WICKLOW MOUNTAINS
Wicklow Mountains National Park, the “Garden of Ireland,” is a tapestry of wild, rolling mountains, deep glens, and pristine lakes, offering a sublime escape just south of Dublin. This vast, protected area is a haven for hikers, historians, and nature lovers alike.
The region is famous for its glacial valleys and ancient history, centered around the 6th-century monastic city of Glendalough. It provides an unmatched combination of rugged upland beauty and a rich, spiritual past, perfect for exploration.
Most Popular Attractions
Monastic & Historic Sites:
Glendalough Monastic Settlement: A stunning 6th-century monastic city founded by St. Kevin, featuring a famous Round Tower, ancient churches, and Celtic crosses.
Glendalough Cathedral: The ruin of the main cathedral within the monastic site, showcasing medieval architecture.
St. Kevin’s Kitchen (Teampall na bhFarbholán): A small, stone-roofed church at Glendalough, with a miniature round tower belfry.
Wicklow Gaol: A historic prison in Wicklow Town offering a dramatic journey through Ireland’s turbulent past.
Russborough House: An impressive 18th-century Palladian mansion with a significant art collection, overlooking the Blessington Lakes.
Avondale House: The historic home of Charles Stewart Parnell, set within a forest park famous for its arboretum and the new Treetop Walk.
Scenic Drives & Panoramic Viewpoints:
Sally Gap Drive (R759): A spectacular, high mountain pass road offering some of the park’s most desolate and stunning scenery.
Military Road (R115): A historic, scenic route running north-to-south through the mountains, built after the 1798 rebellion.
Lough Tay (Guinness Lake): A visually striking lake, famously dark with a white-sand shore, creating a look resembling a pint of Guinness.
Glenmacnass Waterfall: A dramatic, easily accessible waterfall right by the Sally Gap drive, especially impressive after rain.
Wicklow Gap (R756): Another scenic mountain pass, offering views of the surrounding glens and mountains.
J.B. Malone Memorial: A popular viewpoint overlooking Lough Tay and the surrounding mountains.
Lakes, Waterfalls & Gardens:
Powerscourt Waterfall: Ireland’s highest waterfall, set in a beautiful, wooded valley on the Powerscourt Estate boundary.
Powerscourt House & Gardens: Vast, ornamental gardens with Italian, Japanese, and walled sections, plus a grand, renovated stately home.
Lough Ouler: A remote, heart-shaped lake nestled below the summit of Tonelagee Mountain, a reward for a challenging hike.
Mount Usher Gardens: Famous for its tranquil, informal garden design based on the River Vartry’s banks.
Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens: A regional branch of the National Botanic Gardens, known for its historic plant collections.
Hiking & Outdoor Attractions:
The Spinc and Glenealo Valley Loop: A strenuous, iconic Glendalough trail featuring a boardwalk climb and panoramic views of the Upper Lake.
Wicklow Way: Ireland’s oldest waymarked long-distance trail (131 km), running through the park’s heart.
Great Sugarloaf Mountain: A distinctive conical peak offering a short but steep hike and superb views over the coast and mountains.
Djouce Mountain: A popular peak with well-maintained boardwalk sections and excellent views of Lough Tay and the coast.
Ballinastoe Woods: Known for its iconic wooden boardwalk and mountain biking trails, with viewpoints over Lough Tay.
Miners’ Road Walk (Glendalough): An easy, flat trail that runs alongside the Upper Lake to the ruins of an old lead mining village.
Lugnaquilla: The highest mountain in the Wicklow range and the highest non-Himalayan peak in Ireland, for experienced hikers.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Spinc Trail in Glendalough: Take on the challenging but rewarding ‘Spinc’ (Irish for “pointed hill”) trail, including a long boardwalk section that offers panoramic views of the Upper and Lower Lakes and the glacial valley.
