The Glendalough

75 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Michelle

A charming and old hotel on beautiful grounds and walkable to Glendalough Cathedral.
Hotel needs serious updates and maintenance. Broken coffee machines, fire extinguishers hanging on by a thread to the wall.
Staff (other than a bartender) were not impressive and food was meh. Staff is worked hard.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Sue

We were fortunate to have the most perfect weather. Gorgeous area, hiking all around-wonderful place to stay for lap of the gap race.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Lucy

Breakfast was disappointing.

Family

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2026

Michael

The boiler or some such motor was running during the late evening and I found it difficult to get to sleep.
Breakfast was good but the eggs were left on the heat to over cook to rubber like....

Self

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Maria T

Comfortable, magnificent surroundings so met our needs perfectly for this trip.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 May 2026

Jim

It was a mediocre stay. Would not choose hotel again

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 May 2026

therese

Loved the location and great for hiking and relaxing. Food was good but not exceptional. Main complaint is that we left early in the morning to get to the airport, 6:30 am, and we could not get out of the building. Front desk was unmanned and despite yelling a bit for assistance, we basically had to undue 2 locks at top and bottom of doors and then pry the locked doors past their locked position to stretch it open. A little scary had there been an emergency. We did try walking around looking for additional exits but could not find any. After 5 minutes we resorted to escaping as best we could.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

LOIS

Breakfast was wonderful and so was the dinners in the restaurant. It was an enjoyable stay.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Tracey

Great area. Food was wonderful. Breakfast was also really good. Staff were very friendly

Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2026

Cherelle

The room was relaxing and clean, the shower was fantastic and the bed was extremely comfortable even with it being a single. The room felt modern and cared for and the hotel is in the most fantastic location. I wish I could have stayed longer and intend to return. Breakfast was a little sad with the buffet food cold and very limited options but it was adequate sustenance. The staff were friendly and the hotel bar had a nice vibe. The location is magical.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

24 Apr 2026

Lisa

There was no receptionist. Someone from the bar came out. The buffet, you walk in, someone's said sit anywhere by the window, that was it..... I didn't know if we could order food or if it was just a buffet and the buffet was not easy to see. There were two employees working that just kept walking by me before I figured it out. Not friendly at all. The only reason I stayed here was the location, would not stay here again. Room was very small and if you have luggage hard to get into the room. I did have a single room on the corner.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Julie

The team was very welcoming and helpful. The rooms made good use of the limited space; parking was easy and the views were nice.

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

Scott

Room was clean. Check-in was easy. Wonderful location. We went to a restaurant down the road because the hotel restaurant had poor reviews.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Amelia C

Great breakfast

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Mary

Family atmosphere and friendly front desk staff! Several meals in the restaurant. Really enjoyed the BEEF BOURGUIGNON and I have to admitted I took my dessert of Creme’ Brûlée to my room two nights in a row! Delicious!!!
Very accessible to the Glendalough Monastic Site and the many hiking trails in Wicklow Mountains National Park.
A bit off season so staff were seen working in all areas…great people!
Loved my cozy corner room with a desk and really comfy bed!

Happy 55th Birthday to me -2026!

Self

2/10

Poor

02 Apr 2026

Kaitlynn

no gym.

6/10

Pleasant

22 Mar 2026

Andrew

Food service in the breakfast area was poor. A lot of stuff wasn’t out, there wasn’t a lot of cups or glasses for beverages. Food choices were extremely limited.

Other than that, the hotel is nice, clean, and exceptionally well situated if you want to just enjoy the Wicklow mountains

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Mar 2026

liam

Lovely stay

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Nov 2025

Louise

Room was clean. Water pressure was very strong and beds were very comfortable

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2025

Connie

In a lovely location with numerous walking trails. Restaurant and bar was very good, large portions and a variety of nice selection. Rooms were a bit dated and maid service lacking. Floors not vacuumed during our stay, beds not made, toilet paper not refilled.
I would stay here again.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Beth

Beautiful nature park, trails and historic buildings

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Kent

Spectacular location for hiking.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

07 Oct 2025

Brenda

This remote hotel is in a truly beautiful area, next to the Monastic Cuty built in the 6th century. The hotel itself was fine, clean enough. But food service was very sketchy and we had to search for breakfast (when they couldnt open an old locked door). Go here if you want to see a beautiful place, but know that the rooms are very basic and amenities are few.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Theodore

