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Glenmalure Hostel
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About
#1 of 1 hostel in Glenmalure
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HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Romantic
Location
Greenane, Glenmalure Ireland
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 91 out of 100
91
Dublin Airport
33.8 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
29 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews

We had a lovely stay here this weekend. The children played in the stream, we hiked, we went for dinner in the local pub. We cooked on a bbq and ate s'mores.
Our Host Sandra was amazing, very helpful and couldn't do enough for us. Thank you Sandra for a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you again. A little pice of heaven was found today ❤
Our Host Sandra was amazing, very helpful and couldn't do enough for us. Thank you Sandra for a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you again. A little pice of heaven was found today ❤
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We didnt stay in the hostel!! We camped close by with the help of Norm from the hostel and another super helpful man. They really went out of there way to help us and it made our whole trip so much better. We will be forever grateful to Norm and his friends for showing us such kindness.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.



We visit this unique hostel at least once a year. It is set in a beautiful and secluded valley. The hill walking is outstanding with mountains all around including Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in the east of Ireland. The hostel is charming, old fashioned and special to say the least. Wood stove, candles and gas lamps. The sound of the river makes it very relaxing and peaceful. The wardens tell stories of walking trails, the history of the house and the long history in the valley. We like to hike over sometimes from Glendalough (over the Spink) but you can drive straight to the hostel too. Not for everyone, no-mod-cons, no electricity, no mobile reception and no spa. Recommended if you want to get away from the city for a while.
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Date of stay: March 2013Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We found the cabin's warm and cosy.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is very basic camping really. Some websites refer to this as a hut which is a more accurate description than a hostel. However the location is outstanding and in a walkers paradise. There is gas to cook and make tea. There are portaloo toilets but they had not been cleaned out for some time when we were there so the stench was very bad and with no running water you had to wash in the river. Bring your own sleeping bags as the windows don't close completely so it can be cold at night. There is no mobile phone reception. The wardens were friendly, helpful and keen to chat and tell stories. The house has a special history and some famous owners such as JM Synge and Maud Gonne. As long as you know what you are getting and you have your camping gear and sleeping bags this is a special place to visit.
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Date of stay: June 2011Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just an hour from Dublin it is a pleasure to find this Gem. A historic house in a beautiful peaceful setting. The sound of the river, the views down the valley, the walks in the mountains, the stories around the fire. A perfect way to relax and digital detox. Thank you volunteers. We will be back!
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roy M, Head of Marketing at Glenmalure Hostel
Responded 28 Sept 2015
Thank you for your review Sean. The volunteers are great there and would be delighted should you return.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Myself and 2 friends stayed here last Sunday night. After having walked for 45km and 9hrs we finally arrived at the hostel. We were welcomed by a lovely lady who volunteers to keep the hostel going. Very rustic and cosy. There is no electricity or running water but there is plenty of candles and a stream running by it. Overall experience really enjoyable. It was a jump to the past. The surroundings are breath taking. Can't wait to go back.
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roy M, Head of Marketing at Glenmalure Hostel
Responded 21 Aug 2015
Hi Noemi, Thank you for your review and we are glad that you enjoyed the long hike. The volunteers will be delighted to hear that you appreciated the experience of authentic hostelling. Regards, Roy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Be prepared for outdoor toilets, no electricity, running water, no cell phone service, and bunkbeds, but also interesting conversations with other guests, a surprisingly efficient kitchen with gas stoves and fridge and a beautiful location. It's hard to find unless you know where you're going - don't trust GPS or google maps. The website directions are also pretty sketchy. We got directions from one of the servers in Lynhams Pub in Laragh - go over the "humpback bridge" past the pub, turn right at the first street; go to the crossroads where Glenmalure Hotel is; turn right, and keep going on that road over the river until you come to the hostel on your right.
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Date of stay: July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roy M, Head of Marketing at Glenmalure Hostel
Responded 21 Aug 2015
Hi Marietta, Thank you for the review. The hostel volunteers pride themselves on getting interesting conversations going. Thank you for your helpful suggestions on directions. We are working on changing the directions on the website so that they are clearer for travellers in the future. Regards, Roy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hostel is an absolute gem! The perfect hide-away, ideally situated for hiking & climbing. Tranquil, idyllic, stunning scenery. The hostel had all the basics we needed: warm beds, a gas cooker, a gas powered fridge & lots of boiled water to replenish our stores. Portocabin toilets out of order and no wifi/ telephone reception though. The warden, Billy, was fantastic. Happy to chat, tell us stories, and treat us to a bit of his cooking. Right there, sitting beside the stream with a campfire blazing, looking up at the mountains, it's easy to believe in fairytales.
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Roy M, Head of Marketing at Glenmalure Hostel
Responded 21 Aug 2015
Hi Elle, Thank you so much for the lovely review. Billy will be delighted to hear that you enjoyed his cooking! We hope that you enjoyed the rest of your adventures. Regards Roy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This little hostel is a historic house, with connections to important Irish nationalists, including Maud Gonne, WB Yeats and Eamon deValera. We stayed there as part of a group of six hikers. There is no electricty or running water, which seems to be part of its charm. Mobile phone reception is patchy. The warden on duty had a lovely fire lighting when we arrived. The place is perfect when the weather is not cold but wouldn't a place if you like a warm shower every morning (there's a river within 20 metres!). There are some cooking utensils in the kitchen but, without running water, I'd be reluctant to prepare food. The lack of electricity adds to the charm and allows you to switch off from TV and radio etc. I think that the place should probably have some type of rainwater tank to collect (non-drinking) water for the kitchen. Not for everybody but I'll go back.
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Date of stay: September 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
19 scouts and 4 leaders stayed for 2 nights with a walk up lug on Saturday. The hostel was far better than expected the beds were comfortable and clean and by rearranging the tables we had 19 scouts sit down for dinner inside. The kitchen was well equipped and there was loads of books and even a guitar. The warden did everything she could to help.
We will probably book this hostel every year as it is a great base and the scout had a great time around the hostel and river.
One bad point - The toilet. Having soil or sawdust to put on it or even ventilation would be a great help.
The good points, The location, no phones, great for groups, The location, great to just sit and read a book.
Thank you to all the volunteers that keep this place going.
Regards
Denis.
Gorey Scout Group
We will probably book this hostel every year as it is a great base and the scout had a great time around the hostel and river.
One bad point - The toilet. Having soil or sawdust to put on it or even ventilation would be a great help.
The good points, The location, no phones, great for groups, The location, great to just sit and read a book.
Thank you to all the volunteers that keep this place going.
Regards
Denis.
Gorey Scout Group
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from anoigeiyha, General Manager at Glenmalure Hostel
Responded 7 Mar 2019
Thank you so much for your kind review. We really appreciate the positive feedback.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Maire,
The south facing rooms are actually the 10 bed male dorms but they do not get so much sun during the day because of the trees outside that run along the river. I would suggest the 6 bed female dorm in the main building.
Hope that helps.
"Don't hesitate to ask for a bit privacy if you want it, we ended up having our own room."Read full review
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of LeinsterCounty WicklowGlenmalure
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Glenmalure Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to Glenmalure Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Greystones Blue Flag Beach (0.2 km), Mrs Robinson (0.1 km), and Aunt Nellie's Sweet Shop (0.1 km).
What are some restaurants close to Glenmalure Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Chakra by Jaipur, Daata, and The Hungry Monk.
Are there any historical sites close to Glenmalure Hostel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Killruddery (4.8 km) and Fassaroe Cross - St. Valery's Cross (7.7 km).