Explore the Glendalough Monastic City: Wander through the ancient ruins of this 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, featuring a well-preserved Round Tower, St. Kevin’s Church (“St. Kevin’s Kitchen”), and the Cathedral ruins.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Military Road/Sally Gap: Drive the historic R115 and R759 routes for breathtaking, rugged views of the blanket bog, dark lakes, and wide-open mountain scenery, stopping at viewpoints like the Sally Gap crossroads.
Hike a Section of the Wicklow Way: Lace up for a trek on one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous long-distance trails, which traverses the park from north to south and offers various trail sections for all abilities.
Visit Lough Tay (Guinness Lake): Drive to the J.B. Malone memorial viewpoint to see the iconic Lough Tay, famed for its dark water and white sandy beach, which together resemble a pint of Guinness.
Go Mountain Biking in Ballinastoe: Hit the purpose-built mountain biking trails in Ballinastoe Woods, offering varied routes for beginner to advanced riders amidst stunning forest views overlooking Lough Tay.
Walk to the Glenmacnass Waterfall: Stop at one of the viewing points along the Military Road to admire the powerful cascade of the Glenmacnass Waterfall, especially impressive after heavy rain.
Take a Walk to Lough Ouler: Complete the hike up Tonelagee Mountain to get the full bird’s-eye view of the heart-shaped Lough Ouler, a unique glacial lake.
Enjoy a Whiskey Tour at a Local Distillery: Head to one of the distilleries near the park’s edge, such as Powerscourt Distillery, to learn about and sample fine Irish whiskey.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Blessington Lakes: Rent water sports equipment on the stunning Blessington Lakes (Poulaphouca Reservoir) for a different perspective on the surrounding Wicklow Mountains.
Walk the Miners’ Road Walk: Choose this easy, relatively flat 5km trail at Glendalough that follows the historic path to the derelict mining village, perfect for a less strenuous outing.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is the Easiest: The most flexible way to explore the vast park and its various attractions (Glendalough, Sally Gap, Lough Tay, etc.) is by rental car. The park’s main roads, like the Military Road, are incredibly scenic but can be narrow and winding.
Parking Fees & Early Start: Most popular car parks, especially in Glendalough (Upper Lake Car Park, Visitor Centre Car Park), charge a fee, and they fill up quickly, particularly on summer weekends. Arriving early (before 9:30 AM) is essential.
Public Bus to Glendalough: The privately operated St. Kevin’s Bus service runs from Dublin City Centre directly to Glendalough, making the Monastic City the most accessible point in the park without a car.
Local Link Buses: For connections within County Wicklow, the Local Link bus service offers some limited routes, for example, connecting Wicklow Town to Laragh (near Glendalough). Always check timetables well in advance as frequency can be low.
Organised Tours: Many day tours depart from Dublin and cover the main highlights like Glendalough, Sally Gap, and Powerscourt. This is a stress-free option for those who prefer not to drive the mountain roads.
Be Prepared for the Weather: The weather in the Wicklow Mountains is highly unpredictable. A sunny day can turn to mist, rain, and cold very quickly. Always pack layers, waterproof gear, a map, compass (or reliable GPS), and sufficient food and water, even for a short hike.
Leave No Trace: Wicklow is a protected National Park. Visitors are expected to adhere strictly to “Leave No Trace” principles, meaning all rubbish must be taken with you. Only designated “Wilderness Camping” is permitted and requires strict adherence to guidelines.
Hiking Safety: Even moderate trails can be strenuous, and the terrain is often boggy and rocky. Wear sturdy hiking boots. Phone signal can be patchy, especially in the deeper valleys like Glendalough. Check weather warnings before embarking on high-altitude or long-distance hikes.
Respect Private Land: Much of the land within the broader Wicklow Mountains area is private property. Stick to designated trails, and be mindful that famous viewpoints like the one overlooking Lough Tay are often on or near private estates.
The “Garden of Ireland”: County Wicklow is often nicknamed the “Garden of Ireland” for its lush green landscapes and stunning stately homes and gardens near the park borders, such as Powerscourt Estate and Killruddery House. Combining a mountain trek with a garden visit offers a great contrast.
