Where to Stay near Wicklow Mountains National Park – A Guide to the Largest National Park in Ireland
The Wicklow Mountains, located 50 km south of Dublin, are the largest continuous upland area in Ireland. They cover the whole centre of County Wicklow and stretch outside its borders into other counties. In 1991, the Irish government created the Wicklow Mountains National Park in an effort to preserve its unique ecosystem and natural landscape. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in and near the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Wicklow’s most visited area is definitely the scenic Glendalough Valley, where an ancient monastic settlement, dating back to the 6th century. Other popular attractions within the park are the Poulanass waterfall, lakes such as Lough Bray, Nahanagan and Dan, or gorges such as the Glen of the Downs, the Devil’s Glen, and The Scalp.
If you’re a movie buff, you’ll recognise some of the landscapes at the Wicklow Mountains National Park from major motion pictures such as Braveheart, Ben-Hur, or PS, I Love You.
As with most national parks everywhere, Wicklow is best enjoyed if you have a car. You can rent a cheap car here.
Although there are limited public transport options for accessing Wicklow Mountains National Park, many private tour companies operate tours to the Park, and in particular to Glendalough. You can book a tour here.
If you decide to stay the night in Wicklow, then the best area to stay is definitely in one of the towns around the park, particularly Laragh and around Glendalough Monastery. See accommodation near Glendalough Monastery.
Nestled in the Wicklow Valley in the village of Glendalough, Tudor Lodge is adjacent to the Avonmore River, and it offers a good fishing site, free parking, rooms, and self-catering lodges. Each room at the Tudor Lodge features an en suite bathroom with a power shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
The Best Areas to Stay in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland
1. Recommended Area: Laragh (Around Glendalough Monastery)
Glendalough Monastery is by far the most popular attraction in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
This early Medieval monastic settlement was founded in the 6th century by St Kevin himself and consists of several religious stone structures built in different periods and in different states of preservation.
The most impressive buildings in the complex are the Cathedral, the 30-metres Round Tower, and St. Ciarán’s church.
Glendalough is also the perfect place to base yourself to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Wicklow National Park, as it’s home to nine different hiking paths.
Some of the trails go around the two lakes of Glendalough, while others lead up the Poolanass Waterfall area. From Poolanass you can go up the steep 600–step boarded path to the panoramic platform of The Spinc, which offers breathtaking views of the upper lake and the Glendalough valley below.
Glendalough and the small village of Laragh concentrate most of the accommodation options in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Being a mostly rural area, you are very likely to stay at small, family-run B&Bs and guest houses.
The area around Glendalough is the best area to stay in the Wicklow Mountains thanks to its central location, visitor amenities, and natural and cultural attractions.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Wicklow National Park:
- Glendalough Monastery
- Natural attractions and hiking trails
- Charming B&Bs
- Central location within the Park
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
The Glendalough Hotel
In the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, the Glendalough Hotel has views of the ruined Glendalough Cathedral. The hotel offers en suite rooms, a restaurant and pub.
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Budget
Glendalough International Youth Hostel
Glendalough International Youth Hostel is set in beautiful Glendalough, surrounded by its pretty countryside and at the foot of Camaderry Mountain. With free WiFi, it is surrounded by gardens and features a shared kitchen, lounge and terrace.
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Luxury
Trroperstown Lodge
Set in the Wicklow Mountains surrounded by landscaped gardens, Trooperstown Lodge is just 5 minutes’ drive from stunning Glendalough. Offering its own restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, guests also have use of a drying room for wet gear and walking boots.
2. Wicklow Town
Wicklow Town is, as its name may suggest, the capital town of County Wicklow.
It is located on the coast, around 20 km east of Glendalough.
Compared to Laragh, Wicklow offers visitors a more lively experience, with several pubs and restaurants and a vibrant harbour area.
Wicklow Town also offers hiking trails along the coast; The Murrough, a coastal wetland, is very popular with hikers and nature lovers. In this natural area, you can enjoy beautiful views of the town and coastline.
One of the best things about Wicklow Town as a base to explore the National Park is that it is connected by train to Dublin. The train station is located north of the town centre and offers 5 daily services linking Wicklow to the Irish capital.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Connected by train to Dublin
- 20 km from Glendalough
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
The Bridge Tavern
Situated in Wicklow, The Bridge Tavern offers accommodation with free WiFi and flat-screen TV, as well as a bar. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer.
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Luxury
Tinakilly Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Built in 1883 and located on an oak-lined avenue, Tinakilly House is a 4-star Victorian mansion set in 7 acres of landscaped gardens with stunning views overlooking the Irish sea. Tinakilly Hotel offers traditional bedrooms with satellite TV, bathrobes and tea/coffee.
3. Roundwood
Roundwood is a tiny village located on the R755 road, part of the main route on the way from Dublin to Glendalough, in the Wicklow Mountains.
It is situated at 238 metres above sea level, which makes it one of the highest villages in Ireland.
Vartry Reservoir Lakes (water reservoirs built in the 1860s) are close by.
Roundwood, like many small villages around Wicklow National Park, offers small-town-charm and a handful of accommodation options.
Most B&Bs in and around Roundwood are small, quaint, family-owned businesses with tons of character.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Small village charm
- 12 km from Glendalough
Read in other languages:
|ES| Las mejores zonas donde alojarse en el Parque Nacional de las Montañas de Wicklow, Irlanda.
