Roundwood → Glendalough
A pleasant contrast to the long first two stages. Short day at 10–12 km, giving time to explore Glendalough — the heart of the Wicklow uplands, at the junction of four glacial valleys and home to Saint Kevin's early-Christian monastic city.
Why you’ll like it
- A shorter stage with some of the Wicklow Way's most famous scenery
- Forest trails, lakeside views and mountain landscapes throughout
- Passes close to the monastic valley of Glendalough within the national park
- Quiet woodland sections beside the Vartry Reservoir and old forest tracks
- A scenic approach into one of Ireland's best-known walking destinations
- Strong links to the early medieval history of St Kevin and Glendalough
Route & directions
This stage of the Wicklow Way begins in the village of Roundwood and finishes at Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The route combines forest roads, woodland paths, quieter country lanes and mountain scenery while gradually descending towards the famous glacial valley of Glendalough.
📍 Start: Roundwood · Finish: Glendalough Visitor Centre
- Distance: approximately 12 km
- Estimated walking time: around 3–4 hours
- Terrain: forest tracks, woodland paths, minor roads and gravel trails
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Waymarking: yellow walking-man symbols on black marker posts
Leaving Roundwood, the route heads south through quiet countryside and forestry near the Vartry Reservoir catchment area. Woodland and forest roads dominate much of the early stage, with occasional views across surrounding hills and valleys.
The trail continues through mixed forestry and mountain scenery before descending towards Glendalough through woodland tracks and quieter roads. As the route approaches the national park area, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic with steep wooded slopes and glacial valley scenery.
The stage finishes near the monastic settlement of Glendalough, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. The surrounding area includes lakes, forest trails and some of the Wicklow Mountains' best-known walking routes.
Local tips
- Roundwood has shops, cafés, pubs and accommodation useful for Wicklow Way walkers
- Glendalough can become extremely busy during weekends and summer months
- Waterproof footwear is recommended as forest sections can remain wet after rain
- Public parking is available near the Glendalough Visitor Centre
- Walkers continuing south on the Wicklow Way should plan accommodation in advance during peak seasons
- Early morning starts can provide quieter conditions approaching Glendalough
Source: Stage distances, ascents, and waypoints verified against the official wicklowway.com trail description. Total route 127 km · 3,200 m ascent · traditionally walked north-to-south (Marlay Park → Clonegal).
Stage 3 on Komoot
Live route from the official Komoot Wicklow Way collection — pan, zoom, and tap waypoints.
Stage 3 GPX file
Direct download — works in Komoot, OS Maps, Garmin Connect, Strava, AllTrails. Sourced from the official Komoot Wicklow Way collection.
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Glendalough accommodation
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