Saturday, July 12, 2025

Rob and Ed Comer, two brothers from Ballyvary in County Mayo, Ireland, have embarked on a remarkable project in the heart of Central America. They have set their sights on El Salvador, a small but increasingly popular destination for international travelers, where they are building a unique backpacker’s hostel. This venture is not just about offering accommodation; it’s about creating a space that represents a fusion of cultures, with an Irish twist. The Comers are bringing a piece of their homeland to El Salvador, integrating into the local community and spreading the Gospel of hurling along the way.

The Comers’ decision to build a backpacker’s hostel in El Salvador did not come out of the blue. Rob, after completing a finance degree, spent several years traveling and gaining hands-on experience in construction and working in Australia’s mining industry. This exposure to diverse cultures and the backpacker lifestyle sparked the idea for their current venture. By the end of 2023, the brothers purchased a plot of land in El Salvador, and since then, they have been working tirelessly to turn their dream into reality. The site, which is still under construction, is located in an area that is both serene and accessible, offering the perfect environment for backpackers looking for a peaceful getaway without straying too far from the vibrant local tourism scene.

The brothers are building the hostel from the ground up, tackling every aspect of the construction process, from laying the foundations to building the accommodation and ensuring the site’s infrastructure is in place. This ambitious project is a true labor of love, as the Comers are literally wrestling every square meter of land from the surrounding forest to create a comfortable and welcoming space for travelers. It’s not just about providing a place to sleep; they are dedicated to creating a backpacker’s paradise, offering a multicultural and international atmosphere that will make visitors feel right at home.

Building a hostel in a foreign country comes with its challenges, and the Comers have encountered their fair share. One of the more amusing challenges was dealing with local wildlife—specifically, cows. During the early stages of construction, the Comers found that they had not properly secured a gate to prevent cows from wandering onto their property. This led to an amusing yet frustrating situation where cows frequently strolled onto the site, causing havoc with the newly planted mango, papaya, and lemon trees. Eventually, the gate was repaired to keep the cows at bay, but not before they had made their presence known in the most inconvenient of ways.

In addition to the livestock dilemma, the Comers also had to contend with the region’s rainy season, which lasts for several months, from April to September. This period of torrential downpours posed challenges for the construction process, including occasional flooding of the road that connects the site to the rest of the community. During one particularly severe storm, the Comers helped the local residents by fetching stones and rocks from the river to rebuild the flooded road, demonstrating their commitment to the community and their willingness to lend a hand in times of need.

Despite the challenges, the Comers have found themselves embraced by the local community. The brothers are not just building a business; they are integrating themselves into the fabric of the town. Rob has been learning Spanish for six years, and while he can only engage in basic conversations, the warmth and hospitality of the locals have made the transition easier. The community has been supportive, and the brothers have forged friendships with many of their neighbors. Their involvement in local events, such as attending a Catholic funeral, has further deepened their connection to the community.

One of the more unique aspects of the Comers’ project is their effort to spread the love of hurling, the traditional Irish sport. While the brothers cannot watch their local hurling team back home in Ballyvary bag their first piece of silverware due to their remote location, they are determined to keep the spirit of the sport alive. They have introduced the game to the local children in El Salvador, showing them how to handle the hurleys and explaining the basics of the game. This cultural exchange not only highlights the brothers’ passion for their heritage but also adds an exciting and fun element to the community experience at the hostel.

While the local children may not fully grasp the intricacies of hurling, the Comers’ efforts have brought something new and exciting to the area. The brothers’ approach to integrating their Irish roots into their new home reflects the broader cultural exchange that is taking place in El Salvador as tourism continues to grow. This connection between the Comers and the local community is central to the ethos of their project, and they are excited to see how this exchange develops as more visitors from around the world come to stay at their hostel.

The Comers’ vision for their hostel is a welcoming space where travelers can enjoy an authentic experience of El Salvador while also feeling a connection to their Irish heritage. The hostel is designed to be a comfortable and social space, with communal areas where guests can relax, meet new people, and share their travel experiences. While the hostel is still under construction, the brothers are already envisioning the long-term possibilities for the site. In the future, they hope to provide three meals a day for their guests, offering traditional Irish meals alongside local Salvadoran dishes, further enhancing the multicultural experience.

The project is entirely self-financed, with the Comers funding the entire endeavor through their savings. They are not working alone; two other individuals—Joe Hayes from Kerry and Charlie Stevens from Galway—are helping with the construction and development of the hostel. Additionally, the Comers have been receiving help from volunteers who come and go, providing invaluable assistance as the project progresses. The hostel’s success will depend not only on the completion of the physical structures but also on the relationships the Comers continue to build with the local community.

El Salvador has long been a popular destination for surfers, but the country is increasingly attracting backpackers and other travelers looking for affordable, authentic experiences. The tourism sector in El Salvador has seen a significant boost in recent years, particularly following government reforms that have significantly reduced gang violence in the country. The Comers have tapped into this growing trend, with their hostel catering to a diverse group of travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.

By building a backpacker’s haven in El Salvador, the Comers are not only capitalizing on the country’s burgeoning tourism industry but are also contributing to its ongoing transformation. The country’s recent efforts to improve security, infrastructure, and tourism services have made it a more appealing destination for international travelers, and the Comers are excited to be part of this change.

Rob and Ed Comer’s journey from Ballyvary to El Salvador has been one of ambition, hard work, and cultural exchange. Their project represents more than just a business venture; it is a testament to the power of travel, community, and cultural connection. The brothers have found a new home in El Salvador, and their backpacker’s hostel is set to become a haven for travelers seeking an authentic and affordable experience in Central America. As they continue to integrate into the local community, spread the joy of hurling, and build their dream hostel, the Comers are paving the way for a new chapter in El Salvador’s tourism story, one that is inclusive, welcoming, and full of promise.