Laragh53.01152700,
-6.33038400,
The Lodge, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow(Show on Map)
7.6
Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsGlendalough International Youth Hostel is nestled within the stunning landscapes of Wicklow National Park in Ireland, offering guests a prime location and an idyllic base for exploring nature. Travelers consistently praise the hostel's exceptional setting, placing it conveniently between historic sites like St. Kevin’s Monastery and the beautiful upper and lower lakes. Its proximity to numerous hiking trails and medieval monuments provides easy access to picturesque walks, making it a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts.
While breakfast reviews are mixed, with travelers questioning its value for cost, the serene environment and scenic beauty surrounding the hostel somewhat redeem the experience. The breakfast, while minimalistic, aligns with expectations for a youth hostel setup.
Rooms are noted for their cleanliness and spaciousness, despite some minor areas for improvement. The shared facilities, including showers, are favorably reviewed, though shared spaces can occasionally become crowded. The cleanliness across private rooms and communal areas is frequently highlighted, with staff contributing to a hospitable atmosphere. Although there are occasional concerns about specific cleaning issues, overall tidiness is satisfactory.
The exceptional hostel staff is consistently applauded for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing guest experiences and fostering a warm and welcoming environment. Staff members like Eugenio and the volunteer team receive special commendations for their dedication to guest needs.
The Wi-Fi service is generally reliable, though some guests encounter temporary connectivity issues. Parking facilities are ample and free, offering stress-free convenience for guests arriving by car. Beds receive varied feedback, with a mix of comfort levels noted; while some guests praise the firm mattresses, others find them too hard or squeaky.
Accessibility features cater to guests with disabilities, including specific rooms and facilities designed for ease of access. The hostel's strategic location near main hiking trails and public transport access is beneficial, although some public transport elements could be enhanced.
Overall, Glendalough International Youth Hostel offers a picturesque, nature-centric experience complemented by friendly staff and convenient amenities, establishing itself as a desirable choice for budget-conscious travelers. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Luxury Hostel
Hostel with Parking
Accessible Hostel
5-Star Hostel
Room Types
Twin Room with Private BathroomThis room includes bed linen and there is a private bathroom.
Quadruple Room with Private BathroomThis room includes bed linen and there is a private bathroom.
Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory RoomThis room includes bed linen and there is access to a shared bathroom.
Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomRooms are 30 square metres.
Bed in 8-Bed Male Dormitory RoomRooms are 24 square metres.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomRooms are 24 square metres.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomRooms are 22 square metres.
Triple Room with Private BathroomThe triple room includes a private bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Family Room with Private BathroomThe family room includes a private bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 4 beds.
Mixed Dormitory RoomThe dormitory room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 5 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
Nestled within the majestic landscapes of Ireland, Glendalough International Youth Hostel boasts a prime location that consistently leaves visitors in awe. Situated right in the heart of the stunning Wicklow National Park, this hostel serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular natural beauty surrounding it. Guests delight in its proximity to numerous hiking trails, with many routes beginning right at the doorstep. The hostel is conveniently placed between the historic ruins of St. Kevin’s Monastery and the breathtaking upper and lower lakes, offering direct access to all the key sites. The exceptional setting makes it perfect for those looking to recharge amid nature, surrounded by Ireland's serene hills and scenic vistas.
Travelers appreciate that the hostel is easily accessible from Dublin, eliminating the need for a car. The nearby town of Laragh can be reached on foot, and the area is well-connected to public transport, further enhancing the convenience for visitors. The location is described as peaceful and quiet, allowing for a tranquil retreat. With the hostel positioned as a stone's throw from medieval monuments, forested trails, and stunning lakes, guests can enjoy picturesque walks and hikes without straying far from their accommodation.
Overall, the exceptional location of Glendalough International Youth Hostel is a standout feature, providing a picturesque and strategic base for adventurers eager to explore one of Ireland’s most treasured landscapes.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Glendalough International Youth Hostel receives mixed reviews from guests, with a predominant sense of dissatisfaction regarding its value for the price. Visitors consistently mention the cost, which ranges from 7 to 9 euros, as being too high for the limited offerings provided. The breakfast generally consists of toast, cereal, jam, coffee, and occasionally fruit, which many find insufficient given the price. Additionally, options for more hearty or savory items, such as eggs or cheese, are notably absent, leaving guests desiring a more varied and satisfying selection.
The breakfast's minimalistic nature aligns with expectations for a youth hostel where self-preparation may be anticipated. However, the late serving time of 8:30 AM restricts its convenience for guests departing early. Reports also highlight issues with cleanliness and the overall presentation, suggesting an opportunity for improvement in maintaining standards.
Despite these criticisms, there are occasional mentions of the breakfast being sufficient, and the scenic beauty surrounding the hostel provides a redeeming point for those who opt to stay and enjoy the environment. Ultimately, the breakfast experience might leave travelers considering alternative options given the price-quality ratio does not meet expectations for many of the hostel’s guests.
Rooms
Glendalough International Youth Hostel offers a practical and clean accommodation experience with a few areas for improvement. Many guests have appreciated the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms, noting that they are well-maintained and have a homey atmosphere. Some rooms come equipped with useful amenities like electric kettles and tea sets, adding a touch of convenience and comfort.
