Wicklow Town · County Wicklow

Glen Beach Cliff Walk

Last verified May 2026 · Trail open

A hidden coastal cliff path south of Wicklow Town — small enough to be missed, dramatic enough to be remembered. Two kilometres of cliff path between Glen Beach and the abandoned light-keeper's cottages, with seal sightings most days and views over the Irish Sea. 4 km out and back, about an hour and a half. A real off-the-beaten-track Wicklow walk.

4 km
Distance
1h 30m
Typical time
80 m
Climb
Moderate
Difficulty
coastal
Type
Waymarking: Unmarked
Live conditions —°C Sunset — via Open-Meteo · Wicklow Mtns
Route on map

Where this walk goes

Start point shown — click the marker to get directions. Zoom in to explore the area.

Why you'll like it

Highlights of this walk

  • Often overlooked even by locals — Wicklow's quietest cliff walk
  • Resident grey seal colony in the cove below the path
  • Abandoned light-keepers' cottages and the old Wicklow Head signal tower
  • Wildflowers in summer: thrift, sea campion, pyramidal orchid
  • Free, all-year, accessible from Wicklow Town in five minutes' drive
Route & directions

How to walk it

Start at Glen Beach car park, signposted from the south end of Wicklow Town. The path heads south along the cliff edge — well-defined but unfenced in places, so care with children and dogs. The first kilometre is the most spectacular, with views down to the seal cove. At the abandoned cottages, the path circles back inland to the car park. Allow 1.5 hours. The path is rough underfoot — boots recommended.

Local tips

  • Don't walk the path in strong easterly winds — the cliff edge is exposed
  • Bring binoculars for the seals — the cove is best viewed from the second viewpoint
  • Park at Glen Beach (free) — the cliff path is signposted from the car park
  • Combine with the Black Castle and Wicklow Head Lighthouse for a full Wicklow Town day
  • The Bridge Tavern in Wicklow Town does an excellent post-walk seafood lunch
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Where to stay

Accommodation near this walk

Madeline's Accommodation

Tinahely Town Square · south Wicklow

A beautifully restored historic guesthouse on the Square in Tinahely — the Wicklow Way passes through the village. Double, twin and small-double rooms, all with private bathrooms. Self-service coded entry — arrive when it suits you.

Guesthouse Private Bathrooms Keypad Entry Village Centre On the Wicklow Way
Audio tour

Audio tour — Glen Beach Cliff Walk

A free, GPS-triggered audio tour of this walk is coming soon to AudioToursIreland.ie — no app needed.

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