Best Places to Stay in Wicklow: Guide to Wicklow's Hotels

Q: What is the best area to stay in Wicklow?

For most first-time visitors, Laragh and Glendalough are great bases if you want to explore the Wicklow Mountains and spend time hiking. If you're more interested in Powerscourt and a relaxing countryside getaway, Enniskerry is another excellent option.

Q: Is it better to stay in Wicklow Town or near Glendalough?

It depends on your itinerary, Wicklow Town is a better choice if you want to be near the coast, restaurants and town amenities, while staying around Glendalough or Laragh puts you much closer to the Wicklow Mountains and some of the county's best walks Personally, I like staying by Glendalough, but that's because I love staying by the mountains!

Q: How many nights should I stay in Wicklow?

I'd recommend two nights for a first trip. This gives you enough time to explore some of Wicklow's highlights without having to rush from one place to another. One night can work for a quick getaway, while three or more nights is ideal if you want to spend more time hiking or exploring further afield.

Q: Can I visit Wicklow without a car?

Yes, but having a car makes exploring Wicklow much easier . Many of the county's attractions and hiking areas are spread out, and public transport doesn't reach everywhere. If you're visiting without a car, I'd recommend choosing your accommodation carefully and staying somewhere with good access to the places you want to visit.

Q: Where is the best place to stay near Glendalough?

Laragh is one of the best places to stay near Glendalough. It's just outside the valley and gives you easy access to Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains and the Wicklow Way. The Glendalough Hotel is another option if you want to stay right beside the main Glendalough site. Although I prefer the Lodge I mentioned above!

Q: Where is the best place to stay in Wicklow for couples?

For a romantic trip, I'd look at Enniskerry and the surrounding countryside! There are several beautiful country house hotels and more private stays in this part of Wicklow, including options with spas and other facilities that make them ideal for a relaxing weekend away. I mean who doesn't love a good spa!

Wicklow is one of my favourite places for a quick escape in Ireland, but choosing where to stay can be a little confusing.

County Wicklow is much bigger than just Wicklow Town, and if you’re planning on visiting Glendalough or the Wicklow Mountains, you’ll want to stay somewhere different from someone looking for a relaxing coastal weekend!

In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to stay in Wicklow, including the best areas and hotels for different types of trips, so you can find the right base for your adventures!

Planning a trip to Wicklow? You can also read my Wicklow Travel Guide for the best things to do, places to visit, and tips for planning your trip!

This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you but helps support my work. Thank you! 🙂

In a Rush?

If you’re in a rush, theres are my favourite stays in Wicklow:

Favourite Stay By Glendalough:

Forest View Woodland lodge – 4.9 ★ – See rates & availability

Favourite Romantic Getaway Stay:

The View at Moneylands- 4.6★ – See rates & availability

Favourite Coastal Stay:

The Bridge Tavern – 4.2★ – See rates & availability

Where to Stay in Wicklow

The best place to stay in Wicklow depends on what you want to get out of your trip.

If you’re mainly coming to explore the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, staying inland will save you time on the road. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away, there are plenty of beautiful countryside and coastal stays to choose from!

For most visitors, I’d narrow it down to a few key areas: Laragh and Glendalough, Enniskerry, Ashford, and Wicklow Town.

If you’re visiting Wicklow for the first time, I’d personally focus on Laragh/Glendalough or Enniskerry, depending on what attractions you want to see.

Quick Guide To The Best Areas:

Laragh & Glendalough – Best for exploring Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.
Enniskerry – Best for Powerscourt and a relaxing countryside getaway.
Ashford – Best for a peaceful rural escape.
Wicklow Town – Best for coastal access and exploring the southeast.

Olive’s Tip: I personally love exploring the Wicklow Mountains! Staying in this area feels like the perfect escape from the city. It’s also my favourite day trip from Dublin and makes the perfect weekend getaway!

Where to stay in Wicklow with sheep view

Best Places to Stay Near the Wicklow Mountains

If you’re visiting Wicklow for the mountains, Glendalough, or hiking, I’d look for accommodation aroud Laragh, Glendalough or elsewhere close to the mountains.

Staying nearby means you can spend more time exploring instead of driving back and forth from Dublin or the coast.

These are also good options if you’re planning an early start for a hike or want to spend a couple of days exploring the area at a slower pace.

I love staying in this part of Wicklow because you really feel like you’ve escaped the city. There’s something so nice about being able to spend the day hiking or exploring Glendalough and then coming back to a cosy place to stay in the evening!

Here are a few of my favourites for staying near the Wicklow Mountains…

Breathtaking view of a lake surrounded by mountains in Ireland with a distant waterfall.

Tudor Lodge B&B – 4.6 ★

Why I’d stay here: Tudor Lodge is a great convenient choice for exploring Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. The lodge is a cosy, family-run B&B right in Laragh, right beside the Avonmore River and near the start of the Wicklow Way! I also love that it has a more traditional B&B feel rather than feeling like a large hotel.

Best For Location to Glendalough – See rates & availability

Breathtaking view of a lake surrounded by mountains in Ireland with a distant waterfall. Where to stay in Wicklow Ireland.

