Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park
4.5
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- Carol K16 contributionsMake time for Glendalough & Wicklow National Park!Even though it rained the day we visited Glendalough and Wicklow National Park, it was one of my favorite days of our trip to Ireland. The cemetery and visitors center at Glendalough were very interesting. The walks (especially the paved ones) in Wicklow National Park made for a wonderful time seeing the beautiful area and made it possible for all parties in our group. As I said, even in the rain it was beautiful (thank goodness it was a light rain and not very cold that day).Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2023
- Tammy FMount Gambier, Australia281 contributionsPack a picnicWe visited the monastic site, which was very interesting and full of great photo opportunities. Watch out for the midges, they were in full flight in August. We were here for about 1 hour. Get there before 10.30 am and you should beat most of the bus groups. Parking was 4Euro from memory. We then drove to the upper lakes area, parking again about 5Euro I think. We were here on a Sunday and it was FULL of people, locals and visitors. We chose to walk the Miners Village walk with our 2 kids (aged 9 and 12). The kids found some lead at the Miners Village and some camouflaged wild goats in the mountain rocks. We had packed a picnic so ate along the walk. It was not very good weather - misty rain with some heavier rain, the entire walk. There were some people swimming in the lake at the entrance as well. Too cold for most! This was a great way to spend a few hours. Wished we had more time to do a bigger walk.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 28, 2023
- laurapaul2018Compton, Canada61 contributionsBeautiful Hike with Gorgeous ViewsWe drove through Sally's Gap and the land is quite barren with sheep sometimes dotting the open fields or on the road. Lots of bikers enjoying the tours and some beautiful spots to see as well. We loved the view of Lough Tay, gorgeous day so water sparkling and meadows so green with deer grazing on them. We could not really access Glanmacnacas Waterfall as it is on private land but we thoroughly enjoyed Glendalough and a hike up the white trail for some spectacular views. The trails are very well maintained and not too crowded even though it was the weekend and amazing weather. Poulanass Waterfalls and the enormous trees and lakes are lovely and we enjoyed a great ice cream too.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
1,275 reviews
Excellent
996
Very good
242
Average
29
Poor
1
Terrible
7
BP16
New Delhi, India66 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
A trip to Dublin is incomplete without a drive to Wicklow mountains. Best way to travel is by a car so that you can stop anywhere you want and soak in the delightful sights. Powerscourt waterfalls is a great place to explore. Carry a picnic hamper or else the cafe there has some snacky things to offer. Usually families and pet owners can be seen thronging the place during holiday season and weekends.
Written November 8, 2020
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.
Joseph H
Athenry, Ireland35 contributions
May 2021
Highly recommend the SpincTrail (white hike) for anyone with a few hours on their hands. Beautiful views of the mountains and lakes from above. Just about 10 kms all in there are some steep parts both going up and coming down but well worth the trek.
Plenty of open space and rocks to sit down on for a rest and bring cupa tea and a sandwich and enjoy. Path well marked out, we went on a Saturday morning 11:00am and car park nearly full. Recommend getting here in the morning before crowds converge.
Plenty of open space and rocks to sit down on for a rest and bring cupa tea and a sandwich and enjoy. Path well marked out, we went on a Saturday morning 11:00am and car park nearly full. Recommend getting here in the morning before crowds converge.
Written May 31, 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.
Naomi K
2 contributions
Mar 2022
Our tour guide was the best! I can't remember his name unfortunately but he was so entertaining and funny, and took us to the Guiness Lake too which was beautiful! Definitely my favourite part of the trip. However, the Glendalough part of the trip didn't really seem worth it to me - maybe it's better if you go for the full day trip rather than the half day as we were left to walk around there for less than an hour but there wasn't really anywhere that interesting or different to go. A lot of us were expecting a bit of a walk which you definitely don't get with the half-day tour - you will be spending most of your time on the bus. The tour was also a great way to meet new people as there are no empty seats on the coach, so I would recommend this if you are also travelling solo as I was.
Written March 10, 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.
Hannah M
138 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We did the spinc on a Friday, it wasn’t too busy which was great. We did the white route which took us about 2 hrs 45 mins. It’s not an easy hike if you’re unfit (like me) but it’s manageable, once you reach the board walk it gets easier but I would definitely recommend wearing hiking boots/shoes as you need good grip on the way down the miners village. The views are amazing especially on a nice day, lots of nice points to stop and take pictures. We were able to have a picnic by the upper lake before we started our hike. Parking was handy and cost €4. Great toilet facilities at the car park too.
Written August 10, 2020
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.
Tammy F
Mount Gambier, Australia281 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We visited the monastic site, which was very interesting and full of great photo opportunities. Watch out for the midges, they were in full flight in August. We were here for about 1 hour.
