/67f710b5-28b6-4519-9781-c13a5c17a166.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Black Abbey 6 min walk \- 0.4 miles - ![Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090015/394bd90b-648d-445d-8b0b-1cc6a425cd6a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Kilkenny Castle 11 min walk \- 0.6 miles - Smithwick's Brewery Tour 3 min walk \- 0.2 miles - Butler House 11 min walk \- 0.6 miles ### Getting around - Kilkenny Station 14 min walk - Waterford (WAT) 56 min drive ### Restaurants - Kyteler's Inn Restaurant & Bar 6 min walk - Daniel W Bollard Bar & Bistro 6 min walk - Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant 10 min walk - Billy Byrne's Bar 10 min walk - Tynan's Bridge House Bar 10 min walk ## About this property ### MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel Hostel located in Kilkenny City Centre You can look forward to free continental breakfast, a terrace and a garden at MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel. In addition to laundry facilities, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi. You'll also find perks such as: - Self-parking (surcharge), luggage storage and a lift - Smoke-free property and barbecues Room features All guestrooms at MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel include comforts such as free WiFi and safes. More conveniences in all rooms include: - Shared bathrooms with showers - Communal kitchens and daily housekeeping ## Similar properties ![Apartment | Balcony](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/70000000/69870000/69866800/69866779/72677500.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Immaculate 3-bed Apartment in Kilkenny Kilkenny - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Parking included 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17&selected=69866779&PinnedHotelID=69866779&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6820000/6810300/6810234/7e568347.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Moate Farm B&B Freshford - Breakfast included [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17&selected=6810234&PinnedHotelID=6810234&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior detail](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59360000/59353300/59353297/d399703b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Bolams Holiday Home Thomastown - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17&selected=59353297&PinnedHotelID=59353297&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Reception](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108580000/108570300/108570215/dc277a56.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Berkeley House Kilkenny City Centre - Breakfast included - Free Wi-Fi - Housekeeping £87 includes taxes & fees 5 Mar - 6 Mar [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06&selected=108570215&PinnedHotelID=108570215&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Front of property](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6820000/6819400/6819312/24bafbb9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Kilbawn Country House Gowran - Breakfast included - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi - Business services 10 Exceptional 37 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17&selected=6819312&PinnedHotelID=6819312&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![View from property](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6810000/6810000/6809973/878e51a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Launard House Maidenhill - Breakfast included - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi - Tennis court 8.6 Excellent 198 reviews £95 includes taxes & fees 1 Mar - 2 Mar [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-01&endDate=2026-03-02&selected=6809973&PinnedHotelID=6809973&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Lobby sitting area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1880000/1876200/1876198/a4702a68.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lyrath Estate Hotel Spa & Convention Centre Lyrath - Pool - Spa - Kids’ pool - Parking included 9.2 Wonderful 656 reviews £181 includes taxes & fees 23 Feb - 24 Feb [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-23&endDate=2026-02-24&selected=1876198&PinnedHotelID=1876198&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15740000/15739700/15739686/08496e5b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel Kilkenny City Centre - Free Wi-Fi - Restaurant - Business services - Bar 9.2 Wonderful 856 reviews £67 includes taxes & fees 9 Feb - 10 Feb [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10&selected=15739686&PinnedHotelID=15739686&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1450000/1445000/1444906/f5b98269.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Hoban Hotel Killkenny Smithsland - Free Wi-Fi - Restaurant - Breakfast available - Parking available 8.4 Very good 1,001 reviews £103 includes taxes & fees 3 Feb - 4 Feb [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-03&endDate=2026-02-04&selected=1444906&PinnedHotelID=1444906&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17&selected=30053914&PinnedHotelID=30053914&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=30053914,69866779,6810234,59353297,108570215) ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in all rooms: Free WiFi - Available in some public areas: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Parking on site (EUR 2 per day) - Limited on-site self parking ### Food and drink - Free continental breakfast available daily 8 AM to 10 AM ### Family friendly - Laundry facilities ### Conveniences - Laundry facilities - Luggage storage ### Guest services - Housekeeping (daily) ### Outdoors - Barbecue grill - Garden - Terrace ### Accessibility - Lift ### More - Smoke-free property ## Room amenities ### Bathroom - Shared bathroom - Shower ### Food and drink - Shared kitchen access ### More - Safe ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 9 PM Late check-in subject to availability Minimum