Wicklow Mountains Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Wicklow Mountains
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Wicklow Mountains, Ireland: explore Glendalough, mountain valleys, lakes, forests and hiking routes near Dublin in a protected national park region.

Mountain Valleys and Open Moorland

The Wicklow Mountains form Ireland’s largest continuous upland area, rising south of Dublin across County Wicklow and extending towards parts of County Dublin, Wexford and Carlow. Their rounded granite summits, broad valleys, peatland plateaux, conifer plantations and dark lakes create a landscape that changes markedly with the weather. Much of the central area lies within Wicklow Mountains National Park, where open mountain terrain surrounds some of Ireland’s most accessible wilderness scenery.
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Glendalough and the National Park

The valley of Glendalough is the region’s cultural centrepiece. Its two lakes and early medieval monastic settlement, founded by St Kevin in the sixth century, combine archaeological interest with woodland and mountain walks. Elsewhere, routes lead through the Glenmalure valley, across the Sally Gap, beside Lough Tay and towards summits such as Djouce and Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in County Wicklow. The park’s habitats support red deer, foxes, otters, peregrine falcons and a range of upland birds, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Settlements and Outdoor Life

Small communities including Laragh, Roundwood, Enniskerry and Aughrim provide practical bases, while nearby towns such as Wicklow and Arklow offer broader services. Walking is the main reason to visit, ranging from short woodland paths to demanding mountain routes; cycling, scenic driving, heritage visits and nature observation provide other ways to experience the area. Rain, mist and rapidly changing conditions are integral to the mountains, making preparation important even when the valleys appear calm.

When is the best time to visit Wicklow Mountains?

Best: June–August · 18–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January971
February1067
March1067
April1264
May1569
June (best)1869
July (best)2163
August (best)2068
September1773
October1475
November1179
December975

Getting to and around Wicklow Mountains

How to get there

The Wicklow Mountains are most easily reached by road from Dublin, Bray, Wicklow or the M50, with approaches leading towards settlements such as Enniskerry, Roundwood, Laragh and Glendalough. The Dublin–Rosslare railway serves stations including Bray, Greystones, Wicklow and Arklow, but these are gateways rather than entrances to the central mountains. Bus services connect Dublin and nearby towns with parts of County Wicklow, while limited services reach some visitor centres and settlements; coverage is not comprehensive. Visitors travelling deep into the uplands should check current routes and plan around the lack of regular transport between many rural sites.

Transportation

A car provides the greatest flexibility because the mountains cover a wide area and many valleys, trailheads and viewpoints are not linked by frequent public transport. Roads around the Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap and Glenmalure can be narrow, winding and exposed, so allow time and use designated parking areas rather than blocking passing places. Walking routes range from short paths around Glendalough to demanding upland crossings, with some routes requiring navigation skills. Cycling is possible on public roads, though gradients, weather and traffic conditions require care. There is no single transport network connecting every attraction within the national park.

Best attractions in Wicklow Mountains

Glendalough is the Wicklow Mountains’ best-known attraction, combining two lakes, woodland paths and an early medieval monastic settlement with routes into the surrounding hills. In the northern mountains, the Sally Gap scenic road passes open moorland, Lough Tay and the valleys beneath Djouce, while the Wicklow Gap crosses a broad upland landscape between Glendalough and western Wicklow. Glenmalure offers a quieter setting of forest, river and steep valley sides, and Lugnaquilla provides the region’s highest summit for experienced hillwalkers in suitable conditions. The National Park’s trails also reveal blanket bog, upland grassland and recovering woodland, with occasional views towards the coast. Powerscourt Waterfall and Powerscourt Estate lie near Enniskerry on the eastern edge of the wider Wicklow tourism region rather than in the central national park. Villages including Laragh, Roundwood and Enniskerry add practical stops and cultural context to a largely rural landscape.

