The Wicklow Way passes through some of the most remote parts of Leinster, which means accommodation at certain stages is genuinely limited — a handful of B&Bs, one or two hostels, and not much else. At other stages, particularly Glendalough and Roundwood, the range is wider. Planning your accommodation carefully before you set off is not optional: turning up without a booking in July will almost certainly leave you sleeping in your car, if you have one.
This guide covers accommodation for the north-to-south direction (Marlay Park to Clonegal) as the stage numbering, but every listing is equally relevant if you are walking south to north — just read the stages in reverse order. All prices are approximate and based on summer 2026 rates; always confirm directly when booking. For a full searchable directory, see the WalkWicklow accommodation page.
Night 1 — Dublin suburbs: Knockree or Enniskerry
Nearest town: Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow | Distance from Marlay Park: 20 km | Options: Hostel, B&B, self-catering
The Knockree Youth Hostel, operated by An Óige (the Irish Youth Hostel Association), is the closest hostel to Marlay Park and the first classic Wicklow Way stop for north-to-south walkers. It sits in the hills above Enniskerry, is walker-friendly in the extreme, and typically costs €20–€30 per person per night in a dormitory. Enniskerry village itself has a handful of B&Bs and guesthouses charging €60–€90 per person. The village also has a good selection of cafés and a pub — a solid first-night option after a long day through the Dublin Mountains.
Night 2 — Roundwood
Nearest town: Roundwood, Co. Wicklow | Distance from Knockree: 22 km | Options: B&B, pub accommodation, self-catering
Roundwood claims the title of the highest village in Ireland, though the measurement is disputed. Either way, it is a proper village with a pub, a shop, and several B&Bs. Accommodation here tends to book out quickly in July and August — the Wicklow Way brings a steady stream of walkers through, and the village is also popular with Dubliners on weekend breaks. Expect to pay €70–€100 per person B&B. The Coach House pub serves food in the evening and is popular with walkers. Book well in advance for peak season.
Night 3 — Glendalough / Laragh
Nearest town: Laragh, Co. Wicklow | Distance from Roundwood: 20 km | Options: Hotel, hostel, B&B, guesthouse
Glendalough is the most accommodation-rich stop on the route. The Glendalough Hotel is a large, historic property adjacent to the monastic site and popular with walkers — it has a good restaurant and bar, and rooms from €90–€150 per person sharing. The Glendalough Hostel (An Óige) offers dorm beds from €20–€25 and is very well equipped for walkers, with a drying room and secure luggage storage. Laragh village, 2 km from the monastic site, has additional B&Bs and guesthouses in the €65–€90 per person range. Several of these offer evening meals by arrangement — worth enquiring when booking as restaurant options in the area close early.
Night 4 — Glenmalure or Aghavannagh
Nearest area: Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow | Distance from Glendalough: 24 km | Options: Hostel, very limited B&B
This is the most remote night on the full route and the stage with the fewest options. The Glenmalure Youth Hostel (An Óige) is the primary option — a simple, charming hostel in a former shooting lodge at the head of the glen, with no electricity supply and a paraffin lamp atmosphere that many walkers find memorable. It must be pre-booked; it fills quickly in summer. There are no shops, no pubs, and no restaurants within easy walking distance. Bring food for the evening and breakfast. Some walkers adjust their itinerary to make Tinahely the Night 4 stop instead, which involves a longer day but provides much better facilities.
Night 5 — Tinahely
Nearest town: Tinahely, Co. Wicklow | Distance from Glenmalure/Aghavannagh: 16–22 km | Options: Guesthouse, B&B, pub accommodation
Tinahely is one of the most walker-friendly towns on the Wicklow Way. The route passes directly through the town square, giving walkers immediate access to accommodation, food and drink without any detour. The town has a supermarket, several pubs serving food, a café, and the excellent Courthouse Arts Centre.
Madeline's Accommodation, Tinahely
Tinahely Town Square · south WicklowA beautifully restored historic guesthouse on the Square in Tinahely, right on the Wicklow Way. Double, twin and small-double rooms, all with private bathrooms. Self-service coded entry means you can arrive when it suits you — ideal after a long day on the trail. Wicklow Way walkers are a staple of the guest book. No evening meal served, but the Square's pubs and café are steps away.
Prices at Tinahely accommodation range from €55–€85 per person B&B. The town also has a small number of short-term rental cottages suitable for groups or walkers who prefer self-catering.
Night 6 — Shillelagh or Clonegall area
Nearest town: Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow | Distance from Tinahely: 10 km | Options: B&B, pub accommodation
Shillelagh is a small, quiet village with a classic Irish feel. Accommodation is limited — one or two B&Bs and pub rooms — and it is essential to book ahead. The Shillelagh accommodation is perfectly located for a gentle penultimate day before the finish at Clonegal; alternatively, some walkers push on to Clonegall (the village adjacent to Clonegal on the Carlow side) and finish the walk the next morning. Pub food is available in the evenings. Prices are typically €55–€75 per person.
Night 7 — Clonegal
Nearest town: Clonegal, Co. Carlow | Distance from Shillelagh: 14 km | Options: Guesthouse, B&B
The official southern terminus of the Wicklow Way is Clonegal, a picturesque village on the River Derry at the Wicklow–Carlow border. There is a small number of B&Bs in and around the village, plus the Osborne Guesthouse which is popular with walkers finishing or starting the route. The village pub, Osborne's, is warm and welcoming — many walkers report this as one of their fondest memories of the whole route, the pint at the end of the last day. For walkers arriving at Clonegal from the south (the start/finish depending on direction), this is a celebratory night. Prices are typically €60–€80 per person.
Practical tips for booking accommodation on the Wicklow Way
Book everything before you leave home in summer
The Wicklow Way is walked by thousands of people every year, and accommodation at every stage is limited. In July and August, popular stops — Glendalough, Roundwood, Tinahely — can be fully booked weeks in advance. Book your entire itinerary before you depart, especially if walking in peak season. Most places will accept a small deposit at booking time.
Luggage transfer services
Several Wicklow-based operators offer luggage transfer along the full route, collecting your bag each morning and delivering it to your next night's accommodation. This allows you to walk with a light daypack rather than a full multiday pack — a significant comfort benefit on long or steep days. Some operators also offer taxi and transfer services between stages if you need to skip a section or need to travel to a town for dinner. Ask your accommodation hosts for current recommendations, as operators change from season to season.
Drying rooms
A drying room is a genuine quality-of-life factor on a multiday walk in Ireland, where wet gear on Day 1 can still be damp on Day 3 if left to dry in a cold bedroom. When booking, ask specifically whether the property has a drying room or heated boot room. Most Wicklow Way–facing hostels and many B&Bs have one; some do not. The An Óige hostels at Knockree and Glendalough are particularly well set up in this regard.
Evening meals
Most B&Bs and guesthouses on the Wicklow Way serve breakfast only. Ask when booking whether an evening meal is available or whether the host can recommend a local pub with food. At several of the more remote stages — particularly Glenmalure and Aghavannagh — the nearest evening food option is a significant drive or walk away, and self-catering is the practical choice. Carry emergency food (pasta, instant meals, nuts) for the remote stages regardless of what your host has told you.
For a full searchable listing of accommodation along the Wicklow Way route, see the WalkWicklow accommodation directory.