check-in age - 18 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:30 AM ### Special check-in instructions There is no front desk at this property Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Rollaway/extra beds are not available. Cots (infant beds) are not available ### Payment types at the property ## Important information ### Optional extras - Self-parking fee: EUR 2 per day The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### National rating This property does not have a Ireland Tourist Board rating. For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our ratings system. ### Property is also known as MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel Kilkenny MacGabhainn's Backpacker Kilkenny MacGabhainn's Backpacker MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel Kilkenny MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation ## Frequently asked questions ### Is MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel pet-friendly? ### How much is parking at MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel? ### What time is check-in at MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel? ### What time is check-out at MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel? ### Where is MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Reviews ## MacGabhainn's Backpacker Hostel Reviews 7.6 ### Good All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) ### 8.0 Cleanliness ### 8.0 Location ### 8.6 Staff & service ### 7.6 Property conditions & facilities 10 - Excellent 1 8 - Good 1 6 - Okay 2 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ## Reviews ### 6/10 Okay #### Danny 5 Nov 2018 Liked: Staff & service Nice host , toilet facilities not ideal , room was left very damp by other guests . Room was comfortable ##### Danny Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018 ### 8/10 Good #### CAROLINE 5 May 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Ok, cool staff Everything was good, except the breakfast. They don't have a "free breakfast" properly, they only provide some milk and cereal and you can use them to make your own meal, but it looks like a courtesy, not a breakfast. And the shower it a bit annoying, but it's pretty OK in general. ##### CAROLINE Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020 ### 6/10 Okay #### Justine, Paris 11 Nov 2018 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort Hôtel proche du centre ville. Chambre agréable. Point faible: la salle de bain. Trop petite, sans aération. ##### Justine Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018 ### 10/10 Excellent #### CHAEEUN 5 Nov 2018 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities Disliked: Room comfort #### 깔끔하고 좋은 호스텔! 전반적으로 아주 좋았어요. 집을 개조한 것 같앗고요 주인아저씨는 친절하시고 아침도 제공하고요, 호스텔도 조용하고 거리도 좋고요 다만 제가 잔 침대가 좀 낡앗어서 삐걱거리는 소리가 좀 심햇습니다 ##### CHAEEUN Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018 ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [Sunwing Bangtao Beach](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Choeng-Thale-Hotels-Sunwing-Bangtao-Beach.h1526215.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels with Babysitting Services in St. James](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-St-James-Hotel-With-Babysitting-Services.0-0-d6050159-thotelwithbabysittingservices.Hotel-Filter-Destinations) > > [Hotels near Lark Lane](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Lark-Lane-Hotels.0-l6190535-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Grand Hotel Menaggio](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Menaggio-Hotels-Grand-Hotel-Menaggio.h1561524.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels near Moray Firth](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Moray-Firth-Hotels.0-l553248632296867414-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Hotels in La Grave](https://www.expedia.co.uk/La-Grave-Hotels.d6094761.Travel-Guide-Hotels) > > [Artistic B&B](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Madrid-Hotels-Artistic-BB.h35206239.Hotel-Information) > > [Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Montego-Bay-Hotels-Shaw-Park-Beach-Hotel-Spa.h24684.Hotel-Information) > > [Cottages Wensley](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Wensley-Cottages.d3000742698-aaCottages.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) > > [Hotels near Warsaw Central Station](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Warsaw-Central-Station-Hotels.d6022760.Travel-Guide-Hotels) > > [Gay-Friendly Hotels in Eskişehir](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Eskisehir-Gay-Friendly-Hotel.0-0-d553248635924014684-tGayFriendlyHotel.Hotel-Filter-Destinations) ### Flights > [Flights from London (LCY) to Mauguio (MPL)](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/flights/lcy/mpl/london-to-montpellier) ### Cars > [Car hire in Swanage](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Swanage.d5707.Car-Hire-Guide) ### Activities > [Things to do in Antananarivo](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Antananarivo.d3500.Travel-Guide-Activities) > > [Things to do in Killyleagh](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Killyleagh.d553248635149751103.Travel-Guide-Activities) > > [Things to do in Altamura](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Altamura.d6048910.Travel-Guide-Activities) ### Packages > [Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Doncaster-Museum-And-Art-Gallery-Doncaster.d553248621562507132.Attraction) > > [Cancun](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/theme-holidays/all-inclusive-holidays/179995/Cancun) > > [Pamukkale Holidays](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pamukkale.d6063014.Holidays-City-Breaks) > > [Boston Holidays](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Boston.d4579.Holidays-City-Breaks) ### Holiday Rentals ### General > [Visit Rab](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Rab.dx182021) > > [Visit Kilkhampton](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kilkhampton.dx6353225) ---