Lynhams Hotel – 4.5 ★

Why I’d stay here: Lynhams Hotel is a great option if you want to stay close to Glendalough but still have a proper Irish pub and restaurant right downstairs. It’s about a 15 minute walk to Glendalough, and the traditional pub is a great place to hunker down after a long day of hiking. I love bringing people to this pub even if i’m not staying at the hotel!

Best For Location to Glendalough & Great Pub – See rates & availability

Forest View Woodland lodge – 4.9 ★

Why I’d stay here: If you’re looking for a peaceful base near Glendalough, Forest View Woodland Lodge is a great option! It’s surrounded by trees and gardens, but you’re still close enough to explore the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough without spending ages driving. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with homemade breakfast as the cherry on top!

Best For Location to Glendalough & Peace – See rates & availability

Best Places to Stay in Wicklow for a Romantic Getaway

If you’re planning a romantic weekend away, Wicklow is one of my favourite places in Ireland to escape to!

Between country house hotels, cosy B&Bs, and peaceful countryside stays, there are plenty of places where you can slow down and enjoy a couple of nights away with your loved one.

I love Wicklow for a romantic getaway because of the seclusion you feel while not having to drive hours away! Whether you want a spa weekend, a beautiful country house, or somewhere with incredible views, there really are some lovely stays to choose from.

For a romantic trip, I’d look for somewhere that feels like part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep, especially if you’re only staying for a night or two.

Here are my favourite Wicklow romantic getaways…

Vibrant azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom at Killarney National Park, Ireland.

Summerhill House- 4.2 ★

Why I’d stay here: Summerhill House is a beautiful country house hotel in Enniskerry. The hotel has plenty of old-world charm, five acres of grounds, and views towards the Wicklow Mountains. Plus, they have the Rainforest Spa on the property if you want to make your stay more of a relaxing retreat. This is where I personally recommend looking first for your romantic getaway!

Best For Gardens & Spa – See rates & availability

A beautiful tulip garden with lush greenery set against mountains in Killarney National Park, Ireland.

The Glenview Hotel- 4.2 ★

Why I’d stay here: Set in the Glen of Downs and on 30 acres of gardens and woodland, The Glenview Hotel is a great option if you want a more traditional countryside hotel with plenty to do without leaving the property! It has a leisure club with a pool, hot tubs, and spa facilities, plus the Woodlands Restaurant and Conservatory Bar. Truly, there is so much to do here!

Best For Amenities & Weekend Trip From Dublin – See rates & availability

Close-up of a modern sauna heater filled with stones, showcasing Scandinavian design elements.

The View at Moneylands- 4.6★

Why I’d stay here: If you’re looking for somewhere that feels like a proper romantic escape, The View at Moneylands is hard to beat. These adult only villas sit overlooking the Irish Sea, with my favourite part, floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a private terrace. Not only that, but you also get your own private hot tub and sauna on-site!

Best For Special Occasions & Sea Views – See rates & availability

Best Places to Stay on the Wicklow Coast

If you’d rather wake up close to the sea, Wicklow has some lovely coastal stays!

It’s especially pretty around Wicklow Town, Bray, and the surrounding coastline. This is a good choice if you want to mix your Wicklow trip with beaches, seaside walks, and easy access to restaurants and pubs.

The coast also gives you a different base for exploring the county. You can spend one day by the sea and another heading into the Wicklow Mountains, which is one of my favourite ways to experience Wicklow. I always love at least staying by the coast for one night!

Here are my favourite coastal Wicklow stays…

Where to stay in Wicklow, Bray for good sea views

The Martello Hotel- 4.3★

Why I’d stay here: If being right by the water is your goal, The Martello Hotel in Bray is a great pick! It’s directly on the seafront, so you can step outside and be right by the beach. I love exploring Bray! It’s an adorable seaside town and staying here gives you full access to exploring all Bray has to offer.

Best For Seafront Stay & Exploring Bray – See rates & availability

Arklow Bay Hotel- 4.3★

Why I’d stay here: Arklow Bay Hotel is a good option if you plan on exploring the southern end of Wicklow and want a more traditional hotel base. It’s location on the coast makes it a convenient choice for combining seaside stops with places further inland. I personally love their bar area!

Best For Seeing Southern Wicklow – See rates & availability

A stunning aerial view captures Wicklow's coastal town and harbor, showcasing the scenic coastline.

The Bridge Tavern – 4.2★

Why I’d stay here: Located right in the heart of Wicklow Town, The Bridge Tavern is a historic riverside pub and B&B overlooking the Varty River. They have comfortable rooms, breakfast included, and easy access to the town. My favourite part is the character of the tavern! The building dates back to the early 1700’s, so you’ll be getting a full experience staying here!

Best For Wicklow Town & Character – See rates & availability

My Top 3 Places to Stay in Wicklow

With so many different types of accommodation around Wicklow, these are the three I’d narrow it down to if you want me to choose for you! I’d pick them based on overall experience, location, and type of trip they’re best suited for.

Wicklow Mountains

The overall winner has to be Forest View Woodland Lodge in my opinion! Between the peacefulness and the true Irish B&B experience, you can’t go wrong here. Plus the location is great for exploring the Wicklow Mountains!