While the hostel is ideally located for those interested in hiking, offering an atmosphere that reflects the beauty of its surroundings, some guests found the rooms on the smaller side, especially those designed for multiple occupants. Common concerns include the lack of space to dry clothes, sparse furnishings like chairs and hooks, and sometimes uncomfortable beds. Additionally, certain rooms may benefit from better ventilation or heating, as they were found to be cold or damp at times.
The shared facilities, such as the kitchen, may also get crowded and lack some necessary equipment, but the showers were positively noted for their quality. Despite these points, the majority of guests have highlighted the cleanliness and tidiness of the hostel, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a nature-centric getaway.
Beds
The beds at Glendalough International Youth Hostel receive mixed reviews from guests, creating a varied experience. Many visitors appreciate the comfort provided by the firm mattresses, often noting that they offer a good night's sleep. Bunk beds are highlighted as being particularly comfortable and even come equipped with two pillows for added support. However, some guests mention that certain mattresses are too firm, bordering on rock hard, and find the beds to be quite rudimentary and reminiscent of a summer camp experience. Noise seems to be a common issue, with beds described as squeaky and creaky, which can be a source of disturbance. Despite some negative comments about the mattresses being uncomfortable and hard, the sturdy and non-squeaky nature of some beds is appreciated. While the beds might not meet the expectations of a hotel or B&B, they manage to provide a comfortable stay for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate the large communal kitchen available.
Cleanliness
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Glendalough, the International Youth Hostel offers an enchanting setting complemented by a reasonable price for Irish standards. The spacious rooms and well-equipped facilities, such as the shared kitchen, break out spaces, and dining areas, are often praised for their tidiness and organization. Guests frequently mention the cleanliness of private rooms and bathrooms, noting the availability of clean bedding and spotless shared shower facilities.
Despite these positive aspects, there are occasional concerns about the cleanliness of certain areas, particularly bathrooms, dormitories, and shared spaces, which sometimes need closer attention. Some guests mention issues such as mold, hair in showers, and the need for improved cleaning protocols in shared areas. Additionally, details such as fluctuating water temperatures in showers and lack of heating in rooms slightly detract from the otherwise appealing experience.
The staff is often described as charming, contributing to the hospitable atmosphere of the hostel. While the cleanliness tends to be satisfactory overall, addressing minor issues could enhance the experience for travelers seeking a spotless retreat in this serene destination.
Staff
Glendalough International Youth Hostel is celebrated for its exceptional staff, leaving a lasting impression on visitors with their friendliness and helpfulness. The hostel's team is consistently described as sociable, accommodating, and attentive, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere that guests appreciate. Many reviews highlight the staff's ability to handle requests efficiently, whether it’s arranging for bathroom access or making booking changes. Specific staff members like Eugenio and the volunteer team receive special mention for their willingness to meet guests’ needs with a welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently commend the cleanliness of the hostel alongside the charming staff, enhancing the overall experience. The dedication and kindness of the workers ensure that guests feel valued and well cared for, embodying a warm and engaging hospitality that resonates strongly with visitors.
Wi-Fi
Guests at Glendalough International Youth Hostel have shared varying experiences regarding the Wi-Fi service. Many travelers found the connection satisfactory, with positive remarks about its strength and reliability. Despite some instances of weak Wi-Fi or temporary outages, the overall experience for several guests was favorable, as they enjoyed uninterrupted browsing during their stay. However, a common concern arose about the availability of functional power outlets and charging ports, particularly in dormitories and common areas, indicating a need for improvement in access to electronic charging facilities. Additionally, the hostel offers convenient amenities such as free parking, and there is good bus connectivity from Wicklow with regular services.
Parking
Glendalough International Youth Hostel provides a hassle-free experience for guests traveling by car, thanks to its ample parking options. The property boasts a large, free parking area, making it a convenient choice for visitors. The ease of access with parking spaces located right at the door is especially advantageous for those carrying heavy luggage or traveling with family. Nestled in an amazing location next to a cemetery and near the lake, the on-site secure parking adds to the property's allure. Guests consistently appreciate the parking facilities, contributing to a stress-free check-in and check-out process. Overall, the parking experience at the hostel complements its other appealing features like friendly staff and well-equipped amenities.
Accessible
Glendalough International Youth Hostel offers a range of accessibility features for guests with disabilities. The hostel benefits from a location that is conveniently close to the main hiking trails and is not far from the bus stop, though some have noted the accessibility via public transport could be improved. It provides a ground-floor room near the reception specifically designed for disabled guests, as well as bathrooms with disabled access. Despite some challenges, such as movement limitations and blocked doorways, the top bunk beds have been described as accessible for those with physical difficulties. Overall, the hostel is strategically positioned in a prime hiking area, offering accessibility to the surrounding natural attractions.
No, Glendalough International Youth Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Glendalough International Youth Hostel.
No, Glendalough International Youth Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Glendalough International Youth Hostel.
No, Glendalough International Youth Hostel doesn't have a gym.