Hidden Gems (Beyond Glendalough):
- Lough Bray: Two beautiful, remote lakes surrounded by high mountain cliffs, easily accessible from the Military Road.
- Victor’s Way: A highly unusual, privately owned meditation garden with a collection of black granite statues near Roundwood, inspired by Indian philosophy.
- The Old Mines: Explore the remnants of the copper and lead mining history near Glendalough and Glenmalure, adding a historical layer to your hike.
- Traditional Pubs: Stop in a classic, cosy Irish pub in one of the nearby villages like Laragh or Roundwood for a well-deserved pint, a bowl of warming stew, and local atmosphere.
Top Restaurants
The Wicklow Heather Restaurant [$25-$45] – A family-run institution in Laragh, close to Glendalough, renowned for traditional Irish cuisine, including their signature slow-roasted Wicklow lamb.
The Glenmalure Lodge [$20-$40] – A historic and traditional lodge in the Glenmalure Valley offering hearty pub food, a warm atmosphere, and an ideal spot for hikers.
Jake’s Bar at Lynhams Hotel [$20-$35] – A traditional Irish pub dating back to 1776 in Laragh, known for its warm welcome, open fire, and classic pub grub, perfect after a day of hiking.
The Hollywood Inn [$20-$35] – A cozy, traditional pub located in the village of Hollywood offering good food and a quintessential Irish pub experience.
The Bridge Tavern [$20-$40] – A popular gastropub in Wicklow Town known for its contemporary take on traditional dishes, local brews, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant [$25-$45] – Blending traditional Irish pub charm with excellent contemporary cuisine in Kilpedder, often featuring live traditional music.
The Coach House, Roundwood [$20-$35] – A charming bar and restaurant in the village of Roundwood, known for good food and a friendly local atmosphere.
Roundwood Inn [$30-$50] – One of Ireland’s oldest traditional inns in Roundwood, offering authentic Irish dining and warm hospitality in a scenic setting.
Mickey Finn’s Pub (The Red Cross Inn) [$20-$35] – Located in Redcross, this spot is home to the Wicklow Brewing Company, offering pub favorites and local craft beer in a traditional setting.
The Horse and Hound, Delgany [$20-$40] – An authentic gastropub experience in Delgany, known for high-quality food, a wide range of drinks, and a cozy environment.
The Enniskerry Inn [$20-$35] – Combining traditional Irish hospitality with modern dining in Enniskerry, a picturesque village at the gateway to the Wicklow Mountains.
Sika Restaurant (Powerscourt Hotel) [$60-$100+] – A fine dining experience within the Powerscourt Hotel in Enniskerry, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced Irish ingredients with stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains.
Strawberry Tree Restaurant (BrookLodge Hotel) [$70-$120] – Located in Macreddin Village, this is Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant, offering a high-end, farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on wild and foraged ingredients.
Bates Nua Restaurant Rathdrum [$35-$60] – A restaurant in Rathdrum that focuses on local, seasonal produce to create modern Irish dishes.
Butler & Barry [$35-$60] – A contemporary Irish restaurant and bar in Bray, serving high-quality food with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood and meat.
The Brass Fox, Wicklow [$25-$45] – A popular gastropub in Wicklow Town, winning awards for its food, cocktails, and lively, modern interior.
Avoca Handweavers Cafés (Various Locations) [$15-$30] – While a chain, their cafés at locations like Kilmacanogue, Mount Usher, and Powerscourt offer excellent, fresh, and modern café-style food and baked goods, perfect for a quality lunch or treat.
The WoodPecker Bar & Restaurant Ashford [$25-$45] – Located in Ashford, offering a comfortable atmosphere and a menu of quality food and pub classics with modern flair.
St. Kevin’s Kitchen (Glendalough) [$10-$20] – A simple but welcome option for quick bites, coffee, and casual food near the Glendalough monastic site, perfect for a pre or post-hike refueling.
The Avoca Cafe (Mount Usher Gardens) [$15-$30] – Set within the beautiful Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford, offering a bright and airy setting for creative salads, hot dishes, and homemade desserts.
