Gemma Tiptonstays in the Glenview Hotel, Co Wicklow
I LOVE LOVE, and I’m all for a bit of romance and a happy ever after, but when checking into a hotel that bears all the signs of a wedding in progress, I experience a strong compulsion to turn tail and run.
At the Glenview on a sunny Saturday afternoon, wedding guests spilled out of strapless dresses and onto the terraces, dispersing into the hotel’s pretty gardens. Bravely we walked on through to reception where our qualms were calmed. We were shown to a room about as far away from the festivities as possible.
The Glenview is actually very well designed. The function rooms and bedrooms are on opposite sides, so no one has to try to sleep to the strains of I Will Always Love You or Paradise City, and drunken revellers can revel all they like without disturbing the sleep of the uninvited.
Another bonus of the Glenview is the spectacular view. Perched on a hillside on the edge of Glen o the Downs, you can see why the road protesters so strongly protested the widening of the N11 through the Glen. The cut of the valley is absolutely beautiful, and the hotel has terraced gardens, complete with water features, some sculpture, and little tables in both sunny and shady spots to take advantage of the scenery.
We decided a drink on the terrace would have to wait until we’d earned it, however, as the hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub. Leaving Dublin, I had forgotten my swimming togs and, remembering on the way, called into Cornelscourt, where I got a great swimsuit for a fiver.
This made me realise how convenient the Glenview is to Dublin. Although I usually tend to think you need to travel further to “get away from it all”; if time is short, it’s amazing how quickly you can feel removed from your city cares.
We had asked for a room at the front, and it was a pleasure to lie in bed and watch the sunlight move across the tops of the trees.
The room was large, with pale wood furniture, a very comfortable bed, yellow walls and rose-patterned curtains. It was slightly too hotel-like for my taste. I always find trouser presses intrude on my escapist fantasies. The TV remote control seemed to be designed for an entirely different television, the toiletries were a little pedestrian and there was no sign of the towelling robes and slippers that the website promised – it turns out that you can ask for a robe and slippers if you feel their absence too greatly. But I found myself liking the place enough not to mind.
This had something to do with the staff – who were friendly and excellent – including two receptionists called Santa. This is apparently a fairly common name in Latvia, but seemed a remarkable coincidence in Co Wicklow.
Both Santas were great, as were the bar staff who gave us nice glasses of wine to take outside. The bar itself felt a little utilitarian but the restaurant upstairs made up for this with gorgeous picture windows to let diners drink in the views.
Dinner was good and we quite forgot that we had had any wedding anxieties. It was only the sight of the various intensities of hangovers straggling into breakfast the next morning that reminded us of the night before.
Driving back to the city, I felt as if I had had a longer break and began to think of all the places to visit in the area: Mount Usher Gardens; Powerscourt Waterfall; Avondale House and Park; and Glendalough.
I may only have gone on a one night holiday down the road, and the sounds of the N11 might have played in the background, but it may be a road I travel again before too long has passed.
** Go Overnights are reviewed anonymously and paid for by The Irish Times
WhereGlenview Hotel, Co Wicklow, 01 287 3399, glenviewhotel.com.
What4-Star hotel.
Rooms70 bedrooms, including penthouse suite.
Best ratescurrently from €60 BB PPS, plus summer special packages, details online.
Restaurant and BarWoodlands Restaurant, Conservatory Bar.
Child-friendlinessChildren welcome, children's pool, kid's club throughout the summer.
Accessibility1 fully accessible room and 3 with walk-in showers.
AmenitiesLeisure club with pool and gym, The Haven Beauty Rooms, conference facilities, free WIFI internet.