Best trails in Wicklow Mountains National Park
The Wicklow Mountains National Park encompasses approximately 23,000 hectares of Wicklow Upland, characterised by blanket bogs, rugged mountain peaks, and enchanting valleys. The park offers wonderful routes whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging trek. Glendalough Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Wicklow Mountains National Park, with many activities to be enjoyed in the area. The mountains south of this valley are excellent ways to extend the hike, with great routes leading up the Spink, Mullacor, and Lugduff SE Top, all offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Wicklow Mountains landscape. Another iconic peak in the park is Scarr Mountain, situated on the eastern rim of the Wicklow Mountains, about five kilometres north of the more well-known and renowned Glendalough Valley. Several tranquil lakes are interspersed throughout the Wicklow Mountains, including Lough Ouler, a beautiful heart-shaped lake on the northeastern side of Tonelagee, formed by glacial erosion, or Lough Tay, which is also sometimes referred to as Guinness Lake due to its shape resembling a pint. The Wicklow Mountains are traversed by the Wicklow Way, which extends over 130km (80 miles), linking Marley Park in Dublin to the village of Clonegal, and winds its way through dense woodlands, across heather-clad moors, and along tranquil lakes. Other iconic trails include Saint Kevin’s Way, a pilgrim path marked by yellow waymarkers that follows the 6th-century Saint Kevin’s walk from Hollywood to Glendalough Valley, where he founded the monastic settlement. The Wicklow Mountains National Park weaves together Ireland’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering wonderful adventures amidst unique, untamed wilderness with expansive vistas.
The Wicklow Mountains are located just south of Dublin and are easily accessed from the city. Many places in the Wicklow Mountains are only accessible by road however (car or bicycle), and these roads are shared with cyclists, so take care as you make your way along the winding roads.
Please keep in mind that dogs must be kept on leads to protect wildlife.
Top trails
1
(3141)
•Moderate
•5.9 mi
•Est. 3.5–4 hr
This trail follows the white route up the Spink and through the Glendalough Valley, offering spectacular views and a blend of terrains, as well as passing Poulanass Waterfall on the way.
Glendalough Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Wicklow Mountains National Park. There are many activities to be enjoyed in the area, with a large variety of hiking routes to explore, water activities on the lakes, and plenty of wildlife to be spotted, so keep an eye out. Please keep in mind...
2
(1892)
•Moderate
•7.8 mi
•Est. 4.5–5 hr
This is one of the most rewarding trails in Ireland. This route offers spectacular views of the Upper Lake from above. There is beautiful scenery throughout, an interesting history, and a lot of wildlife. It's a moderate trail with wooden pathways placed in any difficult spots. There are lots of boulders near Miner's Village which are suitable for bouldering. There are car parks, restaurants, a tourist information centre, and a hotel at the beginning of the loop.
3
(860)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 2.5–3 hr
This is a wonderful route in Wicklow Mountains National Park, taking you up to Djouce Mountain, which offers spectacular views from its summit.
The trail starts from a parking area along the L1036 and first takes you through Ballinastoe Wood on the southern slopes of White Hill.
Continue along the edge of the woodland until you reach the Wicklow Way, a long-distance route which extends over 130km (80 miles) and winds its way through dense woodlands, across heather-clad moors, and along...
4
(1509)
•Hard
•4.9 mi
•Est. 3–3.5 hr
This is a beautiful trail in the Wicklow Mountains National Park that takes you up Tonelagee and along the heart-shaped lake, Lough Ouler.
The trail starts from the Glenmacnass Waterfall car park on Military Road (R115) and leads you along the meandering Glendmacnass River before eventually crossing it to begin the ascent along the Lough Brook.
This leads to Lough Ouler, a beautiful heart-shaped lake on the northeastern side of Tonelagee formed by glacial erosion. The lake is only...
5
(881)
•Moderate
•3.9 mi
•Est. 2–2.5 hr
This Spinc Loop offers some spectacular views of the Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Start this trail from the Glendalough Upper Lake car park between the two lakes in Glendalough Valley, whose name comes from the Irish “Gleann Dá Loch”, meaning “valley of two lakes”.
Follow the path across the Lugduff Brook before embarking on the steep ascent alongside it, which leads you to the Poulanass Waterfall, an impressive sight as the water cascades through the...
6
(926)
•Moderate
•4.1 mi
•Est. 2–2.5 hr
This stunning route takes you around the Upper and Lower lakes of Lough Bray in Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The trail starts from a car park just off Military Road (R115) and leads you across the moorland and boggy terrain. Near the start, you will have to ford a stream twice before reaching the waterside of the Upper Lake.
