Hostels in Wicklow

The 5 star all en-suite Glendalough hostel is set in a wooded valley amid spectacular countryside ideal for fishing, rock climbing, pony trekking and hiking in Wicklow.

The county of Wicklow, just south of Dublin is known as the Garden of Ireland. Central Wicklow is a mass of domed granite mountains, penetrated by deep glens and wooded valleys containing some of the finest scenery in Ireland.

To the west, the mountains give way to gentler country on the edge of the central plain. Staying in Glendalough for a night or two is a great way to forget about the hustle & bustle of everyday life and just relax. The county is rich in history and culture, with five heritage gardens and many archaeological and historical remains.

Glenmalure Hostel in Wicklow is a simple mountain hut - perfect for nature lovers who want to get away from it all. Glenmalure is a valley in the Wicklow Mountains in eastern Ireland. It is a u-shaped glacial valley, with only one road leading in or out. It is steeped in history where war, destruction and famine were seen. The Avonbeg River flows at the back of the hostel and the serenity in the area is really something special.

***Help Us Decorate & Maintain Glenmalure Hostel***

Variety Concert in Ely House on Friday 11th June @ 8pm. €20 at door: includes light refreshments. If you cannot make it a donation would be very welcome.

Just wanted to say 'Thanks' to An Oige for continuing to maintain such a great hostel in such a superb location - it's a rare and valuable resource and I hope you'll be able to hang onto it for a long time to come. Jes Challand May 2009

"We had a relly good time here in this little mountain hut.......Frank, the proper irish caretaker chap is lovely and is always willing to chat (about anything!). We really enjoyed our 'back to nature' experience here". Hostelworld.com Review, England, August 2006

Below is a review from a guest who wishes to remain annonymous:

Glenmalure hostel is uninque in many ways.
First of all, the location is just beautiful and you have to cross the river to get to it. The building itself is an over 100-year old gem of an Irish cottage and has its own history to tell, just ask the warden.
The kitchen is well-equipped and there is room enough to cook, indeed as far as cutlery and plates etc. are concerned.

There is a nice little stove in the common room, just right to spend a romantic evening reading (there is a full shelf of books). The gas lamps are bright enough for it.
The bunk beds are comfy, the river is murmuring nearby, what else do you want?

There are, however, some things to note:

• You shouldnt forget to bring your food with you for the next shops are in Rathdrum, that`s 13km away.
  
• There is no running water in the house, so you (or the warden) has to get it from the river, but that`s no problem, you wont have  to go far.
  
• If you want a shower, the friendly staff of Glenmalure lodge (ca. 4 km up the road) will be ready to offer you a shower for a small fee.

To sum it up:
You can do without running water and electricity, believe me. You will be overcompensated by the silence and the peace the place will give you. Go for a walking tour, come back in the evening for a cup of tea and a place near the fire and just relax.

I'm still enchanted by the place as well as the hostel. Your wardens do their real best to make hostelers feel at home. Many thanks to Miles for all his work and help.

Knockree Hostel (a Wicklow Way Hostel) reopened in April 2008 after a €4m refurishment. Our newest 5 star Wicklow Hostel which was previously a converted farmhouse, is set at the bottom of Knockree, overlooking the Glencree Mountains. The Wicklow Way passes through the hostel grounds and so the ideal location for hillwalkers and nature lovers alike. Knockree Hostel boasts all the usual characteristics of a top rated 5 star property including en-suite rooms, family rooms, meeting room, restaurant for groups (on request), self catering kitchen, full car & coach parking. There is also free Wi-Fi in the public areas and is fully wheelchair accessible. Rooms have spectacular views of the amazing scenery that surrounds this Wicklow Hostel.

Knockree Hostel, along with the Dublin International Hostel, has just been awarded the HI-Quality certification, making it the only Hostel in Wicklow to have become a member of a very exclusive group of Hostels around the world that have acquired this accredited certification.

Enniskerry, 7 kilometres from the hostel, is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland, lying in a wooded hollow among the hills west of Bray. Nearby are Powerscourt demesne and the Glen of the Dargle. From here explore Powerscourt, Glencree Reconciliation Centre, the German War Cemetery, and walk the Wicklow Way which passes right through the hostel grounds.

This charming Wicklow hostel - Mountain Ventures -is an enchanting traditional farmhouse.

With the highest mountain in Leinster, Lugnaquilla, nearby this is an ideal hostel to base yourself for a few days of excellent hill walking. There is also good horse riding and orienteering available close by.

Wicklow County provides the visitor with hundreds of kilometres of beautiful nature just waiting to be explored. Miles of old coach roads, disused military supply lines, old bog roads, nature trails, clean sandy strands, world class heritage gardens and mountain paths used by medieval monks. En route are deserted settlements, forts, a varied flora, rare mountain birds and lots of wildlife roaming free.

"The stay in Mountain Ventures Hostel was a great experience I won`t forget. I´ll come back with all my friends:) " Hostelworld.com Review, Germany, October 2006