Shillelagh · County Wicklow

Tomnafinogue Woods

Tomnafinogue Wood is the largest surviving remnant of ancient native oak woodland in Leinster. Most of Ireland's oak was cleared for timber centuries ago — Tomnafinogue was saved by accident and preserved on purpose. Walking under this canopy is walking through one of the last living pieces of old Ireland.

Buy audio tour €3.99Plan this walk
4.2 km
Distance
1h 15m
Typical time
70 m
Climb
Easy
Difficulty
forest
Type
Why you'll like it

Highlights of this walk

  • Gnarled oak trees, some over 200 years old
  • Spring carpet of wood anemone, wild garlic and bluebell
  • Otters on the Derry River if you're patient and quiet
  • A well-marked Coillte loop trail — no map needed
Route & directions

How to walk it

Park in the Coillte car park at Tomnafinogue (signposted from Shillelagh, about 5 minutes from the village). The waymarked loop takes about 1h 15m — purple arrows throughout. The route is mostly flat with one gentle climb mid-loop.

Local tips

  • Wear proper footwear — can get muddy after rain
  • Quietest early morning; midday gets busy at weekends
  • Combine with lunch at The Coach House in Shillelagh
  • Great for a slow walk with kids — lots to look at
Download GPX Buy audio tour €3.99
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Where to stay

Accommodation near this walk

★ Premium Partner

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
Listen as you walk

Audio tour for this walk

A local voice in your ear as you walk — stories, history, folklore. Works offline once downloaded. Transcript included.

Buy for €3.99