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Best landmarks in Wicklow Mountains

The monastic remains at Glendalough are the defining cultural landmarks of the Wicklow Mountains, with the tall round tower, churches, gateways and graveyards set between the Upper and Lower Lakes. Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in County Wicklow and a major geographical reference point, although reaching its summit requires appropriate mountain experience and conditions. Djouce, the Sally Gap and the Wicklow Gap represent the open upland character of the region, while Lough Tay and Lough Dan are prominent mountain lakes shaped by the surrounding glacial terrain. Glenmalure is a landmark valley in both geographical and historical terms, associated with communications and conflict across the mountains. In the wider eastern foothills, Powerscourt Waterfall and the estate near Enniskerry are important visitor landmarks, but they should be treated as neighbouring attractions rather than features of the central national park.

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Explore Wicklow Mountains on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Wicklow Mountains

Dining in the Wicklow Mountains is concentrated in villages and gateway settlements rather than beside remote trailheads. Laragh and nearby Glendalough provide the most convenient options for visitors exploring the southern and central parts of the national park, with cafés, restaurants and pubs serving food suited to walkers as well as residents. Roundwood and Enniskerry are useful bases in the north, while Wicklow town, Bray and Arklow offer a wider choice beyond the mountain area. Menus generally reflect Ireland’s contemporary rural cooking, using local dairy, meat, vegetables and seafood from the east coast where available, alongside familiar pub dishes and baked goods. Farm shops and village food businesses can be useful for preparing a picnic, but opening patterns vary and remote valleys have few places to buy provisions. Carrying food and water is sensible for longer walks.

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Best bars in Wicklow Mountains

Evenings in the Wicklow Mountains are generally quiet and centred on traditional pubs, hotel bars and community venues in settlements such as Laragh, Roundwood, Enniskerry and nearby villages. These places may offer a social atmosphere, conversation, local drinks and occasional music or cultural events, but the area is not a late-night clubbing destination. Visitors staying in the central valleys should expect entertainment to be modest and facilities to close earlier than in Dublin or larger coastal towns. Bray, Wicklow and Arklow provide broader evening options outside the mountain core, although they require a journey by road. Rural roads are poorly suited to casual late-night driving, particularly in darkness or bad weather, so evening plans are best kept close to the chosen accommodation base.

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Best nightclubs in Wicklow Mountains

Evenings in the Wicklow Mountains are generally quiet and centred on traditional pubs, hotel bars and community venues in settlements such as Laragh, Roundwood, Enniskerry and nearby villages. These places may offer a social atmosphere, conversation, local drinks and occasional music or cultural events, but the area is not a late-night clubbing destination. Visitors staying in the central valleys should expect entertainment to be modest and facilities to close earlier than in Dublin or larger coastal towns. Bray, Wicklow and Arklow provide broader evening options outside the mountain core, although they require a journey by road. Rural roads are poorly suited to casual late-night driving, particularly in darkness or bad weather, so evening plans are best kept close to the chosen accommodation base.

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Best shops in Wicklow Mountains

Shopping within the Wicklow Mountains is limited and practical, with village shops, cafés, food outlets and small local businesses concentrated in Laragh, Roundwood, Enniskerry and nearby settlements. Visitors may find regional food products, baked goods, crafts, artwork and outdoor necessities, while larger selections are available in Bray, Wicklow town or Arklow outside the mountain core. Farm shops and producers in the wider county can offer items such as preserves, honey, dairy products and other Irish-made foods, although premises and stock vary. Glendalough’s visitor area provides opportunities to buy books, gifts and heritage-related items connected with the monastic site and national park. The region is better suited to buying useful provisions and locally made mementoes than to extensive retail browsing, and walkers should purchase essentials before entering remote valleys.

