Wicklow Mountains National Park is a true gem with beautiful surrounding. I deeply enjoyed driving to the park as it was surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. We first went to the visitor centre and checked out the map of its attractions.
There is a scenic walk that is called the Green Road and takes you through the Wicklow Mountains. It offered us views of the Round Tower and then guided us to the monastic city. First of all, we could see St Kevin’s church which is a historical place. You can go to the church and see its inside structure.
There are also other attractions in the place that we couldn’t discover as we had a short amount of time. But, I’m trying my best to give you all important information that might be useful for your visit. So, stay with us and enjoy your journey to this beautiful place.
Detailed Guide to Wicklow Mountains National Park
Location
The Wicklow Mountains National Park is located in County Wicklow that is almost 30 km south of Dublin. It is also in the list of the 6 largest national parks in Ireland. I put its location below for your easy navigation.
Parking
You’ll have several parking options at Wicklow Mountains National Park. One of them is located near the National Park Information Office. There is also a free parking option in Laragh that offers easy access to some trails and attractions.
Facilities
There are picnic areas at the Upper Lake in Glendalough and barbecues available for you to enjoy your time. Visitor Centre and Information Office also offer several workshops and lectures that you can educate yourself about the place.
Opening Hours & Fees
Opening hours from March to October is from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and from November to February, it is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The park is open from Monday to Friday.
There is no admission fee for the park and you just need to pay for parking.
Must-visit spots in Wicklow
If you’re from Dublin, you can follow this sequence that ensures a logical and efficient route from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains National Park.
- Powerscourt Waterfall: Ireland’s highest waterfall cascades gracefully, surrounded by lush woodlands. For more information read out my detailed guide to here.
- Sally Gap Drive: It is a mesmerizing drive through Wicklow’s dramatic landscapes. For more information read out my detailed guide to here.
- Lough Tay: This iconic lake, resembling a pint of Guinness, rests amid a striking mountain backdrop. Read out my detailed guide for more information.
- Lough Ouler: It’s a heart-shaped lake hidden in the rugged peaks, offering unmatched serenity to hikers.
- Avondale Forest park: It’s a tranquil blend of towering trees, scenic trails, and a touch of historical charm. Read out my detailed guide for more information.
Walking and Hiking
There are several walking trails that you can enjoy.
- Miners’ Road Walk, an easy 5-km walk with views of St. Kevin’s Bed and Miners’ Village.
- Poulanass and St. Kevin’s Cell, a moderate 1 km walk with views of St. Kevin’s Cell and a visit to Reefert Church.
- Green Road Walk, a 3-km walk that takes you through Glendalough oak woodlands.
- Derrybawn Woodland Trail, a moderate 8-km walk, taking you through Poulanass Waterfall with views of Glendalough valley.
- Woodland Road, a 4-km moderate walk with views of Glendalough and Glendasan valleys.
- Poulanass, a 1.6-km moderate walk with views of Poulanass Waterfall.
- Spinc and Glenealo Valley, a hard 9.5-km trail with views of the Upper Lake.
- Spinc and the Wicklow Way, a 11.5-km trail to explore deer with views of the Upper Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Wicklow Mountains National Park worth visiting?
Wicklow Mountains National Park is definitely worth visiting for its stunning scenery, diverse outdoor activities, historical significance, and attractive walking trails.
What animals are in the Wicklow Mountains National Park?
The park features a variety of habitats that support this diverse wildlife, including birds (such as Red Grouse, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon), and mammals (like Deer, Goats, Bats, and Rodents).
Conclusion
Wicklow Mountains National Park is a captivating destination for anyone who seeks a weekend getaway to unwind and enjoy nature.
I hope this information will be useful for your travel. If you plan to visit the park, I would be happy to hear about your experience.
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