Glendalough Teen Getaway
Independence Through Adventure
For ages 13–17
A five-day adventure in the heart of Wicklow, where teenagers get the chance
to step away from everyday routines, try new things, make friends and enjoy
the outdoors together.
Our Glendalough Teen Getaway combines outdoor adventure, teamwork,
independence and plenty of time together in one of Ireland’s most beautiful
settings.
See the Getaway in Action
Wondering what a Teen Getaway is really like? Take a look at our video and
get a feel for the adventure, teamwork, friendships and fun that make an
Active Ireland Getaway so different. 2027 Glendalough Teen Getaway
21st–25th June 2027
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
5 days / 4 nights
Glendalough
Glendalough is the perfect setting for an Active Ireland Teen Getaway.
Surrounded by mountains, lakes, forests and trails, there is plenty of
space for adventure and exploration while still being within easy reach
of Dublin.
The Glendalough Valley gives the group a chance to experience the outdoors
together, with activities taking place around the hostel and throughout
the surrounding area.
Getting to Glendalough by Bus
Glendalough is easy to reach by public transport, with a direct
St Kevin’s Bus Service from Dublin to the Glendalough Visitor Centre.
The service travels through Roundwood and Laragh before continuing
directly to Glendalough, so there is no need for a separate shuttle
from Roundwood.
The current summer timetable includes direct departures from
St Stephen’s Green, including 11:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday.
Additional services operate at weekends and during July and August.
Return services include afternoon departures, with additional summer
services.
Timetables can change, so families should check the current
St Kevin’s Bus timetable when planning their journey.
View the current St Kevin’s Bus timetable Accommodation
We stay at Glendalough International Hostel, right in the heart of the
Glendalough Valley. It gives the group a comfortable base for the week,
with the mountains, lakes and trails right on the doorstep.
Glendalough International Hostel is a working hostel, so other guests
will also be staying in the hostel. Our Active Ireland group has its own
allocated accommodation area, with separate male and female dorms and
instructor dorms beside them.
Our Own Area
The Active Ireland group has its own allocated accommodation area
within the hostel.Separate Dorms
Male and female dorms are separate, with instructor dorms located
beside them.Hostel Setting
Teenagers experience staying in a real hostel environment while
being supported by the Active Ireland team throughout the Getaway.Adventure & Team Challenges
The Glendalough Getaway is packed with activities designed to get everyone
involved. Some are about adventure and challenge, while others are about
teamwork, communication and having fun together.Kayaking
Get out on the water, learn new skills and work together while enjoying
a different perspective of the Wicklow landscape.Hiking & Exploration
Explore the trails, lakes and landscapes around Glendalough with
challenges and activities along the way.Team Challenges
Work together through fun challenges where communication, creativity
and teamwork matter more than being the fastest.Outdoor Games
Active, social games that get everyone involved and create plenty of
opportunities to laugh and have fun together.Problem Solving
Group challenges encourage teenagers to think for themselves, make
decisions and find solutions together.Adventure Activities
A mix of outdoor challenges and activities that encourage confidence,
independence and a willingness to try something new.Switch Off to Connect
Teen Getaways are a chance to step away from phones, social media and
everyday routines and spend real time with other people.
We encourage everyone to switch off from their devices and get involved
in what is happening around them. That means more conversations, more
teamwork, more laughter and more opportunities to make genuine
connections.
There is no pressure to perform or compete. Everyone is encouraged to
take part, support each other and enjoy the experience in their own way. “It was great to see him come home tired, happy and full of stories.
He had made new friends, tried things he hadn’t done before and was much
more independent than when he left.”
Parent of an Active Ireland Teen Getaway participant
Evenings Together
The adventure doesn’t stop when the day’s activities finish. Evenings
are structured around the group, giving everyone time to relax, talk,
play games and enjoy being together.
Games & Challenges
Group games and evening challenges keep everyone involved and give
the group another chance to work together.Time Together
Plenty of opportunity to chat, laugh and get to know the other
teenagers in the group.Wind Down
A calmer end to the day before getting ready for the following
morning’s adventure.Arrival & Day 1
The Getaway starts as soon as everyone arrives. The first day is about
settling in, meeting the group, getting familiar with the surroundings
and beginning the adventure.Meet the Group
Get to know the other teenagers and the Active Ireland instructors.Settle In
Get settled into the hostel, find your room and learn how the week
will work.Start Exploring
Head outside and start discovering what Glendalough has to offer.A Day at the Seaside
The Getaway isn’t all mountains. We also make time to enjoy the coast,
with a day of outdoor activities, games and fun by the sea. Kitchen Crew
Being away from home is also about learning to look after yourself and
contribute to the group. Teenagers get involved in practical jobs such
as helping with meals, keeping shared spaces tidy and working together
as a team.
These everyday responsibilities are part of the experience and help build
confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility for the group. Real-World Skills
An Active Ireland Getaway is about more than activities. Teenagers have
opportunities throughout the week to make decisions, solve problems,
manage their own belongings, contribute to the group and become more
comfortable doing things for themselves.Independence
Taking responsibility for themselves and becoming more confident away
from home.Teamwork
Learning to communicate, cooperate and support other people.Confidence
Trying new things, overcoming challenges and discovering what they
are capable of.Leave No Trace
Being outdoors comes with a responsibility to look after the places we
visit. Throughout the Getaway, we encourage teenagers to respect the
natural environment and understand the impact that visitors can have.
We follow Leave No Trace principles, including respecting wildlife,
taking care of the landscape, reducing waste and leaving the places we
visit as we found them. The Active Ireland Standard
Every Active Ireland Teen Getaway is built around the same core values:
inclusion, respect, diversity and fun.Inclusive
Everyone is encouraged to take part and feel part of the group.Respectful
We look after each other, our instructors and the places we visit.Fun
Above all, it is a week to have fun, make friends and create memories.What’s Included
The Getaway price covers the full five-day experience, including
accommodation, activities, instruction and the Active Ireland programme.Early Bird
€525
21st–25th June 2027
5 days / 4 nights
Early Bird price applies when the full balance is paid by
20th December 2026.
Standard Price
€575
21st–25th June 2027
5 days / 4 nights
Secure your place with a €125 deposit.
Balance otherwise due by 31st March 2027.
Making friends. Making memories. Loving the outdoors.
From mountain trails and outdoor adventures to evenings spent laughing
with new friends, the Glendalough Teen Getaway is a chance to experience
independence, challenge yourself and enjoy being part of a group.
Independence Through Adventure
