Wicklow Mountains National Park

With its snow-dusted peaks, enchanting forests and rushing streams, the Wicklow Mountains National Park offers some of the most captivating landscapes in Ireland. Just a short distance from Dublin, this vast protected area is the perfect escape into nature. Sweeping vistas of tobacco-toned hills unfold at every turn, while the calls of rutting stags and the bleating of wild goats remind you that this is nature’s playground. Whether you plan to hike tranquil trails, wander through time at the enchanting 6th-century monastic site of Glendalough, or enjoy lunch at an 18th-century coaching inn, the Wicklow Mountains offer a unique blend of wild beauty and timeless charm.

Glendalough is a go-to for walkers, with nine waymarked trails that take you from gentle forest strolls to pulse-quickening hikes. Tackle the famed Spinc (9.5km), and you’ll encounter the haunting ruins of an old miner’s village, before passing through heather-flecked hills and on to a mountain ridge that boasts jaw-dropping views over the glacial lake below. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – the park is home to mammals including rabbits, goats, foxes, badgers and pine marten. A large population of Red-Sika deer also lives in the hills and is frequently spotted on walks. Glendalough is easily accessible: St Kevin’s bus company operates buses from Dublin city centre and Local Link buses run from Wicklow town and Rathdrum to Laragh.

Of course, Wicklow’s beauty is best enjoyed outdoors – on foot or driving through dramatic scenery – but there’s a softer, cosier Wicklow for those who head inside. Here you can enjoy turf-scented pubs where fires crackle and pints slowly settle. You’ll find country hotels tailor-made for slow, indulgent afternoons, and cafés serving hearty soups and homemade soda bread. Looking for the perfect post-hike destination? Try The Coach House in Roundwood village, a restored 1820s coach house with log fires, craft beers and a super-friendly welcome, the 17th-century Roundwood Inn, or The Wicklow Heather, a popular spot that’s well-liked for its rustic charm and great food.

If you’re looking to discover a more refined side of Wicklow, a visit to Powerscourt is a must. This gracious estate is set on the eastern edge of the national park and the gardens, with their cascading green terraces, magnificent statues and manicured lawns, have been voted number three in the world’s Top 10 Gardens by National Geographic. Feel like wandering farther afield? Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest, is about 5km away – the perfect reminder that Wicklow’s wild side is always close by.