Military Road
Military Road
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
155 reviews
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101
Very good
43
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10
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1
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0
Erik K
Pittsburgh, PA657 contributions
Sep 2021
Great views all around, wasn't particularly crowded either.
We were treated to a couple waterfalls along the way, and even found a nice quiet place for a picnic lunch.
The area is loaded with hiking trails as well.
If you only have a day, pack a lunch, bring a camera and enjoy!
We were treated to a couple waterfalls along the way, and even found a nice quiet place for a picnic lunch.
The area is loaded with hiking trails as well.
If you only have a day, pack a lunch, bring a camera and enjoy!
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim O
Forest, VA42 contributions
Sep 2022
Very narrow drive thru the Wicklow mountains. Beautiful visas of the mountains with areas to stop and enjoy the beauty. Nice change of pace to get out of Dublin. We did it on an organized tour including Powerscourt and Glenaloch.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exocet1
Dublin, Ireland34 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
If you happen to visit Ireland and hire a car and are particularly interested in Irish history, take a drive on the Military Road running from Dublin, 34 miles through the spectacular Wicklow Mountains, right up to the borders of County Carlow.
This road, besides having wonderful scenery and many a picnic spot, was built by the British with one thing in mind, to make easy, the capture of Michael Dwyer, (1798 and 1800's Irish Rebel leader extraordinaire, uncle of Ireland's heroine Anne Devlin and friend of rebel leader Robert Emmet, (Google the story of Dwyer and the hunt for him, his exile to Australia, where he ultimately became Chief of Police in Liverpool AUS).
The road, which is a big draw for tourists, starts in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, passes by Glencree towards Enniskerry, dips down through Laragh and the Glendasan Valley, over the hills into Glenmalure, and finishes near Aughavannagh. The route takes you through a wonderland of meandering rivers, hills and magical vales, who's pallettes of colour change with the passing clouds. Map the area out and check the weather beforehand. Select your itinery, (theres too much to mention here), and welcome to the Garden of Ireland.
PS. They never caught Dwyer. He handed himself up on the premise of free passage abroad, but his presence still saturates the land.
PPS. I specifically did not attach a photo as no image can do the place justice.
This road, besides having wonderful scenery and many a picnic spot, was built by the British with one thing in mind, to make easy, the capture of Michael Dwyer, (1798 and 1800's Irish Rebel leader extraordinaire, uncle of Ireland's heroine Anne Devlin and friend of rebel leader Robert Emmet, (Google the story of Dwyer and the hunt for him, his exile to Australia, where he ultimately became Chief of Police in Liverpool AUS).
The road, which is a big draw for tourists, starts in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, passes by Glencree towards Enniskerry, dips down through Laragh and the Glendasan Valley, over the hills into Glenmalure, and finishes near Aughavannagh. The route takes you through a wonderland of meandering rivers, hills and magical vales, who's pallettes of colour change with the passing clouds. Map the area out and check the weather beforehand. Select your itinery, (theres too much to mention here), and welcome to the Garden of Ireland.
PS. They never caught Dwyer. He handed himself up on the premise of free passage abroad, but his presence still saturates the land.
PPS. I specifically did not attach a photo as no image can do the place justice.
Written October 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathysonny
Breckenridge, CO112 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We drove the Military Road tour in the Wicklow Mountains as shown in the Eyewitness Travel book for Ireland. It as very interesting. We started at the northern end and followed it around counterclockwise for 60 miles. At first you drive up high to a barren but beautiful area then down again to an area called Sally Gap. As you continue to drive, you pass a waterfall and come to Glendalough which is an historic monastery from the 6th century (well worth a stop). Then around through a pretty area called the Vale of Clara and then to the town of Roundwood which is the highest village in Ireland. Stop at a cool looking pub for a beer! Then on around to Powerscourt. We chose not to pay the fee to see the waterfall or the gardens. That ends the official driving tour. With several stops we spent about 4 hours on this tour - well worth it.
Written October 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
African Rosie
19 contributions
Jul 2019
There are four roads that all end at the top of the Military Road. To stand at Sally's Gap and look around 360% at mountains, with no houses, street lighting etc. is amazing.
When you learn the history of the Military Road it makes it hard to believe just how hard the men had to work to build this road in the 1800's.no matter which direction you go there is fantastic scenery to see.
When you learn the history of the Military Road it makes it hard to believe just how hard the men had to work to build this road in the 1800's.no matter which direction you go there is fantastic scenery to see.
Written October 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeyPaula75
Minato, Japan41 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
You pass through the mountains, bogs, forests, small villages, lakes...everything you would want to see in this area. An easy drive if you are comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road from the US. Well maintained roads.
Written April 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJCass
Ireland307 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
If you really want to see Wicklow, the mountains and explore the heart of the Garden of Ireland then take the Military Road. It was built between 1800 and 1809 and is a gem. It takes you right into the heart of the Wicklow National Park, past Sallys Gap, Glenmacnass Waterfall and into Aughavannagh. Its is a real adventure and time and time again you will find yourself on this road when travelling through Wicklow as you will be drawn to its scenery and access to the major beauty spots, Sallys Gap, Wicklow Gap, Lough Tay, Lough Dan, Glendalough, Glenmacnass Waterfall and these are just a small sample of the sites you will see.
