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Lus Mór is located in Sleamaine, which is approximately 1.7km off the Wicklow Way and 4.5km away from Roundwood. After descending from the highest point on the Wicklow Way, at Djouce Mountain, the hostel is the closest accommodation to the trail from Pier Gates. It is the closed halfway point, in terms of places to stay, when walking from Knockree and Glendalough and avoids the lengthy detour into Roundwood village.
The house is set in a remote location on large open grounds of just over an acre. There are panoramic views from the house and garden, these take in the Vartry Reservoir, Ballinastoe Woods, White Hill and the Great Sugarloaf in the distance.
The literal English translation for the name 'Lus Mór' is 'Big Flower', which spefically refers to the Foxgloves around the grounds that are everpresent throughout the Summer. Host of the hostel, James Pierce, has brought the colour and cheerfulness of this floral theme into the house and has managed to make an imaginative and playful space for guests to relax and enjoy.
Lus Mór is not a traditional hostel, having originally opened its doors as a Bed and Breakfast in 2015. It has since evolved into a luxury hostel-style accommodation with breakfast included. Drawing from his travels abroad, James seeks to nurture the communal hostel spirit by providing a welcoming lounge setting as a stage for guests to hang out and share their travel stories.
The total capacity of Lus Mór is 19 people. There are five private bedrooms and one large dormitory with seven beds, none of which are bunk beds. Bed linen and towels are included and there are three shared bathrooms. For guests wanting some extra privacy, there is one double bedroom which has its own ensuite.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the dining area of the kitchen but the use of the kitchen facilities is restricted. In the morning, the chef is there to cook a hot Irish breakfast or else prepare a Continental breakfast. With some advance notice, it may be possible to organise the chef to cook an evening meal, otherwise a lift can be arranged to the centre of Roundwood for food.
There is a tea station located in the dining area. Guests can help themselves anytime to a selection of organic teas or coffee.
There is a 14km network of single-track off-road bike trails in the nearby Ballinastoe Woods. Lus Mór can help with organise the rental of a bicycle for the day and to enjoy a challenging ride through the forestry.
Lus Mór offers several services to the walker. These include organising transport to/from either Glendalough, Dublin City or Airport, or any pick-up point on the Wicklow Way. Packed lunches can be prepared for the hills and a laundry service is also offered.
