Choosing A Wicklow Mountain Hotel
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors visit our beautiful county in search of Wicklow Mountain hotels and b& b’s. Unfortunately, due to the nature of tourists to Wicklow, there are very few hotels in the Wicklow mountains – instead, the types of accommodations consist mainly of bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hostels.
The Wicklow Mountains make up one of the biggest upland masses in Ireland, with various rivers, lakes and lowlands spanning across the County. The Wicklow Mountains take up the middle of County Wicklow, also known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’ and span across the borders of Carlow, Wexford and into Dublin. The land mass that enters the Dublin region is known as the Dublin mountains.
Hotels in the Wicklow mountains are not ideal for large groups travelling together, looking for the traditional Irish hill walking experience. Visiting the mountainous area, most guests are looking for a raw, outdoor experience consisting of hiking, kayaking, trail running and mountain biking. As such, there are no shortage of accommodation options in Wicklow with many traditional guest houses and b& bs providing the perfect base for your outdoor adventure.
As mentioned, Wicklow mountain hotels are few and far between and so we highly recommend heading over to Trip Advisor and searching for alternative types of accommodation for your visit. We have written previous posts on the benefits of booking a b& b in Glendalough and how important choosing the correct location can be. As one of the largest mountainous areas in Ireland, cell phone coverage is limited and so if you are visiting Glendalough or another area of Wicklow, we highly recommend that you plan your accommodation well in advance. Many b& bs will be available if you turn up on the day of arrival without a booking but please do try to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to stay in a hotel in the Wicklow mountains?
This is not a problem at all. There are several beautiful 4 and 5 star hotels located within the lowlands of the Wicklow mountains. If you are planning to stay in a hotel in the Wicklow mountains, we highly recommend renting a car for your stay as most hotels are located quite some distance away from major attractions such as Glendalough National Park.
How much is a hotel in the Wicklow mountains?
Hotel rooms can range from €120/night all the way up to €450/night. On the other hand, most guest houses and bed and breakfasts will provide accommodation from €45/night, usually with a traditional Irish breakfast included.
Are there public transport options in the Wicklow mountains?
Yes and no. Technically there are some options such as the Local Link and taxis. The Local Link is a fantastic way for guests to get up the mountain from lowland areas within Wicklow however routes are limited. Taxis are available but we recommend calling one from your accommodation as cell coverage is limited in the National park should you wish to book a taxi.
If you are driving, make sure to check out our post about directions to Glendalough.
Should we eat all our meals in the hotel or guest house?
This is entirely up to you. We recommend getting out and seeing as much of the Wicklow mountains as possible. Dotted across the mountain are beautiful cafes, restaurants and traditional Irish pubs, all serving food throughout the day. If you are staying in one of the Wicklow mountain hotels in lowland areas, food within the hotel may be just perfect with larger hotels having multiple dining options.