In the heart of the Wicklow Mountains national Park. You can start your hikes right out the front door. The bar was good with friendly staff, the restaurant was also good and convenient. Parking was easy and on the property.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Colin

Staff was courteous and attentive, the food was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Highly recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Ian

Nice hotel literally yards from historic Glendalough with a great breakfast and on site bar/ food options

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Sep 2025

Lyn

There were four of us, two per room. Considering the other room booked was lovely, clean, and free of the problems our room had, I would hope it was an anomaly. It seemed like our room hadn't been used in quite a while. We had to remove nine spiders from the room and bathroom, and we're talking established homes in ceiling corners and window sills. Knowing how deep we are in the woods, one or two are to be expected, but this was well beyond that. The sink and tub drains barely worked, and having a shower was a race between getting yourself clean before the tub was full. A quick shower brought water well up your shins, which then needed a further rinse once the tub finally drained, as you were covered with all the soap, etc. from showering. The massive water stain on our carpet suggested a rainstorm where the windows were left open. The property was clean and well kept everywhere else, it truly was our room that was disturbing. There are a lot of things to expect for a 100 year old hotel, this seemed like a bit much.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Sep 2025

Dorian Clifford

++ Very friendly and accommodating eastern European staff.
++ Location
+ Comfortable bed and linen
- Stains on bedroom carpet. Soap dispense in shower, but no soap bar at the sink.
- Chilly breakfast room. Saw other guests check whether radiators were on.
-- Breakfast: very watery scrambled eggs; cheapest, bottom of the barrel bacon I have come across in a while, with white tendrils of something (extruded industrially added water, perhaps) sitting on its resting surfaces. Stick to the muesli.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Sep 2025

Doug

Beautiful setting, very good restaurant, excellent breakfast, thin walls!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Sep 2025

Stephen

Was ok

8/10

Excellent

24 Sep 2025

Lloyd

Very good location, near to St. Kevin's Tower and the lakes. Great area to hike. The room was clean and comfortable. The area was very quiet in the evening. They had several gf options at the restaurant, including beer.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Sep 2025

Loretta

Nice stay overall

Staying at the Glendalough made a three-day visit extremely convenient as it’s virtually on the monastery property. Room was very nice and clean, beds were very comfy. Food at the restaurant was underwhelming. Biggest issue was that the reception desk was sporadically staffed and there was literally no one around to ask for any kind of assistance. That was very odd and disconcerting.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Sep 2025

Jennifer

comfortable yet basic
Coffee and tea, but no biscuits
No cushions
Less than adequate chair
One comfy chair and one regular chair
Perhaps, needed another chair

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2025

Teresa

I loved this hotel for the serenity of the area and the friendliness of the staff!

6/10

Pleasant

01 Sep 2025

Eric

Great location, not much else

Good location with that being the best part. You can easily hike and walk the area straight out of the hotel.
Front desk is rarely staffed, waiting 10+ minutes for someone.
Breakfast is mediocre.
Asked for room to be cleaned while gone (with hanger on the door and via front desk after waiting) and was not cleaned after 6 hours.
Check in was strictly 3pm, even showing up 12 minutes early we were made to wait, and on return no one at the desk for another 15 minutes.
Restaurant and café were very overpriced, with very bad reviews (after breakfast we ate elsewhere).

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2025

Heather

Amazing experience wonderful people beautiful place

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2025

Earl

Wishing we could stay longer

An older but luxurious Inn type hotel located in the hiking and climbing area in the Wicklow mountains. Visit the area-it's magnificent-frsh crisp air, views everywhere, stroll up a hillside or just sit and watch. We enjoyed everu minute of our time at this facility.. Everyone is friendly, filled with energy. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2025

Lisa

Dated but can’t beat the location

Dated but well appointed hotel - the location cannot be beat if you want to explore the park and the Glendalough cathedral and round tower ruins. So beautiful!

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

19 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

It's a fun little hotel right by the park. A bit dated, but the bed was new. No wash clothes was a surprise. Due to the heat and no wind we should of brought a fan.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Tina

I enjoyed my stay and the location is unbeatable! Very walkable to the monastic city and the hiking trails. I found the interior charming because it was retro - a bit like taking a time machine into the 90s. It was no frills, but it reminded me pleasantly of my childhood. If you're expecting something very modern and/or fancy, you might be disappointed, but I feel like the main attraction is Glendalough.