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Wicklow Mountains essentials

Currency and Payment
Ireland uses the euro (€), and cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in larger towns, accommodation providers and many established visitor businesses. Smaller rural establishments, cafés, parking arrangements or seasonal services may have different facilities, so carrying some cash is sensible. Cash machines are more readily found in towns such as Wicklow, Bray, Arklow and surrounding settlements than in the central mountain valleys. Visitors should obtain essentials before setting out for remote areas, where shops, fuel stations and reliable payment facilities are limited.
Safety
Mountain weather can change quickly, with mist, rain, wind and low cloud reducing visibility even when conditions are settled in the valleys. Wear suitable footwear and bring waterproof layers, navigation equipment, food and water for upland walks; do not rely solely on a mobile phone. Paths may be uneven, wet or eroded, and open ground can be difficult to navigate. Take care near lakes, streams and steep ground, keep a safe distance from cliff edges, and remember that mobile coverage can be intermittent. Check forecasts and route conditions before longer walks, particularly in winter.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 or 999 in Ireland for police, fire or medical assistance, and state clearly that you are in the Wicklow Mountains. Give the emergency operator your exact route, grid reference or visible landmark, the number of people involved and any medical details; a map reference is especially valuable where phone coverage is weak. Do not leave an injured person alone unless remaining there creates further danger. For serious incidents in remote terrain, response times can be affected by access and weather, so tell someone your itinerary before walking and carry appropriate navigation and emergency equipment.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on established paths where possible, close gates, respect farm animals and private land, and take all litter home. Keep dogs under control and follow any local restrictions, particularly around livestock, wildlife and nesting areas. Do not disturb the monastic remains at Glendalough, remove stones or plants, or enter closed areas. Avoid parking on narrow roads or passing places, and do not assume that wild camping, fires, swimming or water activities are permitted at every location. Treat villages and rural communities as working places rather than simply scenic backdrops, and ask permission before photographing private property or people.
Local Tips
Glendalough and Laragh work well for combining archaeology with woodland and valley walks, while Roundwood is a useful base for the northern mountain roads and Djouce area. The central scenic routes are rewarding but facilities are sparse, so fuel, food and navigation should be organised beforehand. Early starts can provide quieter paths, but daylight and weather matter more than a fixed timetable in the uplands. Distances on maps can be misleading because steep ground and narrow roads slow progress. The National Park information service and local visitor facilities can provide current guidance on routes, conservation issues and conditions.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloDia dhuit[dee-ah gwit]
GoodbyeSlán[slawn]
YesTá[taw]
NoNíl[neel]
Please/You're welcomeLe do thoil[leh duh hull]
Thank youGo raibh maith agat[goh rev mah ah-gut]
Excuse me/SorryTá brón orm[taw brohn orum]
How are you?Conas atá tú?[kun-us ah-taw too]
Fine. And you?Tá mé go maith. Agus tú?[taw may goh mah. ah-gus too]
Do you speak English?An bhfuil Gaeilge agat?[ahn will gayl-guh ah-gut]
I don't understandNí thuigim[nee hug-im]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBa mhaith liom an mianu a fheiceáil, le do thoil[bah wyh lum on mee-noo ah eck-ahl, leh duh hull]
I don't eat meatNí ithim feoil[nee ih-him fuh-il]
Cheers!Sláinte![slawn-cheh]
I would like to pay, pleaseBa mhaith liom íoc, le do thoil[bah wyh lum eek, leh duh hull]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Cosaint![ko-sont]
Go away!Imigh uaim![ih-mee oom]
Call the Police!Glan an Gárda![glan on gawr-dah]
Call a doctor!Glan dochtúir![glan duck-too-ir]
I'm lostTá mé caillte[taw may kail-cheh]
I'm illTá mé tinn[taw may thin]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ba mhaith liom ceannach...[bah wyh lum kyah-nukh]
I'm just lookingNíl ach ag faire[neel okh eg fah-reh]
How much is it?Cé mhéad atá air?[kay vade ah-taw air]
That's too expensiveTá sé sin ró-dhaor[taw shay shin row-gheer]
Can you lower the price?An féidir leat an praghas a ísliú?[ahn fay-dur lat on prah-gus ah eesh-loo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cén t-am é?[kayn tahm ay]
It's one o'clockTá a haon a chlog[taw ah hayn ah khlog]
Half past (10)Leathuair tar éis a deich[lah-hoo-ir tar aysh ah deh]
MorningMaidin[mah-jin]
AfternoonTráthnóna[traw-noh-nah]
EveningTráthnóna[traw-noh-nah]
YesterdayInné[in-ay]
TodayInniu[in-yoo]
TomorrowAmárach[ah-maw-rakh]
1A haon[ah hayn]
2A dó[ah doh]
3A trí[ah tree]
4A ceathair[ah kyah-hir]
5A cúig[ah koo-ig]
6A sé[ah shay]
7A seacht[ah shakht]
8A hocht[ah hukht]
9A naoi[ah nwee]
10A deich[ah deh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Cá bhfuil a/an...?[kaw will ah/ahn]
What's the address?Cad é an seoladh?[kahd ay ahn sho-lah]
Can you show me (on the map)?An bhfuil tú in ann é a thaispeáint (ar an léarscáil)?[ahn will too in on ay ah hahsh-paynt (ar on lare-skawl)]
When's the next (bus)?Cathain atá an chéad (bus)?[kah-hin ah-taw on khayd (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Ticéad (go dtí ....)[tick-ayd (goh dee)]

