County Wicklow is a true walker’s paradise. Venture out into the countryside and find yourself marveling at glacier valleys, historic buildings and fairy-tale waterfalls. There’s a plethora of walking routes and trails within the county, catering to both the seasoned as well as the inexperienced walker.
The Wicklow Way
Location: Dublin, Wicklow, Carlow Distance: 127km
The Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first long-distance hiking trail, runs right from Dublin through the Wicklow Mountains. Traditionally the Wicklow Way is walked from north to south, beginning at Marlay Park in south Dublin and ending in Clonegal, Co. Carlow. It’s a stunning route, where you may at times feel as if you’re crossing through a mythological film set.
You’ll find yourself walking along old farmlands, spectacular private valleys and the wonderful Celtic sites of Glendalough and Powerscourt, amongst others.
Glendalough
Location: Glendalough Distance: 2 to 11km
Glendalough’s beauty attracts visitors from near and far. It’s part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and contains numerous walking trails around the Upper and Lower Lakes – ranging from 2 to 11km in distance and going up to 500m in height. Glendalough translates as the ‘valley of two lakes’ and here you will also find the monastery ruins of hermit monk Saint Kevin, who retreated to the valley in the 6th century.
His followers established a monastery here which would become one of the most important monastic sites in Europe. Numerous legends and stories make their rounds about Saint Kevin and his time in Glendalough, which only add to the magic of the place. There’s something here for everyone.
Go in search of mountain goats or deer, make a trip around the two lakes, or trek into the mountains.
St. Kevin's Way
Location: Glendalough – Hollywood Distance: 30km
The Saint Kevin’s Way is a 30km trail that runs from the little town of Hollywood to Glendalough. By walking it you follow in the footsteps of Saint Kevin, who himself made the same journey back in medieval times, seeking solace and contemplation.
Traditionally the main start for the route is in Hollywood, but you can also take Valleymount as your starting point. It’s a stunning walk that explicitly shows the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains as it climbs towards the Wicklow Gap, then slowly descends into the valley of Glendalough.
TINAHELY LOOP
Location: Tinahely Distance: 25km
The Tinahely loop takes in elements of the Railway Walk, the Wicklow Way and Muskeagh Hill. It’s a hike for the experienced walker as it’s a mixed surface, gradient walk. At times steep climbing is required for a longer period and the path itself can be rough, especially when wet.However, in exchange for your effort you’ll be presented with wonderful views and scenery, as the walk loops through a variety of valleys and farmland.
BRAY TO GREYSTONES CLIFF WALK
Location: Bray – Greystones Distance: 9.6km
Marvel at the rugged Irish coast between the coastal towns of Bray and Greystones on this beautiful cliff walk, where you will find yourself high and (hopefully) dry on a comfortable path. The Bray to Greystones walk offers a plethora of flora and fauna – keep an eye out for nesting birds in the nooks and crannies of the cliff walls. The starting point of the walk can be either Greystones or Bray. There’s a train running between the two towns that will comfortably bring you back to your starting point.
SEAN LINAHAN WALK
Location: Aughrim, Distance: 6km
The Sean Linehan Walk was named in honour of a local Aughrim man, who dedicated himself to improving the cleanliness and the beauty of the town. The walk starts at the old Tinnakilly Bridge, a short walk from the center of town, from where it follows the path of the Macreddin River.
The abundance of water along the route makes for lush woodland and plenty of flowery beauty within season.