I loved the restaurant here, the waiters were nice and the food was good! The hotel staff here were helpful and polite. The free breakfast was better than the reviews led me to expect. Not fancy, but decent considering it was free. The front desk seems unstaffed outside of the check-in period, but there is a really comfortable lobby hidden away behind the check in area, that you can rest in while you wait.

If not for the location, I would have rated this 4/5, but thanks to the location, 5/5!

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Aug 2025

Allana

I loved the walks in the region of the hotel.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Aug 2025

Simon

Loved our stay!

The hotel is very accessible and comfortable. The rustic vibe is amazing. And it’s such a great place to stay after a long hike!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Aug 2025

Ann

High cost, poor service.

This is a lovely hotel in a superb location. Consequently they charge accordingly. Many of the guests are american who appear to have no concerns re pricing and tip the staff as they would at home. Drinks prices are also expensive . However our main complaint about the hotel is the lack of staff. All the staff multi task, on one occasion I saw the girl who served our breakfast cleaning the restaurant windows later in the day. This young lady was on her own serving breakfast and dinner. The restaurant was packed and only she and one other were serving consequently service was very slow. The breakfast itself was also not as good as one would expect from a hotel of this standard and cost. A very limited choice of items ensured that the breakfast could in no way be described as a \"full Irish\", more like a half Irish. All the staff were very nice and friendly but were totally overloaded.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

Glendalough High

The hotel exceeded my expectations. I was in a good mood the whole time. You could not ask for a better location right next to the Glendalough sites, plus reasonable rates. Although my room was small, it was cozy and had everything I needed, plus a lovely view from the sizable windows even though it raced north toward the road. My only complaint about the hotel is that the front desk is not staffed 24/7 (I think it closes at 8 or 9 PM), which might create some anxiety for those returning late. I also read really bad reviews about the hotel restaurant, so I ate dinner elsewhere. However, the included breakfast was fine. I didn't see a fan or way to open the windows in the room, so I imagine it might get a little hot during warmer weather.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2025

Darcy

It was a phenomenal location - looked out on a stream and saw deer in the field across the way. It was a beautiful area

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2025

Pauline

Tranquil peaceful stay

Lovely serene stay away from the busy towns. Comfortable beds, tea and coffee supplied. Very spacious room and bathroom. Lots of walking tracks nearby. Peaceful views to the hills. Flooring not even. Would recommend just for the tranquility.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2025

Jennifer

This is an historic hotel, secluded in the the Wicklow Mountains. It is beautiful and located steps away from the ancient Monastic City, 2 lakes, and gorgeous walking trails. Very quiet and calm with free parking. The restaurant was good, breakfast could have been better with more options, and better prepared food (boiled bacon instead of fried bacon), no fresh fruit. We got the \"cheap\" room facing the street, good size with seating area, good bathroom, low water pressure.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jul 2025

Eileen

Was very disappointed with breakfast. Poor selection bacon wasn’t cooked properly asked for 2 poached eggs got one wasn’t properly cooked this was the first morning so our second morning we checked out without breakfast no one at reception and headed up the road to the Heather Restaurant for a delicious breakfast.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2025

Rachel

Really clean room, service was fine.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jun 2025

Fiachra

Could be so much better

This hotel could be great but they know they have a monopoly in Glendalough and therefore make no effort at all and still charge high prices. The breakfast is particularly insulting.
If you have a car I highly suggest looking at some of the very good guest houses in the area

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2025

Donna

very nice experience

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2025

Tomi

Prime location in a beautiful area.
The hotel itself is a bit dated, but generally well-kept and maintained.The service crew are very nice.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2025

Richard

Glendalough Marathon

Leisure stay - was competing in the lap the gap marathon. Disappointed they didn’t make more of an effort for participants - I.e. an early breakfast, they provided a pre packed bag but it wasn’t suitable as a pre race meal. Staff could be more cheerful.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2025

Jasmine

Beautiful

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2025

Rebecca

Loved the area

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2025

MUKUND

Lovely hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2025

Patrick

It is excellent! The breakfast was the best!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2025

