Luxury Samhain Hiking & Nature Retreat

   Overview

Experience a retreat where hiking meets quiet luxury in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Set around Glendalough and its surrounding valleys — we walk the pathways followed by St Kevin and the ancient Celts; the landscape is filled with centuries of ritual and tradition; explore Standing Stones, Holy Wells, the Round Tower and Ancient tombs, this Samhain retreat invites you to connect deeply with Ireland’s ancient past.

As Autumn moves towards Winter, a feeling of quietness returns to Glendalough: crisp air, shifting colours, and a sense of renewal that has long defined this time of year. Hosted by Bespoke Treks & Hikes at The Deerstone Eco Hideaway, this retreat blends beautiful mountain trails with simple, elevated comfort — warm fires, hot tubs, saunas, and nourishing meals crafted from local ingredients. There’s no better way to unwind, take time out, or discover Ireland for the first time.

Samhain –An ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of winter. Samhain aligns with All Hallows’ Eve; creating a Thin place between this world and the underworld, a connecting of past and present through nature.

Retreat Schedule

Day 1

• Arrival 11am at your luxury retreat, welcome with light refreshments, retreat opening and ready to hike for 11.30am
• Day One Hike — scenic introduction to Glendalough’s trails with a picnic lunch
• Return to The Deerstone for relaxation
• Fireside rest or time to explore the grounds
• Dinner at The Shed
• Evening movie in the Round Room followed by some quiet time in your accommodation or chats and drinks in The Barn (cosy fires and honesty bar)

Day 2

• Breakfast featuring fresh, local produce
• Some free time for rest or gentle exploration
• Guided hike on St Kevin’s Way — historic pilgrim route with lunch included
• Return to The Deerstone
• Fire & Ice Experience — sauna heat followed by a cool plunge
• Dinner at The Shed
• Fireside chats and songs at the firepit or drinks at The Barn (honesty bar)

Day 3

• 8.00 am Breakfast
• 10 am Check-out
• Final Guided Hike
• 2.30 pm Refreshments and Closing at The Deerstone

Your Guides

Bespoke Treks & Hikes is a trusted, family-run Irish guiding company with over a decade of experience creating safe, memorable, and inspiring outdoor experiences. Together, Paul Quinn and Maria O’Reilly bring over 40 years of combined experience in mountain guiding, hiking leadership, coaching, training, and group facilitation.

Paul Quinn – Mountain Guide 

Paul is an experienced mountain guide who has led clients across Ireland, Crete, Italy, and Spain. He also delivers mountain safety and navigation training, helping people build the skills and confidence to enjoy the outdoors safely. His local knowledge, calm leadership, and passion for the mountains ensure every walk is enjoyable and rewarding.

Maria O’Reilly – Hiking Guide & Executive Coach

Maria is an experienced hiking guide, Accredited Executive Coach, and Certified Forest Bathing Guide. She combines her love of the outdoors with expertise in leadership development and nature-based wellbeing, creating welcoming experiences that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience the restorative benefits of nature.

Together, Paul and Maria create retreats that blend expert guiding, personal development, and genuine Irish hospitality, helping guests connect with nature, with others, and with themselves.

Accommodation – The Deerstone Eco Hideaway

The Deerstone Eco Hideaway offers a calm, modern expression of luxury in the Garden of Ireland. Every cottage has been thoughtfully designed to maximise the surrounding views, creating a sense of connection with the landscape. Clean lines, natural materials, and a quiet aesthetic make the space feel both grounding and elevated.

Each cottage includes three ensuite bedrooms, a bespoke kitchen, a comfortable lounge area, and a private outdoor hot tub with mountain views.  Guests enjoy luxury Irish linen, natural wool‑filled bedding, handmade plant‑based toiletries and bathrobes.  With warm interiors and thoughtful details The Deerstone offers everything you need without excess — a place where simplicity feels intentional and comfort comes naturally.

Accommodation is available for Single occupancy or on a shared room basis.

