How to Visit the Wicklow Mountains National Park
Here's our guide on Wicklow Mountains National Park in Ireland. Includes tips on the best hikes, must-visit places, when to go, and what to see and do while there.
Wicklow Mountains National Park is one of the top attractions in Ireland for several reasons.
The mountainous landscape, vast bogs, pristine lakes, endless views, excellent hiking trails, and ancient historical sites, to name just a few.
On top of that, we can't fail to mention that the national park is right at Dublin's doorstep.
And as visiting the Wicklow Mountains from the capital city has never been easier, tourism in this area is booming.
The national park is located in County Wicklow, covers an area of 205 square kilometers, and has several access points.
As soon as we started planning a trip to Wicklow Mountains National Park, we quickly realized that this might not be as straightforward as we expected.
The national park has several entrance points and offers plenty of things to do for all travelers any time of the year.
Having more options is always great, but it makes the planning part a bit harder.
Luckily, Wicklow Mountains is super accessible even for first-time visitors.
Without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Wicklow Mountains National Park before you go.
What to See and Do in Wicklow Mountains National Park
There are plenty of things to do in the Wicklow Mountains, from visiting the historic monastic ruins, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain bike riding to taking a scenic drive through the national park.
Remember that this is one of the most beautiful national parks in Ireland.
Whether you like history, outdoor activities, or nature, this national park has what you're looking for.
Simply put, Wicklow Mountains National Park is a great place to enjoy the day outdoors.
Old Military Road
The easiest way to start exploring the Wicklow Mountains is to join the Old Military Road from Dublin.
The R115, also known as the Old Military Road, is a scenic road in Ireland running from north to south through the Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains.
It was built at the beginning of the 19th century by British forces after the Irish Rebellion in 1798.
Back then, the newly-built road allowed them better control of this difficult-access mountainous area and to hunt the rebels.
Today, it offers a perfect way for tourists to see some of the finest landscapes the national park has to offer.
Sally Gap
The famous Sally Gap is one of the most prominent points along the Old Military Road.
We intentionally avoided the word stop here, as this is basically just a crossroad at a mountainous pass, and there's not much to see and do.
Due to its location in the center of the Wicklow Mountains, it's a great point of reference for all travelers who want to cross the mountains.
Lough Tay
One of the most scenic lakes in Ireland, Lough Tay is nestled between Djouce and Luggala mountains.
It's also known as the Guinness Lake and was featured in several shows and movies, such as the Vikings or Excalibur.
But most importantly, the road that goes along the lake has one of our favorite lookouts in Ireland.
It's located on the R759 from Roundwood to Sally Gap, and we believe it should be on every Wicklow Mountains itinerary.
On a clear day, the views from the scenic viewpoints are breathtaking, and the best part is that you don't even have to climb anywhere to see the lake in its full glory.
Simply put, Lough Tay is one of the must-visit places in the Wicklow Mountains.
Powerscourt
Situated on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Powerscourt is a large estate that is definitely worth seeing.
It has two separate sites. Powerscourt House and Gardens have landscaped gardens, a large mansion, a luxury hotel, and a golf course.
Only a few kilometers from here is Powerscourt Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland.
Both places can be visited from the small village of Enniskerry on the way to the Wicklow Mountains.
Ballinastoe Forest
Often described as one of the most magical places in Ireland, Ballinastoe Forest is an interesting place to visit.
You have two options here. Explore the forest on foot or rent a bike and enjoy some well-maintained mountain biking trails.
Ballinastoe Forest Walk became recently famous due to social media, but we wouldn't go there just because of this reason.
By the way, this lovely forest walk that also includes a boardwalk is also part of the Wicklow Way.
There is a tiny pullout parking for two cars just next to the most scenic part of the walk, or you can use one of the larger car parks on both sides of the forest.
Alternatively, you can rent a bike in Ballinastoe (or bring your own).
If you prefer to stay active while traveling, this may be a perfect activity for you, as a good level of fitness is required for the climbs.
Glenmacnass Waterfall
A lovely waterfall about 10 kilometers north of Glendalough, Glenmacnass is one of the best stops along the Old Military Road.
The cascade is usually best seen during or after rain, but we enjoyed the view even on a sunny day.
You can see the waterfall from the road, so this is a nice little stop.
Just be warned that the road is really narrow here, and there are only a few very small places to stop on the side of the road.
If you have time, you can take a short walk and explore the top waterfall's area. The waterfall's base sits on private land and can't be accessed.
The upper area has relatively large parking, so it might be better to leave your car there.
The main reason to see Glenmacnass is that it's along the way from Sally Gap to Glendalough, so you don't need to make any detours.
There is no entrance fee to see Glenmacnass Waterfall.
