Despite its ability to immerse you in wilderness and isolation, Wicklow Mountains National Park is easily accessible, making it the perfect destination for a short walking break. Entry to the park is completely free and there's an information office on-site in case you need more guidance. 

If you're travelling by car, there are two paid car parks available to visitors: the Visitor Centre car park and the Upper Lake car park. 

Once you're all set, pick from the seven way-marked Wicklow trails, which all start from the National Park Information Office in Glendalough Valley, or join routes together for a longer walking break. To make sure you stay on your chosen route, download the Nature Trails leaflet.

1 | Miners’ Road Walk (Purple Route)

Time: 1 hour 10 mins

This easy 5km walk takes you along the Upper Lake at Glendalough, with views across its dark glassy surface to St Kevin’s Bed, the one-time retreat of St Kevin who founded the monastery in Glendalough in the 6th century. Park in the Upper Lake car park which is near the start of the trail. As you amble through the Scots pine woodland path, watch out for a peregrine falcon or feral goats. It’s not long before you reach the ruined Miners’ Village where you can stop to take in the views before returning back down the valley.

2 | The Spinc and Glenealo Valley (White Route)

Time: 4 hours 

From the Miners Village, climb up the valley along the river that feeds the lake, with some cool pools suitable for a dip. When you reach the boardwalk continue up the 380-metre moderate climb for beautiful views over the Upper Lake. This popular route known as 'The Spinc' circles along the mountain edge and has great viewing points. Once you're done, descend the 600 wooden steps through the trees, along the side of the Poulanass Waterfall until you reach the car park. The loop walk takes around four hours to complete, depending on how long you stop to enjoy a picnic and take in the views.

3 | Poulanass and St Kevin’s Cell (Bronze Route)

Time: 30 mins 

Park in the Upper Lake Car Park and follow the edge of the lake until you hear the Poulanass Waterfall where you will climb steeply alongside the rushing waters. This short trail leads you through the Glendalough oak woodlands, then winds gently down to the site of St Kevin’s Cell. Your efforts will be rewarded with a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Upper Lake, which is a favourite spot for birdwatchers. Explore Reefert Church before completing your walk.

4 | Green Road Walk (Green Route)

Time: 50 mins 

If you’d prefer a leisurely stroll on flat ground or have young children, the 3km easy Green Road Walk, which goes from the Upper Lake car park along the boardwalk, is a good option. Discover Glendalough oak woodlands and admire the flora before arriving at the Lower Lake wetland edge. Look out at views of the ancient round tower and monastery in the distance – you may even spot a lizard, dragonfly or frog.

5 | Spinc and the Wicklow Way (Red Route) to Glenmalure

Time: 4 hours 30 mins 

There are lots of incredible hikes along the Wicklow Way, and the 13.5km Red Route from Glendalough to Glenmalure is one of the easier ones. From the Glendalough Visitors Centre, take the Green Road into the Valley and head up the steps at the Poulanass Waterfall before climbing up to the boardwalk on Lugduff. Descend down the valley on trails through the forest into Glenmalure and look out for deer and birds such as ravens, merlins and kestrels along the way.

6 | Poulanass (Pink Route)

Time: 40 mins 

After a short but steep climb by the Poulanass Waterfall and plunge pools, start off on the Pink Route. Take in the dramatic scenery below before dropping down through mixed woodlands until you reach the valley floor. As you follow the trail, the jays and other woodland birds make for a lovely soundtrack.

This is a moderate walk suitable for families with older children but is not ideal for pushchairs.

7 | Woodland Road (Silver Route)

Time: 1 hour 15 mins 

The Woodland Road is one of the most secretive routes in Glendalough. Start your 4km ramble through trails and woodland from Glendalough into neighbouring Glendasan Valley, where it joins St Kevin’s Way. A track takes you back into Glendalough Valley along the Glendasan River to the boardwalk along the Lower Lake.

After all of that hillwalking, you’ll be ready to tuck into something tasty. In peak season there are several food stalls on-site at the Upper Lake car park serving chips and ice cream. For something heartier, head to Glendalough village and grab a bite to eat in The Wicklow Heather Restaurant. If you find yourself exhausted from your travels and in need of a comfy bed, spend the night at Glendalough Glamping in one of their quaint glamping pods.