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Willie T
Silver Spring, MD24 contributions
Aug 2015
We loved this drive. Only our second day driving on the left, and this was fine. A few places where the road is narrow, and there are a good number of bikers, but everyone seems to drive pretty slowly, so we had no problems. The scenery is other-worldly among the peat bogs. And we did have sheep in the road (they quickly moved out of the way), and what could be a better Irish experience than that. From Dublin to Glendalough, it took us over 2 hours, but we stopped 4+ times for photos.
Written August 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keegan_9
Istanbul, Türkiye351 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
You need a car to do this trip through the Dublin-Wicklow mountains. See places like Sally's Gap, Glencree and Loch Dan. Goes all the way to Glenalogh. Really great way to spend a day in Dublin. Don't miss this.
Written October 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
37traveller37
Dublin, Ireland62 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
It is probably fair to say that this road would not have been built, but for the activities of Michael O' Dwyer, probably one of the first to use the "hit em and move fast" style of attack on the occupying army of the Crown. He had the advantage of knowing the terrain and where to get food for his band. The authorities built the route in order to get at the attackers quickly, but as soon as done, O'Dwyer leaves for Oz and a new life.
Park just after the Oasis and take the hike up Tonlegee by the Brook Lough. This is a favourite view of Wicklow for many and you may even get a swim in Lake Ouler, truly refreshing!! Soft bottom too! Plenty of deer to see and possibly the elusive Merlin, a summer resident. August sees the hatching of the Peacock butterfly, a special time!
Park just after the Oasis and take the hike up Tonlegee by the Brook Lough. This is a favourite view of Wicklow for many and you may even get a swim in Lake Ouler, truly refreshing!! Soft bottom too! Plenty of deer to see and possibly the elusive Merlin, a summer resident. August sees the hatching of the Peacock butterfly, a special time!
Written August 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
livinthedream65452
Crocker, MO18 contributions
Greetings, I see you are informed and have driven 'MilitaryRoad'. After spending two days in Dublin we are planning to rent a car from Enterprise in city center. I would like to drive from Dublin to Kilkenny. In route, I would like to take the military road and visit Enniskerry, Powerscourt Gardens. I have set all day aside for this trip.
Could you assist me on 1) where in Dublin do I get on R115 2) Do you know any other 'must see' along this route 3) what route do you recommend from Enniskerry to Kilkenny?
Thank you Very much for the assistance,
J Loveall
Exocet1
Dublin, Ireland34 contributions
To get on the R115, head for South Dublin- Ballyboden, and reference Rathfarnham Golf Club. R115 runs south from there towards Enniskerry and Powerscourt. Personally, if I was touring that area, I'd later deviate towards Knockinarrigan in the Glen of Imaal. Google Dwyer, McAllister cottage and pay a visit to where the famous Irish Rebels were trapped by British forces, and what happened next. Bring a picnic for if you discover a spectacular spot. You will be stretching it trying to do everything in one day. Mind the roads, especially the Boreens (little roads), and enjoy.
PS. Better hiring a car with a bit of height, so you can see the scenery over the hedge-rows.
Ádh Mór (Good Luck)
Megan M
Dayton, OH486 contributions
How long does it take to do the self drive on Military Road? Also, is it a loop or do you enter/exit at different points?
cherie e
El Centro, CA52 contributions
It isn't very far at all. Just follow the signs and there will be a small station to pay a minimal fee and the Powerscourt Falls is beautiful.
Kat B
1 contribution
Is cycling safe on this road? How busy does it get? Thank you!
James M
County Dublin, Ireland220 contributions
The road does not have cycle lanes, or even a hard shoulder. It is quite narrow (one lane in each direction). There are plenty of curves and bends and very few long straight stretches. The spectacular scenery can be distracting for drivers and cyclists both, so be careful. Having said all that, if you take proper care and pay attention, it can be a very rewarding experience to cycle this historic mountain road. Take care and enjoy!
LizBennett10
Cold Spring, NY30 contributions
Are there portions of the road that you can safely walk?
Any way to get there from Dublin using public transportation?
Thanks!
Rona K
County Wexford, Ireland56 contributions
There are portions where you can walk, once you keep to the side to let the cars pass by. Sadly, there are no public transport that will bring you to this area.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Military Road
- Hotels near Military Road:
- (8.59 mi) The Merrion Hotel
- (8.63 mi) The Grafton Hotel
- (8.79 mi) The Mont
- (8.32 mi) Mespil Hotel
- (8.58 mi) Roxford Lodge Hotel
- Restaurants near Military Road:
- (7.95 mi) 31 Lennox
- (8.19 mi) Mister S
- (3.15 mi) The Merry Ploughboy Gastro Pub
- (7.88 mi) Ruchii
- (3.76 mi) Johnnie Fox's Pub
Military Road Information
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