About Us
Once upon a time, Dermot and Alison bought an old Georgian schoolhouse in the quaint hamlet of Moyne, Co. Wicklow. Delighted with their purchase, they turned the key in the door and headed off for a year's backpacking in South America. These are not your average people and this is certainly not your average Hostel.
The trip to South America has greatly influenced the direction this beautiful building has taken. With many nights spent in hostels of varying (sometimes absent) standards and witnessing evidence of how global warming is affecting areas like the rain forests; Dermot and Alison have launched their own crusade. This is to bring a very high standard of Hostel type accommodation to the lucky walkers of The Wicklow Way (which practically runs across the front doorstep) and visitors to the surrounding areas, all the while embracing the "green" ethos of minimising damage, both physical and visual, to the environment on their journey.
Set amongst the rolling fields of Wicklow against a backdrop of beautiful Lugnaquilla Mountain, this former schoolhouse and schoolmasters residence has being lovingly restored embracing eco-principles along the way, from traditional plastering methods of hemp and lime to the new cedar clad timber framed extension with geothermal heating system and high u-value insulation which is used in NASA space shuttles. Many of the local tradesmen involved with the rebuild were educated in this very place, and the original desks are now used as tables, how organic is that? You will be glad however, to hear the Schoolmaster has moved out!
And so the story continues, accommodation at the Wicklow Hostel consists of 3 ensuite dormitories; a well appointed common room with satellite TV, books and CDs available to guests; and a fully catered kitchen. Though the insulation here is used in NASA shuttles, the food available could not be further from those powdered sachets; Dermot is a fully trained chef, and delicious one pot dinners, sourced locally, (saving energy) and packed lunches (providing energy) will be available to guests by prior arrangement. The Hostel is conveniently located on the 4th stage of the Wicklow Way where maps and directions are available to walkers, hikers and mountaineers; however there are many other activities in the area and bikes are available to hire on site. Anglers have a wide choice of rivers or lakes within easy reach and Golfers are equally spoiled in their choice of parkland courses.
Dermot and Alison work hard to create a happy ending for this tale by means of a huge daily "eco effort" at the Wicklow Hostel. These include, watering the gardens with conserved rainwater; composting; recycling waste; green electricity; environmentally friendly septic tank; use bio-degradable cleaning products and encourage wildlife into the garden by providing bird tables and nesting boxes. The education continues today at the schoolhouse, but it is shrouded in friendliness, comfort and enjoyment and an anticipation of a sequel visit to this wonderful place.
Did you know?
- We are the only approved eco-hostel in Wicklow and the south-east of Ireland.
- We can collect your bags.
- We can provide packed lunches.
- We are recognised as utilising best practices in restoration and conservation.
- We can provide evening meals.
- We are in the process of obtaining the EU flower.
The Old Schoolhouse, Moyne, Ballinglen, Tinahely,
Co. Wicklow
Telephone: +353 862218717