Continue on the path east of the lake, veering away as you near the north end and make your way down to the Lower Lake. The views of the two black lakes nestled...
7
(567)
•Moderate
•6.2 mi
•Est. 3.5–4 hr
Enjoy panoramic views over Dublin from the top of Djouce, the scenery is simply amazing. Although most of the area is bog and water-logged, there's a wooden trail the majority of the way which provides an easy pathway to the top. This boardwalk path makes it very safe and convenient while also protecting the trail from eroding. Check the forecast and beware of the strong winds even on good weather days. Fox, deer and other wildlife can be spotted along the way so keep an eye out for wildlife.
8
(634)
•Easy
•1.9 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
This is a beautiful trail taking you through the Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Glendalough Valley comes from the Irish “Gleann Dá Loch”, meaning “valley of two lakes”. This trail is covered by the shade of trees as it takes you along the Lower Lake, as well as offering amazing views of the Upper Lake towards the end.
The trail starts from the Glendalough Upper Lake car park between the two lakes and takes you along the valley floor to the Lower Lake. You’ll...
9
(351)
•Easy
•3.1 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
This trail follows Miners’ Road through the Glendalough Valley in Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Glendalough Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Wicklow Mountains National Park. There are many activities to be enjoyed in the area, with a large variety of hiking routes to explore, water activities on the lakes, and plenty of wildlife to be spotted, so keep an eye out. Please keep in mind that dogs must be kept on leads to protect wildlife.
The Glenealo River flows through...
10
(488)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 3–3.5 hr
This is a wonderful route in Wicklow Mountains National Park, taking you up to Djouce Mountain, which offers spectacular views from its summit.
The trail starts from a parking area along the L1036 and first takes you through Ballinastoe Wood on the southern slopes of White Hill.
Continue along the edge of the woodland until you reach the Wicklow Way, a long-distance route which extends over 130km (80 miles) and winds its way through dense woodlands, across heather-clad moors, and along...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Wicklow Mountains National Park is Spinc and Glenealo Valley, which has a 4.8 star rating from 3,141 reviews. This trail is 5.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,440 ft.
What is the longest trail in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Wicklow Mountains National Park is Drumgoff Forest to Lugnaquilla and Glenmalure. This trail is estimated to be 17.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
There are 137 trails in Wicklow Mountains National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 25,933 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Wicklow Mountains National Park has you covered. Scarr, Tonelagee, and Camaderry Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 4,668 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Glendalough, Lugduff SE Top, and Mullacor Loop, which will get you 4,383 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Wicklow Mountains National Park and the most popular is Scarr and Kanturk Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 454 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 99 running trails in Wicklow Mountains National Park and the most popular is Spinc and Glenealo Valley with an average 4.8 star rating from 3,141 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Wicklow Mountains National Park and the most popular is Drumgoff Forest to Carrawaystick with an average 4.1 star rating from 67 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 113 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including White Hill and Djouce, Lough Ouler and Tonelagee Loop, Ballinastoe Wood to Djouce via Wicklow Way, White Hill, Djouce, and Ballinastoe Wood Loop, and Wicklow Gap to Tonelagee.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 27 trails with waterfalls in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Glendalough Loop via The Spinc, The Spinc Loop, Lower Lake, Upper Lake, and Poulanass Waterfall Loop, and Derrybawn Woodland Trail.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 35 trails with historical ruins in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Glendalough Loop via The Spinc, Miners' Road Walk, Lugnaquilla and Cloghernagh via Mine Path, and 1798 Memorial to Lugnaquilla.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 26 trails with archaeological sites in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including Glendalough Loop via The Spinc, Lower Lake, Upper Lake, and Poulanass Waterfall Loop, Derrybawn Woodland Trail, Spinc and the Wicklow Way (Red Route), and Glendalough, Upper Lake, and Derrybawn Mountain Loop.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 27 trails with scenic viewpoints in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Glendalough Loop via The Spinc, Derrybawn Woodland Trail, Spinc and the Wicklow Way (Red Route), and Djouce via The Wicklow Way.
Are there any trails with lakes in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 21 trails with lakes in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including Lough Ouler and Tonelagee Loop, Lough Bray Loop, Lugnaquilla and Cloghernagh via Mine Path, Upper Lough Bray Loop, and Scarr and Kanturk Loop.
Are there any trails with rivers in Wicklow Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 34 trails with rivers in Wicklow Mountains National Park, including Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Glendalough Loop via The Spinc, Green Road Walk, Miners' Road Walk, and Lower Lake, Upper Lake, and Poulanass Waterfall Loop.