Raychelle

Beautiful area, hotel was a little dated but overall pleasant and relaxing

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Dec 2024

Chrystal

Save your money and look to either take a day trip to these trails or check out another local hotel. It is not staffed 24hrs and you will be locked in. You can’t come and go as you please, and you will get locked out so don’t think you can even run to the car to grab something. You can tell that everyone working here is miserable. We got the bed and breakfast package but omg don’t waste your time the breakfast is subpar and will eat a buffet in a room that is absolutely freezing. We also had a weird situation where we came back to our room after dinner to someone who we think works at the bar walking out of our room with no words on to why they were even there. We literally just had to get out of there and ended up leaving at like 5:30 in the morning just to be done with it and on to our next adventure. Didn’t even eat the second days free meal, we’d rather pay. Save your time, money, and sanity and stay at another hotel. The walk though that is out by here is absolutely breathtaking and worth it. They also have food trucks which open at 9 at the trailhead. Worth the hike out there but there is also parking all over the trail so again not worth staying at this horrible hotel. I heard it was once amazing, they need to find management who has a passion for experience because this one doesn’t.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Nov 2024

SABINE

The Glendalough Hotel is located near the Glendalough Monastery which makes it the perfect location for walks and discoveries of the nearby visitor attractions. It offers a unique atmosphere due to the amazing surroundings close to nature but also to the old churchyard and monasteric city. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would stay there again.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Nov 2024

David J.

Location was great for walking to beautiful historic sites and hikes.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

21 Sep 2024

Jay

Property (hotel) said they wouldn’t take Amex and pressured me to use an alternate method of payment, yet I paid for drinks in the Bistro/Bar with Amex. The Desk Clerk didn’t appreciate when I called him out on it.

The room bathroom was in need of a deep clean, mold at the base of the tub and floor. Mildew 3 inches up the shower curtain. Over all not a very pleasant stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2024

Diane

Unique property that sits adjacent to a charming historical site within easy walking distance. Very peaceful and clean.
We stayed in late September, so lack of air conditioning wasn’t an issue. The heat was very comfortable during the night.
We were pleasantly surprised that the food was very delicious after reading previous reviews.
Would definitely recommend.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2024

STEPHANIE

The staff was fantastic! The concierge Felix was so very helpful! He went above and beyond for us!

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2024

Kandee

Location was beautiful! Staff very friendly and helpful!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Sep 2024

robyn

Property location is amazing!

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

28 Aug 2024

Katharine

For the price the facilities and decor were somewhat faded and basic eg no iron in room hairdryer was dated on wall version in bathroom. Not even a water glass or even plastic glass for toothbrushes - we had to either drink from a teacup or get a glass from the bar. Dirty glasses from bar not cleared or washed up when room
Serviced . Bathroom toiletries in dispenser nothing complimentary, towels tiny, for £200 per night plus you would expect a few nice touches.
Breakfast room pretty but a big dated counter meant people couldn’t pass each other- very slow toaster no one to assist. The menu in the restaurant was limited and somewhat overpriced so we ate somewhere else the second night that was much better value. Bar lacking in atmosphere. Dinner service could have been more polished (I don’t expect to have to explain why I have not eaten everything on my plate)
Definitely paying for the location not the service or facilities.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2024

Angeleah

The area surrounding the hotel is beautiful and we loved the hike to the waterfall! The food was delicious in the hotel and the staff was helpful.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

18 Aug 2024

Martin

Hotel in a beautiful area .
However, grossly overpriced.
Despite costing a fortune had to wait 15 minutes for someone to appear at check-in at 7pm on a Saturday.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2024

Astrid

Great place, loved the whole experience plus its pets friendly

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2024

Nichole

The Glendalough Hotel is perfect for exploring the many trails surrounding the Glendalough Ecclesiastical Settlement.
Our room was clean, bedding was comfortable and the check in process was easy. The hotel offers a great outdoor space, was very quiet, our room was large, shower was great after a long day of hiking. Tea and coffee provided in the room. Breakfast and onsite restaurant food were average.
There are two restaurants within walking distance.
Hotel staff was attentive, courteous and went above and beyond to meet our needs. They even offered porridge and vegan sausage.
Improvement would be to invest in small room refrigerators.
We would definitely stay here again.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2024

Wietze

Location to the walks was as close as you can get. Extremely quiet. Good parking. An older Hotel.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2024

Mary

Relaxing

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jul 2024

Martin

Good location for access to the area. Hotel itself old and worn. Food adequate but not tasty. Facilities worn.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2024

Wendy

Amazing location that allowed us to take advantage of the quiet mornings and evenings - after the tour buses leave. Comfortable beds, clean and comfortable room, good breakfast. Front desk staff could use some customer service coaching.