About Glenmalure
Glenmalure is a remote, scenic valley in County Wicklow, centred on the Glenmalure River and surrounded by the wooded slopes of the Wicklow Mountains. It is a rural area rather than a conventional village, with scattered homes, working farmland and a strong outdoor character shaped by hiking, walking and mountain scenery. Daily life is peaceful and community-oriented, but residents generally travel to nearby villages and towns for schools, larger shops, healthcare and many services. Local hospitality is focused on the Glenmalure Lodge, a well-known walkers’ base with accommodation, food and a bar, while Laragh and Rathdrum provide a broader choice of cafés, pubs and everyday shopping. The valley is close to major Wicklow walking destinations, including the Fraughan Rock Glen and routes towards Lugnaquilla, and it lies within reach of the wider Wicklow Mountains National Park. There are no rail services in Glenmalure itself, so most journeys are by car, with road connections towards Rathdrum, Laragh, Aughrim and the N11 corridor. Families should check school transport arrangements carefully, as primary and secondary education is usually accessed in neighbouring settlements rather than within the valley.
What’s in Glenmalure
Schools
Local primary school serving Rathdrum and surrounding rural communities east of Glenmalure.
Mixed post-primary school offering second-level education in nearby Rathdrum.
Mixed secondary school option serving families travelling east towards Arklow.
Community college serving west Wicklow, subject to school transport and travel arrangements.
Transport
Plan your journey ↗Main valley road linking Glenmalure with Laragh, Rathdrum and the wider Wicklow network.
Mountain route connecting the area with Glendalough and the western Wicklow uplands.
Irish Rail station providing Dublin and Rosslare services, reached by road from Glenmalure.
Extensive recreational routes connect Glenmalure with nearby mountain and valley landscapes.
School buses may serve rural families, with routes and eligibility requiring local confirmation.
Amenities
Historic mountain lodge offering accommodation, bar service and food for visitors and walkers.
Dramatic valley landscape popular for hiking, hillwalking, photography and outdoor recreation.
Striking mountain walk and waterfall route accessed from the Glenmalure area.
Nearby village with cafés, pubs, small shops and visitor services near Glendalough.
Closest larger service centre, with supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and everyday amenities.
Gateway to the monastic site, walking trails and visitor facilities in nearby Glendalough.
Attractive nearby village providing local shops, hospitality and selected community services.
Local Clubs & Businesses
Long-established lodge and meeting point for hillwalkers, visitors and local residents.
Protected mountain landscape supporting walking, nature appreciation and outdoor activities.
Local clubs and groups provide youth, sporting and social activities in the nearest town.
Informal and organised walking activity is central to the surrounding mountain area.
Nearby Areas
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