Review: The five-star Wicklow hotel perfect for a family summer getaway

Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort in Newtownmountkennedy is just a 40-minute drive from Dublin city centre nicely nestled in the Wicklow Mountains. Set in its own 400 acres of countryside, the distance is perfect for a short getaway with kids, avoiding a long time spent travelling in the car. It’s a beautiful hotel with grounds to wander around to breathe in the fresh country air and a stunning golf course for anyone who’d like to try a round while staying there.

Our Family room was plenty big enough for four (two adults and two children) with two double beds and a nice amount of storage space for all to utilise. The beds were incredibly comfy and the room was fully equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, a large flat-screen TV with lots of channels and games for the kids, water, Wifi, robes and slippers (for the whole family, even the smallies which was such a nice touch), tea and Nespresso coffee facilities which was welcomed with an early wake-up call from the kids. The bathroom contained a large bath and shower which was great for us all getting ready at once, L’occitane toiletries and fluffy white towels, and. the room had gorgeous views of the woodlands and golf course.

Druids Glen has a a fully equipped gym and a stunning softly lit boutique spa with a calming atmosphere and a mix of male and female therapists. It also includes an 18m swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and plunge pool. After your treatment, you can unwind in the relaxation room which includes refreshments and a peaceful atmosphere. Druids Glen has partnered with Irish brand Ground Wellbeing which are natural plant-based ingredient products that are the best accompaniment to their signature treatments.

The pool is very family-friendly and filled with kids of all ages splashing around, having fun and enjoying themselves. It is very safe and well-managed with lifeguards and staff present at all times, specific lanes for laps and adult-only swim times so it’s worth checking the schedule. We forgot our swim hats and arm bands but there are lots to purchase should you need to. The changing facilities are large, clean and come with gorgeous L’Occitane products.

We wanted a relaxed atmosphere for dinner and chose to dine in the real heart of the hotel, the Garden Rooms, which offered views of the famous Druids Glen thirteenth hole. It is bright and beautifully decorated with a sophisticated homely feeling as well as an extensive and delicious modern menu. All our meals were generously portioned and absolutely delicious. Hugo’s, the onsite restaurant is a more upscale dining experience yet not stuffy, set in modern and vibrant surroundings it looks like the perfect date night setting, minus the kids!

Breakfast is served in Hugo’s restaurant from 7am to 11am, allowing guests to sleep in a bit. The buffet offers a wide selection of items, and fresh tea, coffee, and toast are brought to your table. Whether opting for a healthy option with fruits, yoghurts, and granola or indulging in a traditional cooked breakfast, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The kids especially loved the freshly made pancakes and mini Nutella tubs and definitely had more than one serving.

I can’t stress how much this hotel really embodies child-friendliness from the moment you step in through the doors. The staff make you feel not only welcome but at ease and I think all parents will agree that once the kids are happy, the parents are relaxed and happy. Some of the best aspects for the kids include the pool, an outdoor playground (a lovely addition to the hotel that allows the kids time to have fun outside and mix with other kids in the resort), a 4-6km walking area, a playroom with toys, books and games for all age groups (and one which my kids dashed away from the dinner table to go back and enjoy – now my eldest son is a lover of Pacman), smart TV screens in each guestroom to easily access all your favourite apps so you can snuggle up together and watch a film in your room and a really nice and cosy seating area just off the reception where you can sit and enjoy a drink from the bar and some games they have on offer to play as a family.

Local activities

If you’d like to explore the surrounding area, there’s so much to do. Glendalough “the valley of the two lakes” is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City.  It is also renowned for its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way.

There are a number of walking trails close by including guided tours, family walks, less than 2 hour walks and up to 6 hour walking trails.

Wicklow is Ireland’s playground offering many outdoors activities from walking, cycling, equestrian to surfing, and many more. If historic houses and gardens are on your bucket list, Wicklow features an abundance including; Avondale House, Kilruddery House and Gardens, Russborough House and Powerscourt Estate and Gardens.  Also close to Druids Glen is the beautiful National Garden Exhibition Centre in Kilquade. 

While touring Wicklow be sure to visit the Sally Gap and Glencree for spectacular scenery as well as spotting film shoot locations such as The Vikings, Braveheart and Excalibur.

Outdoor and sporting enthusiasts are well catered for with activities including hiking, cycling, fishing, water sports, horse riding at Brennanstown Riding School and numerous beaches to explore including Brittas, Silver Strand, Greystones, Newcastle and Kilcoole. 

Wicklow is also highly regarded for its food produce including excellent seafood, Wicklow lamb, wines, cheeses and chutneys from local artisan suppliers. 

The well-known Happy Pear in Greystones offers excellent vegetarian and vegan fare, and Druids Glen have also partnered with the Happy Pear, with dishes available on their menu in the Garden Rooms and Bar.

Just 10 minutes away you can visit Wicklow Way Wines (Winery) for a tour and tasting as seen on Neven’s Irish Food Trails and The Today Show with Maura and Daithi. Móinéir Irish Strawberry Wine by Wicklow Way Wines is available in Hugo’s Restaurant.

Greystones, a local seaside village is a must to visit for a leisurely seaside stroll and a visit to the many cafés, restaurants and boutiques. If you wish to travel into Dublin to explore, hop on the DART at Greystones for a scenic, coastal train journey into the city.  Shopping enthusiasts are also well catered for in AVOCA, located in both nearby areas of Powerscourt & Kilmacacnogue.

Closer to the hotel, guests can explore a 6km walking trail and golfers can choose from two courses – Druids Glenand Druids Heath – as well as an abundance of good courses locally including The European and Powerscourt Golf Club.

If family fun is on the agenda your little people will enjoy any or all of the following – Glenroe Farm, Clara Lara Fun Park, and the Hidden Valley Holiday Park. Wicklow is the perfect destination for a family break with so many places to see and visit.