Walking Holidays and Outdoor Adventures in Wicklow Mountains National Park

Uplands, Valleys, and Ireland’s Classic Long-Distance Trails

Ireland’s largest national park — a landscape of wild beauty on Dublin’s doorstep.

Wicklow Mountains National Park, stretching across more than 20,000 hectares, is the heart of Ireland’s South and East Coast walking country. Known as the “Garden of Ireland,” this is a place of deep glacial valleys, heather-clad moors, oak woodlands, and shimmering mountain lakes. At its centre lies Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement in a dramatic valley of two lakes, one of Ireland’s most iconic walking destinations.

Walking here means exploring upland ridges, tracing forest tracks, and discovering waterfalls, cliffs, and heritage sites. The park is also home to the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail, which threads through valleys and mountains for over 130 km. With its mix of accessible day walks and challenging multi-day routes, Wicklow Mountains National Park is perfect for both casual walkers and serious hikers.

Counties: Primarily Wicklow, with sections extending into Dublin and Carlow.

Featured Trails

The Wicklow Way
A 131 km trail running from Marlay Park in Dublin through the mountains to Clonegal in County Carlow. Highlights include Glendalough, Powerscourt Waterfall, and sweeping views from Wicklow’s uplands.

Glendalough Loop Walks
Several waymarked loops around the lakes and monastic ruins, from gentle riverside strolls to tougher climbs into the surrounding hills.

Lugnaquilla
At 925 m, the highest mountain in Leinster. Challenging routes lead to the summit with panoramic views over the national park.

Spinc & Glenealo Valley Trail
A demanding loop above Glendalough with boardwalk sections, cliffs, and breathtaking vistas of the lakes below.

Lough Tay & Djouce Mountain
A dramatic circuit offering views of the “Guinness Lake” (Lough Tay) and sweeping Wicklow landscapes.

Adventure Highlights

• Glendalough Monastic City — ruins, lakes, and heritage trails.
• The Wicklow Way — Ireland’s most famous long-distance route.
• Lugnaquilla — the highest peak in the east of Ireland.
• Powerscourt Waterfall — Ireland’s tallest cascade.
• Varied walking — from short family loops to multi-day treks.
• Accessible wilderness — only an hour from Dublin.

Explore the Area

• Glendalough – spiritual centre of the Wicklow Mountains, with lakes and ancient ruins.
• Laragh – a small village at the gateway to Glendalough.
• Enniskerry – near Powerscourt House, Gardens, and Waterfall.
• Roundwood – Ireland’s highest village, with local loop walks.
• Rathdrum & Glenmalure – bases for upland hikes and mountain valleys.