The Coach House Coffee (Roundwood Stores) [$10-$20] – A popular spot in Roundwood known for excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and light lunch options, housed in a charming old building.
The Coffin Shed [$10-$20] – A highly-regarded coffee shop and café in Rathdrum known for its quality coffee and fresh, local dishes in a unique setting.
The Sugar Mountain Cafe [$10-$20] – A cozy café in Laragh, perfect for a morning coffee, homemade baked goods, or a light lunch before heading to Glendalough.
Moore’s Casa Tapas [$20-$40] – Located in Grangecon, offering a unique break from Irish cuisine with a menu of authentic Spanish tapas in the Wicklow countryside.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Brass Fox Wicklow: Located in Wicklow Town, this establishment has evolved to meet contemporary expectations, offering a gastropub experience with a well-stocked bar that serves classic and modern drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant: Nestled in Roundwood, this spot provides a perfect blend of traditional Irish hospitality and a modern touch, where the bar staff mix classic cocktails with care, often accompanied by live traditional music.
The Bridge Tavern: Situated near the river in Wicklow Town, this popular venue balances the feel of a traditional Irish pub with elevated pub fare and a modern drink selection, including late-night pints and some cocktails.
The Glenmalure Lodge: Deep within the Glenmalure Valley, this lodge bar is a cozy haven after a day of hiking, offering a warm fire, good whiskeys, and a small selection of simple cocktails in a deeply traditional setting.
Lynhams of Laragh (Jake’s Bar): Located in the village of Laragh, a kilometer from Glendalough, this traditional hotel pub offers a character-filled bar with great food and drink, and often features live music, making it a lively spot for a post-hike pint or spirit.
Mickey Finn’s Pub (Redcross): Situated in Redcross, this charming pub is part of the Wicklow Brewery and offers its own craft beers alongside a full bar, providing a lively atmosphere that captures the true spirit of a local Irish pub.
The Harbour Bar (Bray): Located right by the harbour in Bray, just north of the National Park boundary, this award-winning bar is known for its eclectic décor, multiple distinct areas, and frequent live music, making it a must-visit for its atmosphere and wide drink range.
Phil Healy’s Pub: Found in Wicklow Town’s Fitzwilliam Square, this pub is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and superb Guinness, but also offers a great range of other drinks, making it a lively and authentic Irish spot.
The WoodPecker Bar & Restaurant (Ashford): Located in Ashford, this spot offers a full bar with traditional Irish hospitality in a vibrant setting, popular with locals for a good drink and a lively chat.
The Hollywood Inn: Located in the village of Hollywood, this quintessential Irish pub offers hearty meals, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a classic spirit or beer.
The Mount Kennedy Inn: A popular late-night option near Newtownmountkennedy, known for its friendly service and selection of drinks, offering a relaxed environment for both locals and visitors.
The Dying Cow: A traditional pub in Wicklow, offering a cozy retreat with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for an authentic Irish experience.
Tóchar House: Located in Roundwood, this bar offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes, with a selection of classic drinks.
Actons Country Pub and Brewery: In the broader Wicklow area, this venue offers local brews and hearty meals with authentic Irish hospitality, a great stop for a drink.
The Star Inn: Situated in County Wicklow, this traditional Irish pub provides a charming setting for great drinks and a hearty welcome.
Fitzpatricks Bar: Found in Wicklow, this cozy establishment is a heart of Irish hospitality, serving delightful drinks in a local cultural setting.
Druid’s Well Pub: Located in Newtown Mount Kennedy, this charming bar is an ideal place for relaxation and local culture, offering warm hospitality.
DJ Cullen Lake View Lounge: A cozy pub in County Wicklow with stunning lake views, where you can enjoy a drink amidst spectacular scenery.
The Cartoon Inn: In Rathdrum, this pub is a unique and authentic spot offering local charm and delightful beverages in a traditional atmosphere.
O’Connors Bar & Lounge: Located in Tinahely, this is a vibrant spot for good food and a full selection of drinks, embodying the warmth of Irish hospitality.