Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. If you have any doubt about it, visit Wicklow Mountains National Park to see it for yourself.
Last updated: January 14, 2023
How to Visit Wicklow Mountains National Park
Located about one hour away from Dublin, Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest national park in Ireland. It was established in 1991. Locals, however, could visit the Wicklow Mountains way before it received its official status.
The impressive 200 square kilometers of the park encompass mountains, beaches, and historical sites. A visit to Wicklow Mountains National Park guarantees some of the Irelands’ most beautiful landscapes, including the highest waterfall. No wonder, the places is referred to as the Garden of Ireland.
Visit Wicklow Mountains National Park: Everything You Need to Know
TIP: Anybody can visit Wicklow Mountains National Park. There is no entrance fee whatsoever. Yet make sure to bring cash as there’re no free parking lots.
How to Get: Driving is the best way to access the park and explore it at your own pace. Your second best option is booking a tour. You can find ample guided tours from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains National Park and its surrounding areas.
Here are some of the popular guided tours. I took a few of them and highly recommend them.
Unfortunately, both of these ways have their advantages and disadvantages. Even such a convenient option to visit the Wicklow Mountains as driving your own or rental vehicle becomes very inconvenient on narrow country roads of Ireland.
How to Explore: While you can visit Wicklow Mountains National Park any time of the year, solo or as a member of a guided tour, the area is mostly remote. Nevertheless, it should not stop you from enjoying the beauty of the park from the window of your car or bus.
Experienced hillwalkers with proper equipment often prefer to take the most of their visit to the Wicklow Mountains and explore the area on foot.
The Great Military Road
Until 1800, a visit to Wicklow Mountains National Park was almost impossible. The territory was too remote and difficult to access for anybody but locals. The mountain dwellers used this inaccessibility to their advantage during the 1798 Rebellion. In order to reduce the rebels’ ability to move unseen, British Colonel John Skerrett suggested building a military road across the mountains.
The contraction took eight years and turned out to be a very expensive project. Other than soldiers nobody got involved into the building process. In fact, after the completion of the road in 1809, the locals left the nearby areas. Now an easy and convent access made the land valuable and contributed to increase in rent prices.
Today, the Great Military Road covers 58 kilometers (36 miles) and is still one of the easiest ways to visit the Wicklow Mountains. The route runs from to Rathfarnham to Aughavannagh and includes such popular destinations as Glenmacnass Waterfall and Laragh.
Things to Do during Your Visit to Wicklow Mountains National Park
Visit Glendalough
Glendalough is one of the most popular destinations in the Wicklow Mountains region. This scenic valley is located near Laragh village. The main features of the area are the Glendalough monastic site, Poulanass Waterfall, and two pictures lakes, Upper and Lower Lakes.
Explore the Wicklow Gap
The Wicklow Gap is one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland. It’s also one of the most important regional routes. The visitors of Wicklow Mountains National Park favor it for its beautiful scenery and panoramic views, some of which open up on remarkable Lough Tay or Lake Guinness. The latter is located within a private estate and can’t be accessed without permission.
Find Powerscourt Waterfall
Wicklow Mountains National Park is home to the highest waterfall in the country. The 121-meter-high Powerscourt Waterfall is located at the base of the Glensoulan Valley.
The Saint Kevin’s Way
The Saint Kevin’s Way is a 30-kilometer (19-mile) pilgrim path that follows in the route Saint Kevin once trod often. It begins in the village of Hollywood, crossed the Wicklow Gap, and reaches the Glendalough monastic site.
Hike the Wicklow Way
The most experienced hikers embark of a 7-day journey along the Wicklow Way. This 131-kilometer (81-mile) trail runs across the Wicklow Mountains and offers some of the best views.
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