Glendalough
After driving the Old Military Road from Dublin, you will arrive in Glendalough.
This lovely little village is often considered a gateway to Wicklow Mountains National Park and one of the best day trips from Dublin.
Moreover, it's home to an ancient monastic settlement that flourished for several centuries.
There are also a couple of accommodations, a visitor center, parking, and a restaurant.
As you can clearly see, there are plenty of things to do and see in Glendalough.
Glendalough Monastic Site
There are plenty of monasteries and abbeys in Ireland, but Glendalough is arguably the most famous one.
The city flourished during medieval times and became one of the main pilgrimage sites in Ireland.
The 6th-century monastic complex founded by Saint Kevin in the picturesque Glendalough Valley is on every Wicklow Mountains itinerary today.
There are still several well-preserved structures, such as the Round Tower or Kevin's Kitchen, together with many ruins and stone crosses.
The tower was used as a defensive structure against the Normans, who raided the site many times.
There is no entry fee to Glendalough Monastic Site. By the way, you will find more ruins along the valley.
If you want to visit more monastic sites in Ireland, head out to Clonmacnoise, Corcomroe Abbey, or Skellig Michael.
The Upper Lake Trail
The stunning setting, religious importance, historical sites, and great hiking trails are the main reasons to visit Glendalough.
One of the easiest but most rewarding trails in Glendalough leads from the village to the Upper Lake and back.
The Upper Lake is nestled in a beautiful valley carved out by the glaciers during the Ice Age and with mountains on both sides.
There is also a smaller lake along the way that is also best seen from this trail.
Alternatively, you can park directly at the Upper Lake parking.
Glendalough Hikes
Glendalough is not only popular among pilgrims but also hikers from all over the world.
Whether you reach the Upper Lake area on foot or by car, you will have a chance to choose from one of the great trails that start in this area.
Trails range from easy to moderate, with hikes past quiet forests, a picturesque waterfall, monastic and mining sites, the vast boglands, and the open ridge of Spinc Mountain.
Our favorite trails included Poulanass, St Kevin's Cell, and Spinc. These are also considered the best hikes in Glendalough.
Spinc Loop
If you're looking for the best views in Wicklow Mountains National Park, you should consider hiking the Spinc Loop Trail.
Whether you choose the red, blue, or white trail, this moderately challenging trail should be on your list of things to do in Ireland.
The white trail features a few historical mining sites, the red trail shares part of the trail with the Wicklow Way, and the blue route is perfect for those travelers who are pressed for time.
Either way, all three routes include the walk along Spinc Ridge, which features impressive views of the glaciated valley, a couple of beautiful lakes, and barren mountains.
Without any doubt, Spin Loop is the best hike in Glendalough.
Wicklow Way
One of the most famous walking routes in Ireland, Wicklow Way is an interesting way to explore the Wicklow Mountains.
This hike will take you through the Irish countryside, mountains, bogs, and forgotten villages.
As it takes about five to seven days to complete the 130-kilometer trail, it's mostly popular among the locals.
However, you can explore some of its scenic sections even if you're pressed for time.
The long-distance trail connects Marlay Park in Dublin with Clonegal in County Carlow.
However, you will get a chance to connect to the trail in Glendalough, as it passes near the monastic site and the Upper Lake.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Parking in Glendalough costs a few euros, but other than that, this entire park should be on the list of the best free things to do in Ireland.
It's quite surprising how little you can spend compared to how much you can see in the Wicklow Mountains.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, this is a great destination to include in your Ireland itinerary.
How to Get There
At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that the Wicklow Mountains are easily accessible from Dublin.
Therefore, you have more options to reach this area, making planning a bit harder.
Is it better to rent a car, take public transport or join a guided tour? This is something you need to figure out before you go.
You should also read our guide on how to get around Ireland.
On the other hand, visiting the national park is much easier, at least when compared to some more remote places such as Sheep's Head Peninsula or Slieve League.
So what is the best way to get to the Wicklow Mountains?
Car
Still, we believe the easiest way to get to the Wicklow Mountains National Park is by car.
Renting a car usually seems like an expensive option, but it's actually quite often a cheaper alternative for people traveling in a group.
More importantly, it's the best way to maximize your freedom and make the most of your trip across the national park.
Furthermore, you can start your trip early to avoid crowds.
The fastest way to Glendalough from Dublin is through Kilmacanogue and Roundwood.
However, we believe it's much better to explore the Old Military Road instead. This route is much more time-consuming as it's narrow and includes many stops along the way, but it's way more rewarding and scenic.
By the way, don't forget to read our guides on renting a car in Ireland and tips for driving in Ireland.
These guides include practical tips on these topics and will help you plan your trip better.
