Glendalough Blog

Summer 2025 in Glendalough: Why The Glendalough Hotel is Pure Magic

Imagine waking up to mist lifting off emerald hills, stepping outside your door into a valley carved by ice and blessed with ancient spirituality. The Glendalough Hotel—nestled in the heart of Glendalough Valley since the 1830s—is the only hotel in the valley. That central location makes it the premier choice for 2025 summer stays.

A Hotel Completely Embraced by the Valley

• Perched just steps from the Monastic City and St Kevin’s Tower, guests often step into history before breakfast.

• The hotel sits on two acres of gardens that edge the ancient monastery and slope gently to the Glendasan River—watch for occasional deer grazing nearby 

• In summer’s glow, the gardens become a stage for deer, red Squirrels and native birds to wander close, you may need to get up early for the more shy wildlife. This hotel offers a magical wildlife moment without leaving the grounds.

• Walks That Start at Your Front Door

From easy rambles to epic mountain routes, all begin from the hotel doorstep:

• Green Road Walk (Easy, ~3 km loop)
  A gentle route through oak woodlands past the Upper Lake, across wetlands and boardwalks—ideal at dawn. Spot dragonflies and perhaps deer in the glen nationalparks.ie+1en.wikipedia.org+1glendaloughhotel.com.

• White Route / Spinc Loop (Moderate, ~9 km, 2–3 hrs)
  Climb via the zig-zag path past Poulanass Waterfall, traverse the dramatic boardwalks of the cliffs (Spinc), circumnavigate Upper Lake, drop down past the Miner’s Village, and back en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2glendaloughhotel.com+2.

• Saint Kevin’s Way (Pilgrim Path, 30 km)
  Follow the steps of St. Kevin from Wicklow Gap to the Monastic City—passable in stage portions—right from the hotel’s edge en.wikipedia.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5.

• Wicklow Way
  The grand 130 km national trail includes Glendalough as a highlight. Even short local sections begin here, linking you to forest paths and mountains en.wikipedia.org.

These trails make the hotel a gateway to every major scenic experience in Glendalough.

Mindful Summer Rituals in the Valley

• Wander through the monastic ruins just after breakfast—listen to morning birdsong, breathe in ancient stones and spiritual echoes glendaloughhotel.com+8glendaloughhotel.com+8glendaloughhotel.com+8.

• At dusk or under a moonlit sky, settle among the old crosses and stone arches to meditate. The valley’s stillness under moonlight is deeply soothing.

• In the early morning dew, find peaceful moments by the Lower or Upper Lakes—mist rising, reflections gleaming—pure serenity.

Wildlife Encounters in the Gardens

Guests often watch deer grazing down near the banks of the Glendasan River that runs through the hotel grounds. The deer herd in the Glendalough Valley is well-known, and on quiet mornings or evenings they occasionally wander close to the hotel glendaloughhotel.comen.wikipedia.org+5nationalparks.ie+5en.wikipedia.org+5.

Summer package suggestions:

• Dinner + B&B – enjoy a nourishing breakfast before your dawn stroll, and pick up warm dinner after an afternoon hike in Casey’s Bar & Bistro expedia.com+3glendaloughhotel.com+3glendaloughhotel.com+3. This package is only available when you book direct with the hotel.

• Walking breaks – dive into multi-day hikes (Wicklow Way or White Route) with expert trail prep directly from hotel staff glendaloughhotel.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1. Stay longer and explore more and we offer a long stay discount only when you book direct. If you want to add another destination and hike across the hills we can organise transport for your bags to the next destination.

Staying at The Glendalough Hotel in summer 2025 means being immersed in the valley, its landscapes, history, and wildlife—to the fullest. You’re not just near Glendalough; you’re within its heart. With walks starting from your doorstep, deer greeting you in the garden, and moonlit Meditations in the monastic city, this is a vacation that blends adventure with calm, nature with reflection.

Summer awaits. Glendalough beckons.