Get there before 10.30 am and you should beat most of the bus groups.
Parking was 4Euro from memory.
We then drove to the upper lakes area, parking again about 5Euro I think.
We were here on a Sunday and it was FULL of people, locals and visitors.
We chose to walk the Miners Village walk with our 2 kids (aged 9 and 12). The kids found some lead at the Miners Village and some camouflaged wild goats in the mountain rocks. We had packed a picnic so ate along the walk.
It was not very good weather - misty rain with some heavier rain, the entire walk.
There were some people swimming in the lake at the entrance as well. Too cold for most!
This was a great way to spend a few hours. Wished we had more time to do a bigger walk.
Get there before 10.30 am and you should beat most of the bus groups.
Parking was 4Euro from memory.
We then drove to the upper lakes area, parking again about 5Euro I think.
We were here on a Sunday and it was FULL of people, locals and visitors.
We chose to walk the Miners Village walk with our 2 kids (aged 9 and 12). The kids found some lead at the Miners Village and some camouflaged wild goats in the mountain rocks. We had packed a picnic so ate along the walk.
It was not very good weather - misty rain with some heavier rain, the entire walk.
There were some people swimming in the lake at the entrance as well. Too cold for most!
This was a great way to spend a few hours. Wished we had more time to do a bigger walk.
Written August 28, 2023
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.
laurapaul2018
Compton, Canada61 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We drove through Sally's Gap and the land is quite barren with sheep sometimes dotting the open fields or on the road. Lots of bikers enjoying the tours and some beautiful spots to see as well. We loved the view of Lough Tay, gorgeous day so water sparkling and meadows so green with deer grazing on them. We could not really access Glanmacnacas Waterfall as it is on private land but we thoroughly enjoyed Glendalough and a hike up the white trail for some spectacular views. The trails are very well maintained and not too crowded even though it was the weekend and amazing weather. Poulanass Waterfalls and the enormous trees and lakes are lovely and we enjoyed a great ice cream too.
Written October 16, 2023
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.
Karen BF
Edmonton, Canada508 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The weather is master up here, on the moors. It was cold and windy and wet the day we went, but we still made a day of it with the views and the brief hikes, running back to car to warm up. Go, see it, pack a lunch and give yourself plenty of time for the drive.
Written January 12, 2020
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.
Carol K
16 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Even though it rained the day we visited Glendalough and Wicklow National Park, it was one of my favorite days of our trip to Ireland. The cemetery and visitors center at Glendalough were very interesting. The walks (especially the paved ones) in Wicklow National Park made for a wonderful time seeing the beautiful area and made it possible for all parties in our group. As I said, even in the rain it was beautiful (thank goodness it was a light rain and not very cold that day).
Written June 25, 2023
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.
newhampshire411
Chicago, IL318 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 August 26, 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.
ferg17
Rayleigh, UK649 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Beautiful scenery on this 10k walk. First part is a winding hilly ascent past the waterfall. Lots of stops to take in the breathtaking scenery. Saw deer too
The decent is challenging so ensure a good pair of boots or walking shoes are worn.
Very busy later on so would get there early to avoid the crowds
The decent is challenging so ensure a good pair of boots or walking shoes are worn.
Very busy later on so would get there early to avoid the crowds
Written September 28, 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.
Alex Y
Massachusetts45 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, Canada488 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, Ireland41 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
Blackstock2 contributions
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
23 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
dublin366 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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Claim your listingWicklow Mountains National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wicklow Mountains National Park
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- Small-Group Wicklow and Glendalough DayTour from Dublin with a Guided Walk (From $72.28)
- Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin (From $47.82)
- Small-Group Wicklow, Powerscourt, and Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin (From $61.16)
- Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Morning Tour from Dublin (From $36.70)
- Small-Group Wicklow and Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin with Horse-Back Riding (From $139.00)
- Hotels near Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- (1.11 mi) Riversdale House
- (2.56 mi) Bramble Rock
- (4.64 mi) Wicklow Way Lodge
- (7.01 mi) Stirabout Lane B&B
- (3.15 mi) Trooperstown Lodge
- Restaurants near Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- (2.18 mi) The Wicklow Heather Bar & Restaurant
- (3.10 mi) Glenmalure Lodge Restaurant
- (2.31 mi) Lynham's of Laragh
- (6.71 mi) Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant
- (2.19 mi) Glendalough Green
- Attractions near Wicklow Mountains National Park:
- (1.19 mi) The Wicklow Way
- (1.13 mi) Glendalough Monastic Settlement
- (3.95 mi) Footfalls Walking Holidays
- (5.51 mi) Joyce's Ireland Hiking Tours
- (7.63 mi) Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking Centre
Wicklow Mountains National Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 996 |
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Very Good Reviews | 242 |
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