Food — Seasonal, Nourishing, Thoughtfully Crafted

Meals at The Deerstone are prepared with a focus on quality Irish ingredients and clean, seasonal flavours. The approach is simple, modern, and deeply nourishing — expect meals that highlight local produce, seasonal proteins and fresh Autumn vegetables. Each meal is prepared in a way that feels both comforting and elevated. Ingredients are sourced with care, and the cooking style is unfussy but refined, allowing natural flavours to shine.  Breakfasts are energising and wholesome; dinners are relaxed, flavour‑driven, and every meal is designed to bring the group together. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

Hiking Itinerary

We offer three Bespoke moderate hikes designed to showcase Glendalough’s valleys, these paths carry the history of the land — the footsteps of ancient pilgrims and explorers who travelled through Glendalough long before modern trails existed. As you move through shifting forests of deciduous and coniferous trees, we will experience mixed trails and views as far away as Wales.

Day 1: Paddock Hill, Gossan Stones & Scarr Mountain

Departing on foot from The Deerstone, we follow forest paths and boardwalk up

through a tunnel of trees, popping out onto the Wicklow Way. We continue over

Paddock Hill and arrive at the ancient stone axis of the Gossan stones. We will

continue to an optional ascent to Scarr Mountain. Expect mixed trails including

bog, tree lined forest trails and also open views toward the coast and the surrounding peaks.

Duration: 4 hrs

Distance: 13.9 km

Ascent/Descent: 481 m

Level: Moderate

Day 2: St Kevin’s Way, Wicklow Way & Green Road, History folklore

and hiking

Today’s route follows ancient pilgrim paths as we walk in the footsteps of the

pilgrims on the Green Road following the Glendasen River on the beautiful tree

lined trails through Glendalough. We visit Kevin’s Well, Reefert Church, the

Monastic city and the lakes. Returning to the Deerstone via St. Kevins way and along

the high trail of the Wicklow Way and back to your accomodation via Laragh village.

Duration: 4.5 hrs

Distance: 13.9 km

Ascent: 262 m

Descent: 331 m

Level: Moderate

Day 3: Cullentragh Mountain, Derrybawn Ridge & Green Road

Transfer by bus from The Deerstone to the Shay Elliot Memorial where we start our amazing hike of peaks and ridge walks with epic views of Wicklow and beyond (perhaps even Wales).  We will hike across Cullentragh Mountain and along Derrybawn Ridge, we will pick our route down to Green Road and finally back to The

Deerstone for 2.30pm.

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Distance: 11.4 km

Ascent: 240 m

Descent: 457 m

Level: Moderate

What’s Included

• Three days of guided hiking through Glendalough and its surrounding valleys.
• Two nights of luxury accommodation at The Deerstone Eco Hideaway
• Nourishing breakfasts and flavour‑driven dinners at The Shed
• Gourmet packed lunches for each hike, prepared with seasonal ingredients
• Full access to hot tubs, sauna, and dedicated relaxation areas
• Evening fireside gatherings inspired by Samhain traditions
• Locally sourced, seasonal meals prepared by our in‑house chef
• Welcome and farewell refreshments.
• Bus transport for the hike on Day 3.

What’s not Included

• Transport or flights to and from Laragh Village, Co Wicklow
• Alcohol – The Barn offers an honesty bar for evening drinks.
• Optional extras offered at the Deerstone; such as massages
• Gratuity
• Travel or Health Insurance

Helpful Information

• Suitable for all fitness levels; moderate hiking experience recommended
• All meals and activities included
• Transport to Laragh not included; on‑site parking available
• Please bring suitable hiking footwear and weather‑appropriate clothing, we will provide detailed advice at booking.

Summary

This Luxury Samhain Hiking & Nature Retreat offers a modern, elevated way to experience Glendalough’s ancient landscape. With Bespoke hikes, thoughtful accommodation, and seasonal food, this retreat invites renewal, connection, and a deeper appreciation of Ireland’s natural heritage.

Pricing

• €840 per person sharing
• €980 single occupancy Includes all meals, guided hikes, and full use of The Deerstone Eco Lodge facilities.