Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park
4.5
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Top ways to experience Wicklow Mountains National Park
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4.5
1,265 reviews
Excellent
987
Very good
241
Average
29
Poor
1
Terrible
7
John L
Grand Bend, Canada2,026 contributions
Oct 2022
Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 23,000 hectares of mountains, lakes and rivers, and is the largest of Ireland's 6 national parks. The many walking trails provide a close up view of the stunning scenery.
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alina
3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Beautiful scenery while hiking around Glendalough lake. A perfect day trip from Dublin! The views were incredible.
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael C
16 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
A must when visiting Ireland.
We did several walks, but highly recommend the White trail, it follows the lake and then up past water falls onto the ridge. In October the deer rut is in full swing which is wonderful to see.
The walk is steep and uneven in places, so average fitness is needed. Wear walking shows not trainers.
We did several walks, but highly recommend the White trail, it follows the lake and then up past water falls onto the ridge. In October the deer rut is in full swing which is wonderful to see.
The walk is steep and uneven in places, so average fitness is needed. Wear walking shows not trainers.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ralph G
11 contributions
Sep 2022
In the heart of the Wicklow Mountain is a beautiful community called Glendalough. The Park starts off with a spiral structure commemorating the ancestors. Followed by a beautiful 1 hour hike around the lower lake and upper lake. Great scenery of nature. There are longer hikes if you wish.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FIL M
London, UK352 contributions
Oct 2022
Truly breathtakingly beautiful. No matter which route you take you are surrounded by flora and fauna of every type. Just wonderful, unfortunately we had to cut our walk a bit earlier than planned due to torrential rain downpour- however can not recommend enough.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
newhampshire411
Chicago, IL310 contributions
Aug 2022
WOW. We thoroughly enjoyed our day in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. We did the Spinc and Glendale Valley White Route. I believe the route itself was 9.5 km, but after walking through the monastic site and through the other trails, we totaled 13.5 miles walking at this parking. The views our worth it. The built in boardwalk makes the climb a lot easier. I can't imagine how long this must have taken to build! The sites are truly breathtaking and we saw many wildlife, including a herd of deer and a few sheep.
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Irish-mad-venturer
County Tipperary, Ireland43 contributions
Aug 2022
There is no doubt that this is a stunning place but it is so overcrowded and littered and most definitely don't plan to need a toilet after 5.15 in the vicinity of the visitor centre. Every litter bin there was overflowing and had bags of trash left beside it, along with other undesirables. Authorities need to remove the bins and force people to bring home their waste. It also needs to be patrolled at night to prevent people lighting dangerous fires.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda P
Massachusetts483 contributions
May 2022
We drove from Dublin to hike here. A beautiful hike that took us about 4 hours and a total of 9 miles. This was a challenging hike with lots of steep ascents, rocky areas and the weather elements. So worth it if you are up for it. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes, we saw some people totally unprepared and with small children. Not a place for for small children. The scenery was breathtaking so don't rush and just enjoy the journey.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LindaJLavallette
Lavallette17 contributions
May 2022
We booked a day trip thru Viator tours who booked us locally with Collins Tours. The title of the tour was "Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Kilkenny Day Tour from Dublin".
The tour guide Philip and the bus driver John did a fabulous job of explaining all the sites. John's English was perfect so there were no missing comments.
Kilkenny was our favorite part since we had time to explore the quaint town. Philip recommended a lovely pub and provided us a walking tour of approximately 45 minutes. A Great day.
The tour guide Philip and the bus driver John did a fabulous job of explaining all the sites. John's English was perfect so there were no missing comments.
Kilkenny was our favorite part since we had time to explore the quaint town. Philip recommended a lovely pub and provided us a walking tour of approximately 45 minutes. A Great day.
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ggoes
Aiken, SC36 contributions
May 2022
Driver was very accommodating and took us to the highlights after asking if we had anywhere special in mind.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alex Y
Massachusetts44 contributions
We booked the Wicklow Day Trip with Guided Walk Including Glendalough Tour from Dublin by Hilltoptreks and were wondering what type of shoes we should wear on the 90-minute guided walk ?
Carlo F
Toronto, Canada449 contributions
Depends on the weather. I went on a day where it had just rained and misty, and was able to navigate a trail with a pair of running shoes. Some of the trails are a bit more intermediate and some might suggest hiking boots. But if you're on a 90-minute guided walk, I doubt they'll take you to anything strenuous as it's a large park where the easier trails take about 90 mins round trip.
Deborah D
Modiin, Israel126 contributions
Hi. I can't seem to figure out if the Glendalough monastic sites are within the National Park or if that a separate site? Thanks!
Dawn F
Brooklyn, New York73 contributions
Yes. The monastic site is located within the park. You have to walk there, not far. But, we’ll worth it. Experience history and read the names of those who are buried there on the tombstones.
Ashling D
Dunmore East, Ireland12 contributions
Hi! I am planning a walk to the Wicklow mountains national park... where are the closest/nicest hotels to stay overnight? Thank you!
