South Wicklow · On the Wicklow Way

Tinahely

A handsome country town in south Wicklow — Wicklow Way stop, gateway to Tomnafinogue Woods and the Railway Walk, and home of the long-established Tinahely Agricultural Show.

About the town

A proper south Wicklow town

Tinahely sits on the River Derry in south County Wicklow, about 1.5 hours from Dublin and 40 minutes from Wexford. It's a working country town — one square, a handful of well-kept pubs and cafés, a post office, a tidy high street. The pace is slow. That's the point.

For walkers, Tinahely is an ideal base. The Wicklow Way (Stage 2 arrives here, Stage 3 leaves here) literally passes through the village. Tomnafinogue Woods and the Railway Walk are each a 5-minute drive. The Kyle Loop starts from the edge of town. And you can walk to a pint afterwards without getting in a car.

The Tinahely Agricultural Show runs every August on the Bank Holiday weekend — one of the oldest and best-attended country shows in Ireland.

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Google Maps embed of Tinahely village with walking trail entry points.

Where to stay in Tinahely

Our pick

★ Premium Partner

Madeline's Accommodation

Town Square · on the Wicklow Way

Madeline's is a beautifully restored historic guesthouse overlooking the Town Square. Double, twin and small-double rooms, each with a private bathroom, modern amenities and tea/coffee facilities. Self-service coded keypad entry — no waiting for a desk, no check-out stress. Two minutes' walk to local pubs and cafés, and the Wicklow Way runs right through the village. A popular base for walkers, golfers at Coollattin, and wedding guests staying for Ballybeg House celebrations.

"Visit the Garden of Ireland in Comfort."

Guesthouse Private Bathrooms Keypad Entry Village Centre On the Wicklow Way Tea & Coffee Parking
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Walks from Tinahely

Trails you can walk straight from the village

Easy
Tinahely

The Railway Walk

📏 6.4 km⏱ 1h 45m

Flat, family-friendly loop along the old railway line. Perfect first walk from the village.
Easy
Tinahely

Kyle Loop

📏 5.1 km⏱ 1h 30m

Short loop through the hills above the town — big views of the Derry valley.
Easy
Shillelagh (5 min drive)

Tomnafinogue Woods

📏 4.2 km⏱ 1h 15m

Ancient oak woodland — one of the last of its kind in Ireland.
Eat, drink, resupply

In the village

  • The Courthouse Arts Centre & Café — on the square. Good coffee, changing art exhibitions, decent lunch menu.
  • Mary's Bar — proper country pub, open fire, trad music on Friday nights.
  • Murray's on the Square — evening meals, craft beer, friendly welcome for walkers covered in mud.
  • The Pantry — bakery, deli and takeaway sandwiches. Stock up here before a walk.
  • Centra & SuperValu — both in the village for anything else you need.

Getting here

  • By car: 1h 30m from Dublin via N11 and R747.
  • By bus: Wexford Bus route 740 stops in Tinahely daily from Dublin Airport / City Centre.
  • From Dublin airport: hire car is easiest for walkers carrying gear.
Audio guide

The Tinahely walking audio tour

A 40-minute tour of the town and its walking routes. What to see, what to skip, where to eat. €3.99 or included in the Network subscription.

Browse audio tours