Where to stay on Stage 2 of the Wicklow Way (Shillelagh to Tinahely)
You've walked eighteen kilometres of forest track and rolling pasture, your feet hurt, and you're thinking about dinner before you're thinking about a bath. Here are your options in Tinahely.
Our Premium Partner: Madeline's Accommodation
Beautifully restored historic guesthouse right on Tinahely's Town Square — a three-minute walk from the finish of Stage 2 and the start of Stage 3. Double, twin and small-double rooms, all with private bathrooms. Self-service keypad entry means you don't have to wrestle muddy boots through a reception. Two minutes to Hanlon's, the Bridge Inn, and the Courthouse Arts Centre café. Book direct.
The village — 700 m from the trail-head
Tinahely is small but well-served: a post office, a SPAR, a pharmacy, three pubs, a handful of cafés and a butcher. If you've forgotten anything, you can buy it here before heading north for Stage 3.
Dinner options
Hanlon's (pub food, hearty portions), the Bridge Inn (pints and a simpler pub menu), the Courthouse Arts Centre café (excellent brown bread, closes early) and — if you want to drive — the Brook Lodge at Macreddin is twenty minutes away and does one of the best dinners in Ireland.
Breakfast before Stage 3
Madeline's provides a self-service breakfast pantry; otherwise the Bridge Café opens at 8am and will do a cooked breakfast for walkers heading north.
What to do with an extra day
Stay two nights and walk Tomnafinogue Woods (fifteen minutes away), the Railway Walk (directly from the village), or the Kyle Loop. Or just sit in the Square with a coffee and watch life roll through.
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