Glendalough Sanctuary: A Walking & Wellness Retreat in the Wicklow Mountains

The retreat here is really a place to stay and a base for walking. Mornings you might start with a coffee in your apartment, then walk five minutes to the Round Tower and the monastic site before the day visitors arrive. From there you can pick up the trails — the Spinc loop, the boardwalk up to the Upper Lake, or quieter forest tracks. The team will give you local tips and walking routes if you ask.

What makes this different from a standard hotel is the setup: four self-contained apartments, a shared meditation room, and a sauna you can book. It's used a lot for exclusive hire — yoga groups, writing retreats, family gatherings — because you can take all nine rooms and have the place to yourselves. If you're booking as an individual, you'll likely be in one of the apartments with a private room and shared kitchen and living space.

The location is the draw. You're in the heart of the valley, not driving in from a town. The monastic site is on your doorstep, and the Wicklow Mountains are all around. On-site there's no restaurant or café, so you'll either cook in the apartments or walk to The Wicklow Heather (award-winning) or drive to Laragh for Lynhams Bar. That's part of the appeal — it's quiet and self-directed.

The team is led by Paschal, who guests mention by name in reviews. They're locals who know the trails, the history, and the best spots for a pint or a meal. There's no formal instructor-led programme included unless you arrange it — but you can book guided meditations, sound healing, forest bathing, and other local activities separately.

Accommodation is cosy and decorated with care. One guest described it as 'a true sanctuary on many levels' and noted that Paschal and the team make you feel at home from the start. It's not a luxury spa hotel; it's a comfortable, well-kept base where you can rest and head out.

What's included

- Accommodation in one of four apartments (9 rooms total, single or shared occupancy) - Access to shared meditation room - Use of on-site sauna (advance booking required) - Local tips and walking route advice from the team - Self-catering kitchen in each apartment - Free parking on site

What's not included

- Meals and drinks - Guided activities (meditations, sound healing, foraging, axe throwing, etc.) unless arranged separately - Sauna sessions if a charge applies - Transport to/from Glendalough - Personal expenses - Travel insurance