Geraldine M
Dublin, Ireland39 contributions
Heathers in Laragh. Perfect position. Try the walking over the Sally Gap. A desolate beauty. Or alternatively, the Wicklow Way.
Vortahar
42 contributions
I'm planning to visit Glendalough in January by St Kevin's bus service. The site states that you buy tickets on bus so I imagine there'll be some competition since there's only one departure from Dublin on winter schedule. Does anyone have some feedback about this?
Robert B
Belfast, UK37 contributions
Alexandre
Sorry I can’t help anytime I have been to glendalough it has been by car
Adriana C
Blackstock1 contribution
how long did it take you to walk/visit this place ?
TKeenan
Ashbourne Ireland54 contributions
Your visit to Glendalough will take as long as you are prepared to stay there, and will depend on how much energy you have for walking.
There are marked trails/routes graded from easy to difficult around Glendalough.
The Visitor Centre in Glendalough sells a Trail Guide for only about €0.50, and this lists at least nine marked walking routes with the shortest distance being a few kilometres and the longest being about 11 kilometres, (about 6.5 miles).
You could even consider the Wicklow Way, which is a 131km/81mile walking route starting in Marley Park, Co. Dublin and ending at Clonegal, Co. Carlow. The highest point is White Hill (630m/2,067ft).
NYCIrish1944
Granby, CT729 contributions
A future visitor in August is looking for information for trails that would suit 2 parents with a six-month old who will be in a back pack.( for "Krisanne from
Somerville , Mass. on Trip Advisor)
Thanks
Lior-L
Haifa, Israel48 contributions
As far as I remember the loop around the park has some ascent.
See the walking trails at wicklowmountainsnationalpark. ie site...
Download the brochure that includes all the trails (including distance and climb) - then, take the decision based on the capabilities of the person that will carry the baby...
Krisanne
Hopkinton, MA2 contributions
Hi! My husband and I are visiting the Wicklow Mountains area with our 6-month-old this August. Any suggestions for baby-friendly hiking trails or nature paths? We wear him in a carrier, so we won't need stroller-friendly paths, but still want to play it safe in terms of terrain :)
Any suggestions for other baby-friendly activities in the area? Thanks!
wonderingaround2016
Maryland38 contributions
Since you have a baby, also check out visitwicklow. Its has a family section for walks. They look fab. Have fun, its beautiful.
Craig R
21 contributions
Myself and two friends are heading for a trip to the Wicklow mountains in September.
We need a place to stay for two nights: it doesn't have to be anything fancy but 1) proximity to decent hiking - by which I mean more difficult walks / elevation - and 2) proximity to a nice pub are essential.
Does anyone have some suggestions ?
Many thanks in advance
gringottsgoblin
dublin226 contributions
Hello Craig R I would recommend the Heather House BandB in Laragh. You can rent rooms or a self contained studio apartment. It is connected to the Wicklow Heather which is next door is a Restaurant and Bar and the breakfast and food in the restaurant is excellent. This BandB is also about 100m to Lynams Bar and is across the road from McCoys shop.
Where it is located is hiker central for many trails which include Glenmacnass via Scarr or to Glendasan via Brockagh. It is a short distance to 1-2km to Glendalough and also and Glendasan and is close to Derrynane ridge and also Trooperstown All these valleys are accessible easily from Laragh.
If you want to go a little further afield to Glenmalure and Lugnaquilla it is a drive of around 20mins but if you want to do this valley and be located in the Glenmalure Valley then stay in the Glenmalure Lodge which is a bar restaurant and cheap hotel. Finally so that you enjoy your walk go to eastwestmapping ie and get their maps especially for the glendalough area and maybe west Wicklow. Hope that helps
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Wicklow Mountains National Park | Glendalough Village | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Wicklow Mountains National Park
- We recommend booking Wicklow Mountains National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 28 Wicklow Mountains National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- Small-Group Wicklow and Glendalough DayTour from Dublin with a Guided Walk (From €65.71)
- Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin (From €42.45)
- Small-Group Wicklow, Powerscourt, and Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin (From €55.60)
- (Morning) Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Tour from Dublin (From €33.35)
- Small-Group Wicklow and Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin with Horse-Back Riding (From €126.36)
- Hotels near Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- (1.74 km) 10 Riversdale House room only accommodation
- (4.09 km) Bramble Rock
- (7.42 km) Wicklow Way Lodge
- (5.04 km) Trooperstown Lodge
- (3.41 km) Pinewood Lodge
- Restaurants near Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- (3.49 km) The Wicklow Heather Bar & Restaurant
- (4.95 km) Glenmalure Lodge Restaurant
- (3.70 km) Lynham's of Laragh
- (10.73 km) Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant
- (11.29 km) Bates Restaurant
- Attractions near Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- (1.91 km) The Wicklow Way
- (1.81 km) Glendalough Monastic Settlement
- (6.33 km) Footfalls Walking Holidays
- (8.82 km) Joyce's Ireland Hiking Tours
- (12.20 km) Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking Centre