History of Wicklow Mountains

Granite Mountains and Glacial Valleys

The Wicklow Mountains are largely formed from granite emplaced during the Caledonian mountain-building period, hundreds of millions of years ago. Later erosion and repeated glaciation sculpted the rounded uplands, steep-sided valleys, corrie lakes and broad glacial basins that define the region today. Peat accumulated across many of the higher plateaux, while streams and rivers cut through the valleys towards the Irish Sea. This geological and climatic history explains the contrast between exposed, treeless upland and sheltered woodland in places such as Glendalough and Glenmalure.

Early Settlement and Sacred Glendalough

People used the Wicklow landscape long before written history, although the high mountains remained more sparsely settled than the surrounding lowlands. Glendalough became the region’s most important early medieval centre after St Kevin established a monastic community there in the sixth century. Its position beside two lakes offered seclusion while remaining connected to routes through the mountains. The surviving round tower, churches, gateways and other ruins reflect the settlement’s religious importance and continued growth over several centuries, making Glendalough one of Ireland’s major early medieval archaeological landscapes.

Medieval Routes and Mountain Communities

The mountains formed a substantial natural barrier south of Dublin, but valleys and passes connected communities across Wicklow. Glenmalure, the largest glacial valley in the region, became associated with Gaelic resistance and later military activity because of its strategic terrain. Wicklow’s upland communities traditionally combined small-scale farming, turf cutting, forestry and seasonal work, adapting land use to thin soils, exposed slopes and abundant water. Roads improved gradually, but many areas remained remote well into the modern period.

Mining, Industry and the Avoca Valleys

Mining became an important part of Wicklow’s industrial history, particularly in the Avoca area and other eastern valleys. Copper mining at Avoca developed on a significant scale from the eighteenth century, leaving spoil heaps, altered ground and industrial traces in the landscape. The mines connected the rural region with wider commercial networks and provided employment for local communities, though activity declined during the twentieth century. The surviving industrial landscape demonstrates how mineral resources shaped settlement and land use beyond the mountain summits.

Conservation and Wicklow Mountains National Park

Growing appreciation of Wicklow’s upland scenery, archaeological heritage and wildlife encouraged stronger conservation measures during the twentieth century. Wicklow Mountains National Park was established in 1991 and is managed to protect habitats, water catchments, archaeological remains and the character of the mountain landscape while allowing appropriate recreation. Conservation work has included habitat management and efforts to address erosion on heavily used paths. Today, the relationship between public access, farming, forestry, tourism and protection remains central to the region’s identity.

Wicklow Mountains in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Wicklow Mountains

Discover Wicklow Mountains with Evendo - a free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences. Plan effortlessly!

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Explore the beauty of Wicklow Mountains effortlessly with Evendo. Our app offers a comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more, all in one place.

  • History of Wicklow Mountains
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Welcome to the Wicklow Mountains, a stunning region of Ireland known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your ultimate travel companion, you can explore the best that Wicklow Mountains have to offer.

Discover iconic landmarks such as the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, the lush Powerscourt Gardens, and the dramatic Wicklow Gap. Evendo provides detailed descriptions, images, local tips, and maps for each location, ensuring you won't miss a thing.

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