Glendalough International Youth Hostel, Laragh
About the Hotel
Glendalough International Youth Hostel is located in Laragh, County Wicklow, approximately 75 km from Dublin. This hostel is part of An Óige, an organization dedicated to promoting the Irish countryside, history, and culture among young travelers. The hostel serves as a gateway to the scenic beauty of the Wicklow Mountains and offers affordable accommodation designed to foster camaraderie and exploration. Its proximity to the Glendalough Monastic Settlement adds historical significance to the venue.
Location
Nestled in a picturesque rural setting, the hostel is a short distance from notable attractions such as St. Kevin's Church and the Glendalough Upper Lake Car Park. The nearest train station, Rathdrum, is 13 km away, providing access to larger transport links. The hostel's location is ideal for those seeking to explore the beauty and history of the Wicklow Mountains.
Rooms
Guest accommodations include a variety of room types, such as triple and double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. All rooms range in size from 22 to 30 m², providing ample space for guests. Bed linen is provided in each room, ensuring a comfortable stay. Shared facilities are also available, catering to those seeking budget-friendly options.
Eat & Drink
Dining facilities include a shared kitchen where guests can prepare their meals. For larger groups, catered meals are available at an additional cost. The hostel is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from a nearby restaurant offering drinks and evening meals. Guests can enjoy a communal dining experience which enhances the social atmosphere.
Leisure & Business
The hostel offers a variety of leisure activities centered around outdoor experiences like hill walking, cycling, and photography. Staff members are available to guide guests on local events and attractions, maximizing the experience in the surrounding natural environment. An Óige also runs special activity holidays designed and led by qualified professionals.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Vending machines
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Table tennis
Guest Parking
- Shared kitchen
Services
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Grocery shopping service
Dining
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Board games
- Game room
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Heating
- Garden furniture
Self-catering
- Shared kitchen
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel is in a great location, perfect for exploring Wicklow National Park and Glendalough. The rooms were comfortable and secure, although some spiders and mosquitoes were present. The staff were brilliant, but there were some issues with noise levels. The dining experience was decent but slightly overpriced. Overall, the value for money was good considering the proximity to hiking trails and beautiful lakes.
The hotel had a convenient location by the old monastery and was an extremely choice area for hiking. Despite the pleasant stay organized by the hotel, the shower was a bit of a downer. The morning view to the hostel backyard added to the overall experience.
My stay at the hotel was a bit of a mixed bag. The location was amazing, close to incredible hiking sites, but the room had a persistent unpleasant smell. The service was friendly and helpful, especially in arranging transportation. The dining options were a bit overpriced, and the continental breakfast was mediocre. However, the facilities were decent and the proximity to beautiful lakes was a highlight.
My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The location was great, with convenient access to outdoor activities, but the cleanliness of the rooms left much to be desired. The service was outstanding and made up for some of the hotel's shortcomings.
The hotel is situated in hiker territory, within walking distance of the old monastery and all the trails around Glendalough. The rooms were overpriced for what you get and offer limited comfort, although the service was exceptional with staff going out of their way to assist. Dining was a bit unfair with no shops nearby, and the surroundings felt untidy with litter scattered, giving a sense of neglect. Despite this, the location was amazing, not far from the Glendalough OPW site, making it great for outdoor activities and exploration.
I had a one-night stay at the hotel and found it to be a mixed experience. The room was a bit cramped, basic for the price paid, and not as clean as expected. However, the full Irish breakfast I pre-ordered was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. The hotel is in a great location for solo travelers like me, but be prepared for extra costs for everything.