You’ve reached a quiet place, tucked beneath the Knockmealdown Mountains.
Stone paths wind through the hills, and old walls line the edge of the land,
where the abbey stands in gentle stillness.
Here, at St Declan’s Way Hostel, we welcome those moving through -
walkers, small groups, drawn by the landscape, the stories, or the need for a place to pause.
We invite you to learn more about staying with us,
or simply to pause here and explore what this place offers.
STAYING HERE
The Place, the Path, and the People Who Stay
A Place Shaped by Mount Melleray Abbey
Though the abbey beside us has now closed, its presence lingers - in the stone underfoot, in the stillness of the grounds, in the quiet care that has marked this place across the years.
We sit alongside it with respect, offering a space for today’s travellers to rest before they carry on.
You can read more about Mount Melleray Abbey’s history or simply walk its quiet grounds alongside your stay.
Walking St Declan’s Way and the Knockmealdown Trails
These are not ordinary paths.
St Declan’s Way holds centuries of pilgrimage, stretching from Ardmore to Cashel, a holy path once walked in quiet devotion, still carrying the memory of faith and intention.
Alongside it, the Knockmealdown Mountains hold their own kind of stillness - where mist moves across stone, and the land seems to carry the hush of something deeper, something older.
Guests come for many reasons, but many find the same quiet gift here: the chance to walk with intention, to reflect, to feel the weight and grace of the land beneath their feet.
We offer a place where that pause is honoured, where you can rest before continuing onward, with the path still stretching ahead.
Welcoming Groups and Gatherings
We welcome walking clubs, school groups, family circles, or retreat gatherings - those who find value in coming together for a night or more along the road.
Shared rooms and simple meals offer space to gather, reflect, and share stories.
If you’re planning a group visit, we invite you to contact us directly to discuss your plans.
Rest and Stay on St Declan’s Way
Most guests stay a night. Some linger longer.
We offer shared accommodation with the basics taken care of — clean bunks, a warm breakfast if booked, and time to reset before the next stretch.
Locally sourced, simply served.
Breakfast here is quiet and self‑serve.
A short list of local favourites, stocked each morning.
McGrath's Homemade Strawberry Jam
from Melleray County Waterford
Served in the local pantry
Crinnaghtaun Apple Juice
picked from Cappoquin's Orchard Poured in the pantry
Knockanore Cheese
Artisan cheese from County Waterford
Included in our savoury selections
McGraths Butchers
Locally reared and prepared meat
Sausages, pudding, rashers
– breakfast staples
Barron's Bakery
Baking in Cappoquin for over 130 years
Delivered fresh to our Local Pantry
- with butter & jam
Melleray Eggs
Collected just down the road
Local, fresh, and part of every plate
Finding Your Way to St Declan's Way Hostel
Whether you're walking the trail or arriving by car, here's how to find us and get in touch.
Mount Melleray, Cappoquin,
Co. Waterford Ireland
P51 R8XW
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Shared rooms with clean bunks and all the essentials you’ll need for a short stay.
A simple, self‑serve breakfast each morning, just enough to get you started for the day.
Shared bathrooms and a straightforward set‑up, with no extras to worry about.
Located on the grounds of Mount Melleray Abbey, it’s a practical place to stop and rest.
