Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest of Ireland’s national parks and encompasses almost 23,000 hectares. Sweeping vistas of tobacco-toned landscapes seem to appear at every turn, while the sounds of stags rutting and goats bleating are a constant reminder that this is nature’s playground.

One of the most popular destinations in the Wicklow Mountains is Glendalough Valley, boasting a 6th century monastic site and a variety of walking trails, many of which offer remarkable views of the lake that shimmers at the valley’s heart.

There are nine waymarked trails in Glendalough, from easy ambles to longer hiking trails such as the Spinc (9.5km), which brings you past an old miner’s village, up into heather-flecked hills, and along a mountain ridge with spectacular views of the glacial lake below. Want to see things from a different perspective? Try the Glendalough Night Hike and History Tour – a five-hour walk that taes you from sunset to stargazing.

For longer walks that embrace the untamed beauty of this magical part of the island, head out on the long-distance Wicklow Way (130km), St Kevin’s Way (30km) or the Miner’s Way (19km).