Wicklow in autumn: where to see the colour, month by month
The Wicklow Mountains in October are the single best spectacle in Irish nature. Here's when and where to be — because it's not all at once, and it's not all everywhere.
Late September — the first copper
Beech and larch turn first. Best seen in the lower Glendalough paths, along the boardwalk to the Upper Lake, and the Vale of Clara. Temperatures still mild; shorts weather on sunny days.
Early October — oak and chestnut
Avondale Forest Park, Mount Usher Gardens and Tomnafinogue Woods peak around 10-15 October. Mount Usher's Japanese maples are worth a special trip.
Mid October — the uplands
Bracken on the open hillsides turns orange-gold. Djouce, Lugnaquilla's lower slopes, and the Gap of Dunloe are spectacular. The Lough Tay viewpoint is at its best.
Late October — last colour, first frosts
Rhododendron berries red on the Glendalough paths. Occasional morning frost on the Featherbeds. Clocks go back; walking days get shorter. Carry a headtorch.
November — stripped back but beautiful
Most leaves down. The Wicklow Way is open and spectacular in clear conditions — visibility is often better than in summer. Mist in the valleys. A good month for Lough Tay at dawn.
Where to photograph
Avondale's Great Avenue. The Lough Tay viewpoint at golden hour. The boardwalk into the Glendalough Upper Lake. Powerscourt Gardens' Pepperpot Tower.
Where to stay
Madeline's in Tinahely for access to Avondale and Tomnafinogue. Glendalough Hotel for the Spinc and Glendalough itself. The Powerscourt Hotel for the gardens.
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