Woodenbridge Hotel Sets New Milestone in Wicklow Tourism with Record Guest Numbers and Famous Turkey and Ham Dinners

Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge, located in the picturesque South Wicklow, continues to be a symbol of enduring Irish hospitality. As Ireland’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1608, the Woodenbridge Hotel is not just a historical landmark but also a thriving destination for travelers seeking authentic, quality experiences in the heart of Wicklow. The hotel recently shared its annual report, providing a fascinating look at its achievements throughout 2025, which included welcoming over 30,000 guests and serving more than 121,000 meals.

Record-Breaking Numbers at Ireland’s Oldest Hotel

With more than 30,000 guests staying at the Woodenbridge Hotel in 2025, it is clear that the hotel remains an iconic destination for tourists, locals, and those seeking a retreat in the scenic beauty of Wicklow. Known for its rich history and beautiful location, the hotel continues to charm visitors with its traditional yet modern approach to hospitality.

Over the year, the hotel’s staff worked tirelessly to ensure every guest had a memorable experience. Whether it was a family holiday, a business trip, or a romantic getaway, the Woodenbridge Hotel welcomed a diverse array of visitors. The hotel’s location in Wicklow, known for its stunning landscapes and historic charm, remains one of the key attractions that brings travelers from across the world to its doors.

A Culinary Tradition: Turkey and Ham Dinners Steal the Spotlight

One of the highlights of the Woodenbridge Hotel’s year was its culinary offerings, with the most popular meal being the classic turkey and ham dinner, which has long been a beloved staple on the menu. A total of 6,028 turkey and ham portions were served in 2025, underscoring the dish’s popularity with guests. Served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and red wine jus, this traditional dish represents not only the hotel’s culinary excellence but also its commitment to offering comforting, hearty meals that evoke the spirit of Irish hospitality.

The Woodenbridge Hotel’s menu features a variety of dishes that cater to all tastes, but the turkey and ham dinner remains the standout favorite among both locals and visitors. As the festive season approached, the hotel witnessed a surge in demand for this comforting dish, solidifying its place as a symbol of warmth and tradition in Irish dining.

A Diverse Range of Dishes Served Across the Year

Beyond turkey and ham, the hotel served a diverse range of meals to satisfy its guests throughout 2025. Fish and chips came in second place, with 5,874 servings sold. The hotel prides itself on sourcing fresh fish from Kilmore Quay, which is delivered daily to ensure the highest quality for its customers. The dish, served with homemade tartar sauce, fries, and a choice of salad or mushy peas, highlights the Woodenbridge Hotel’s commitment to serving locally sourced ingredients.

In addition to seafood, the hotel’s 8oz sirloin steaks made their mark, with 4,086 steaks served in 2025. Cooked to order over a hot flame, the sirloin steaks were made with grass-fed Irish Hereford beef, a premium choice known for its tenderness and flavor. Accompanied by mushrooms, onions, and a choice of pepper sauce or garlic butter, these steaks remain a key feature of the hotel’s menu.

Not far behind were the sirloin beef burgers, which came in fourth place with 3,768 servings. The burgers were served on a brioche bun with gherkin, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and caramelized red onion—another testament to the hotel’s focus on high-quality, delicious offerings. Rounding out the top five was the much-loved chocolate brownie, with 3,456 orders, available hot or cold with a choice of cream or ice cream.

Hotel’s Contribution to Wicklow’s Economy and Tourism

The Woodenbridge Hotel has played a key role in Wicklow’s tourism economy throughout 2025. With a consistent stream of visitors coming to experience the scenic beauty of Wicklow and the historical charm of the hotel, it continues to be a major draw for tourists. The hotel has also contributed significantly to local business, with numerous nearby suppliers providing ingredients for its renowned menu.

The restaurant, which operates across several venues including the Bistro, Redmond restaurant, and The Smokehouse, has created jobs and boosted the local economy. By focusing on local produce and maintaining strong ties with regional suppliers, the hotel helps support Wicklow’s agricultural industry, ensuring that the local economy benefits from its success.

Awards and Recognition: A Testament to Excellence

The success of Woodenbridge Hotel in 2025 was not only reflected in the guest numbers and meals served but also in the recognition it received within the industry. The hotel was confirmed as a finalist in the 2025 Gold Medal Awards, shortlisted in the Best Three-Star Hotel category. Additionally, it received its first-ever nomination in the Ireland’s Best Family-Run Hotel category, which speaks volumes about the hotel’s commitment to family-friendly service and maintaining high standards.

The Woodenbridge Hotel was also honored with back-to-back wins in the Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay (Leinster) category in previous years, a title they are eager to retain in 2025. The hotel’s commitment to exceptional service, dedication to quality, and ability to provide memorable experiences to every guest has cemented its status as one of Wicklow’s most iconic destinations.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Woodenbridge Hotel

With 2025 marking yet another successful year, the Woodenbridge Hotel is looking forward to even greater achievements in the future. The hotel’s focus on preserving its rich history while embracing modern hospitality trends ensures that it will continue to attract guests seeking both tradition and luxury. As the hotel celebrates its legacy and welcomes new visitors, its impact on Wicklow’s tourism and economy will only continue to grow.

Conclusion: A Year of Achievements and Growth

From the 30,187 guests who experienced its warm hospitality to the 121,387 meals served across the year, the Woodenbridge Hotel’s achievements in 2025 speak to the enduring appeal of this historic Wicklow landmark. With its blend of tradition, excellent service, and dedication to quality, the hotel remains a cornerstone of Wicklow’s tourism industry. As the hotel looks to the future, it will undoubtedly continue to create memories for travelers, families, and locals alike.

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