The 10 best walks in County Wicklow, ranked
Every walker arriving in Wicklow asks the same question: where do I start? After five hundred walks between us and every Wicklow trail head logged, here's our honest ranking — the ten Wicklow walks we send visitors to first, and why.
The Spinc, Glendalough
If you only do one Wicklow walk, make it this one. Nine kilometres, four hours, six hundred steps up, and a two-and-a-half-kilometre boardwalk along a granite spine four hundred metres above the monastic city below. The descent through the lead-mining ruins of Van Diemen's Land is nearly as good as the ridge itself.
Powerscourt Waterfall
Ireland's highest waterfall at 121 m, in a wooded gorge on the Powerscourt estate. A twenty-minute walk from the car park, accessible to wheelchairs, with an optional scramble up the east side for the classic view.
The Railway Walk, Tinahely
Family-friendly, flat, six kilometres return along the old Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway line. Stone arches, bluebells in May, and two resident ravens the local kids have named Ned and Daphne.
Djouce Mountain
725 m summit with a 360° view of Dublin Bay, the Mournes, the Welsh coast and the full Wicklow range. Four hours up and back from the JB Malone car park. Less crowded than the Spinc.
Tomnafinogue Woods
One of the last ancient oak woodlands in Leinster. Three-kilometre loop under a canopy that in places is four hundred years old. Pine marten country. Near Shillelagh.
Lough Tay Viewpoint
The Guinness Lake — stout-black water with a pale sand crescent at the north end. Twenty-minute walk to the best-known postcard view in Wicklow. Dawn or golden hour for the photograph.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
Seven kilometres of clifftop path between two DART stations. Flat, family-friendly, sea views the whole way, fulmar and peregrine falcon spotting, and the Happy Pear for coffee at the finish.
Lugnaquilla (Glen of Imaal)
Leinster's highest mountain at 925 m. Serious day out — twelve kilometres, five to six hours, full mountain conditions possible. Check the Defence Forces range flags before setting off.
Glenmalure Valley
The longest glacial valley in Ireland or Britain. Gentle forest-road walk up to Baravore for a waterfall, or a full day over the Lugduff ridge into Glendalough.
The Mangans Loop
A hidden local favourite. Nine-kilometre loop in the hills above Knocknamohill with views east to the Irish Sea. Quieter than anything on this list — start early and you may not see another walker all day.
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