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
If you want to reach the Wicklow Mountains by public transport, you basically have only one feasible option.
From Dublin, you can take St. Kevins Bus, which goes to Glendalough every day, even during the winter.
The bus leaves from St. Stephen's Green North in Dublin in the morning and reaches the visitor center in Glendalough in less than an hour and a half.
Alternatively, you can reach some of the towns around the area, such as Enniskerry, by bus.
However, this option is far from convenient, as you would need to take a taxi to continue your trip across the park.
Tours
One of the most popular ways to explore the Wicklow Mountains National Park is to take a guided tour from Dublin.
This is a fantastic option for travelers, especially those short on time.
There are plenty of great trips to choose from, as the national park is among the best day tours from Dublin.
One of the most popular Wicklow Mountains Tours also includes Kilkenny Castle.
How Much Time Do I Need
In our opinion, you should allow yourself a full day at Wicklow Mountains National Park.
If you start your day early, this amount of time will give you an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful places in the park and even include one of the half-day hikes in Glendalough.
Without extensive hiking plans, you would still need at least a half-day to see the monastic site, drive across the park, and make several stops.
A day and a half or two days will be even better if you don't want to feel rushed.
We drove to the Wicklow Mountains directly from Dublin Airport. The first stops were Powerscourt and the nearby waterfall.
Then we explored the Old Military Road and Sally Gap, took quite a lot of stops along the way, did a few short walks, and saw the Lough Tay, Ballinastoe Forest, or Glenmacnass Waterfall.
We arrived at Glendalough just before sunset and immediately explored the monastic site. Mind you, the sunset was at 9:30 PM in May, so it was a super long day.
We stayed in Glendalough overnight and the next day did the Spinc Loop.
Obviously, you can stay here even longer, but not many travelers can afford that.
When to Go
Wicklow Mountains National Park can be visited all year round, though each season has its advantages and disadvantages.
The best time to visit the Wicklow Mountains is during its warm and sunny summers. It's also generally the best time to visit Ireland.
Although the weather is at its best, this period is also the busiest.
International visitors flock to the country, and this period also overlaps with the Ireland summer holidays, bringing crowds and peak season prices.
Therefore, we believe that visiting the Wicklow Mountains during the spring or autumn might be a better option for those who want to escape the crowds and save some money.
The weather in the winter can be very changeable. The national park offers short days and wet and cold weather conditions during this period.
The main upside is that the summer crowds are long gone, and the park is almost empty.
Remember that given the size of the national park, there are variations, with the higher elevated areas attracting more severe weather.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Where to Stay
Depending on your itinerary, Wicklow Mountains National Park can be visited from different places.
As mentioned above, if you want to stay in the heart of the entire area, then you need to go to Glendalough or nearby Laragh.
This is a great place to stay overnight in order to reduce travel time to the national park. The main advantage is that you can start hiking early to beat the crowds.
Luxury travelers should look into the Powerscourt, home to one of the best hotels in the Wicklow Mountains. It's one of the best places to retreat from the busy Dublin streets and fast-paced life.
Obviously, Dublin has the largest amount of hotels for all budgets.
The city center is the best area to stay while visiting Dublin, especially for first-time visitors.
Here we've hand-selected some of the best hotels in the Wicklow Mountains.
Glendalough | Glendalough Hostel - This hostel offers both dormitory and ensuite rooms, free Wi-Fi, a cozy lounge, and a shared kitchen. The hostel is not only a great option for budget-savvy travelers, but it has a fantastic location just a short walk from the monastic site and is close to many trails.
Enniskerry | Powerscourt Hotel - With a prime location just a stone's throw from the national park, Powerscourt Hotel offers stylish rooms, excellent service, a stunning spa, a fine-dining restaurant, two 18-hole championship golf courses, and much more.
Dublin | Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin - Situated in the heart of Dublin, this is a great mid-range hotel with spacious rooms overlooking O'Connell Street, a gym, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Parking is available next to the hotel at a surcharge.
Is Wicklow Mountains National Park Worth Visiting?
If you like stunning nature, great hikes, historical sites, or scenic drives, then Wicklow Mountains National Park is definitely worth visiting.
One of the main advantages of this national park is its proximity to the capital city.
As we've already mentioned above, there are many stunning places in Ireland, especially the less-visited ones.
But places such as Sky Road or Downpatrick Head are far away or are hard to reach without a car.
Wicklow Mountains National Park is just an hour's drive from Dublin City Center, making it one of the best places you can explore from the capital city when pressed for time.
On top of that, the mountainous landscape really is breathtaking, and it's perfect for active travelers looking for a simple way to get out into nature and explore wild Ireland's outdoors.
And we couldn't choose a better place to start our Ireland road trip.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
