Wicklow, Ireland’s “Garden County,” packs cliff paths, a glacial valley, a forest waterfall, formal gardens and the county’s own highest mountain into a stretch of countryside barely an hour from Dublin. Below are eight of the best walks and hikes in Wicklow, each with real distance and difficulty information, a photo, and a link to the trail’s own official page so you can check conditions and plan before you go.
A quick word on safety first. Irish weather turns fast on the hills, so check the forecast, wear proper footwear, and carry a waterproof even on short routes. On Lugnaquilla and other exposed ground, tell someone your plan and turn back if the cloud comes down. Distances and times below are approximate.
1. Wicklow Way
131 km, usually 5–7 days (or day sections)
Ireland’s oldest waymarked trail runs 131 kilometres from Marlay Park in south Dublin to Clonegal in County Carlow. Most walkers take five to seven days for the full route, but shorter day sections — Enniskerry to Roundwood, or Roundwood to Glendalough — are easy to plan on their own. Along the way it crosses forestry, open moorland and the high ground above Lough Tay, known locally as the Guinness Lake.
2. Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
7 km, about 2 hours, easy
This well-loved coastal path links the seaside town of Bray with neighbouring Greystones along roughly seven kilometres of clifftop, with the Irish Sea on one side the whole way. It is relatively flat and well maintained, which makes it a good choice for families or a first proper walk in Wicklow, and the DART runs back from either end.
3. Lugnaquilla
925 m summit, full day, strenuous
At 925 metres, Lugnaquilla is the highest peak in County Wicklow and one of Ireland’s toughest day hikes. The ascent is steep and rough underfoot, particularly the loose scree near the summit plateau, and routes pass close to the Glen of Imaal military range, which is sometimes closed for live firing — check before you go. This is a serious mountain outing for experienced, well-equipped walkers, not a casual stroll, but the summit views over the Wicklow uplands are hard to beat.
4. Glendalough – The Green Road Walk
Level, a few km, easy
The Green Road is the easiest of Glendalough’s colour-coded trails, a level walk along the valley floor past the 6th-century monastic settlement and the shores of the two lakes. It is the pick if you want the history and scenery of Glendalough without a climb, and it starts at the National Park Information Office beside the Upper Lake.
5. Glendalough – Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk
~9 km, 3–4 hours, moderate–hard
For more of a challenge, the Spinc trail climbs the boardwalk and stone steps above the Upper Lake before looping back down through the Glenealo Valley, a route of around nine kilometres in total. The reward is one of the best views in Wicklow, looking straight down the length of the valley. Allow three to four hours and expect a proper climb.
6. Devil’s Glen
4–5 km loops, ~2 hours, moderate
Devil’s Glen, near Ashford, is a wooded valley carved by meltwater at the end of the last Ice Age, with a waterfall at its heart. Coillte’s Seamus Heaney Walk and Waterfall Walk both loop through the forest, each roughly four to five kilometres and around two hours. Some sections run along steep, exposed ground above the river, so keep an eye on children and dogs.
7. Powerscourt Estate
Leisurely stroll, 1–2 hours, easy
Powerscourt Estate, outside Enniskerry, is more stroll than hike — 47 acres of terraced Italian and Japanese gardens with the Great Sugar Loaf mountain as a backdrop. It suits a leisurely couple of hours rather than a proper walk, and the separate Powerscourt Waterfall, about 6 km from the main house, is worth the short drive on its own.
8. St Kevin’s Way
30 km, 1–2 days, moderate
St Kevin’s Way retraces an old pilgrim route of around 30 kilometres from Hollywood village to Glendalough, following the path taken by pilgrims visiting St Kevin’s monastic settlement for over a thousand years. It is usually walked in one long day or split over two, mostly on quiet lanes and forest track, and makes a quieter alternative to the busier sections of the Wicklow Way.
Final thoughts
These eight walks cover the best of what County Wicklow offers on foot — coast, glen, mountain and garden — within an hour of Dublin. Check the weather, pick one to match your energy for the day, and lace up.
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