The Dublin-Wicklow Mountains form the largest continuous upland area in the whole of Ireland. Their proximity to Dublin draws throngs of locals and tourists throughout the year to enjoy the wild, if rather bleak, scenery as well as to visit its many sites of historical interest. The Sally Gap, the Blessington Lakes, Enniskerry village, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Powerscourt Waterfall and, especially, the Vale of Glendalough, with its monastic ruins and twin lakes, are among the most popular draws to the area.
Geology
The mountains were formed around 400 million years ago when the continental area that now forms North America collided with the continent of Europe. They consist of a granite core, formed from the molten lava pushed up by the collision, surrounded by metamorphic rocks of schist and slate. The slow process of erosion over millions of years has worn away the outer layer of schist, exposing the granite below. The long U-shaped valleys, such as Glendalough and Glenmalure, that characterise the Wicklow area were ground out by the glaciers of the last Ice Age, which began around 2 million years ago. The highest mountain is Lugnaquilla (from the Gaeilge: Log na Coille, meaning "Hollow of the Wood") at 925 meters (3,035 feet), which is the eleventh highest mountain in Ireland.
The mountains were formed around 400 million years ago when the continental area that now forms North America collided with the continent of Europe. They consist of a granite core, formed from the molten lava pushed up by the collision, surrounded by metamorphic rocks of schist and slate. The slow process of erosion over millions of years has worn away the outer layer of schist, exposing the granite below. The long U-shaped valleys, such as Glendalough and Glenmalure, that characterise the Wicklow area were ground out by the glaciers of the last Ice Age, which began around 2 million years ago. The highest mountain is Lugnaquilla (from the Gaeilge: Log na Coille, meaning "Hollow of the Wood") at 925 meters (3,035 feet), which is the eleventh highest mountain in Ireland.
Habitat
The upland areas of Dublin and Wicklow consist of blanket bog, formed 4,000 years ago as Ireland's climate changed to the wet and mild pattern that persists today. The uplands are a habitat for many forms of heather, whose purple flowers carpet the hillsides in late summer. They are also a habitat for many nesting birds, especially red grouse. Oak trees are native to the habitats of the valley floors, although many of the forests have been chopped down since the 17th century. In more recent years they have been replaced by commercial forestry, mainly Scottish and Scandinavian pine species. Red and sika deer as well as foxes and hares are to be found and there is a herd of feral goats in the Glenealo Valley that lies above the Upper Lake of Glendalough.
The upland areas of Dublin and Wicklow consist of blanket bog, formed 4,000 years ago as Ireland's climate changed to the wet and mild pattern that persists today. The uplands are a habitat for many forms of heather, whose purple flowers carpet the hillsides in late summer. They are also a habitat for many nesting birds, especially red grouse. Oak trees are native to the habitats of the valley floors, although many of the forests have been chopped down since the 17th century. In more recent years they have been replaced by commercial forestry, mainly Scottish and Scandinavian pine species. Red and sika deer as well as foxes and hares are to be found and there is a herd of feral goats in the Glenealo Valley that lies above the Upper Lake of Glendalough.
History
The Dublin-Wicklow Mountains have been inhabited since Neolithic times and a number of typical monuments, such as wedge tombs, passage tombs and cairns, survive to this day. The area is also home to many early Christian sites, most notably the Monastic City at Glendalough, founded in the 7th century and associated with Saint Kevin. Glendalough and Glendasan were also important centres of lead, zinc, copper and silver mining up until the end of the 19th century and the remains of old mine buildings are dotted around the area. Despite its proximity to Dublin, the area has a long tradition of harbouring wild tribes, rebels and outlaws, from the O'Toole and O'Byrne clans to Art O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell to Michael Dwyer. It was only with the construction of the Military Road by the British Army in the early 19th century that the uplands succumbed to English rule. Although much of upland Wicklow is sparsely populated today, it was not always the case: the Great Famine reduced the population by half and abandoned buildings, villages and fields are still be to found, slowly being swallowed by the trees and the bog. Since the late 19th century the Dublin-Wicklow mountains have become a popular destination for tourists.
The Dublin-Wicklow Mountains have been inhabited since Neolithic times and a number of typical monuments, such as wedge tombs, passage tombs and cairns, survive to this day. The area is also home to many early Christian sites, most notably the Monastic City at Glendalough, founded in the 7th century and associated with Saint Kevin. Glendalough and Glendasan were also important centres of lead, zinc, copper and silver mining up until the end of the 19th century and the remains of old mine buildings are dotted around the area. Despite its proximity to Dublin, the area has a long tradition of harbouring wild tribes, rebels and outlaws, from the O'Toole and O'Byrne clans to Art O'Neill and Red Hugh O'Donnell to Michael Dwyer. It was only with the construction of the Military Road by the British Army in the early 19th century that the uplands succumbed to English rule. Although much of upland Wicklow is sparsely populated today, it was not always the case: the Great Famine reduced the population by half and abandoned buildings, villages and fields are still be to found, slowly being swallowed by the trees and the bog. Since the late 19th century the Dublin-Wicklow mountains have become a popular destination for tourists.
Activities
The Dublin-Wicklow Mountains have drawn many generations of people to walk, hike, cycle, ride and drive and a wide range of options open to everyone from novices to the most hardened bogtrotters.
For drivers and cyclists, the R756 via the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Gap and the R115 (Military Road) are among the most scenic long-distance roads through the region. Shorter circuits around the Glencullen, Glencree and Glenmalure valleys as well as the area around the Sally Gap are also popular.
There are many long established tracks and trails used by walkers and hikers. Some of these have been developed as official waymarked routes. The Wicklow Way, which traverses the mountains between Marlay Park in Dublin and the village of Clonegal in County Carlow is Ireland's oldest long-distance waymarked trail. Other long-distance trails include the Dublin Mountains Way, between Shankill and Tallaght, and the Saint Kevin's Way, a pilgrim path between Hollywood and Glendalough. There are also many shorter waymarked routes developed courtesy of the National Park Service, the forestry company Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership.
The Dublin-Wicklow Mountains have drawn many generations of people to walk, hike, cycle, ride and drive and a wide range of options open to everyone from novices to the most hardened bogtrotters.
For drivers and cyclists, the R756 via the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Gap and the R115 (Military Road) are among the most scenic long-distance roads through the region. Shorter circuits around the Glencullen, Glencree and Glenmalure valleys as well as the area around the Sally Gap are also popular.
There are many long established tracks and trails used by walkers and hikers. Some of these have been developed as official waymarked routes. The Wicklow Way, which traverses the mountains between Marlay Park in Dublin and the village of Clonegal in County Carlow is Ireland's oldest long-distance waymarked trail. Other long-distance trails include the Dublin Mountains Way, between Shankill and Tallaght, and the Saint Kevin's Way, a pilgrim path between Hollywood and Glendalough. There are also many shorter waymarked routes developed courtesy of the National Park Service, the forestry company Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership.
Practical considerations
The best way to get to the Dublin-Wicklow Mountains is with your own car. Failing that there are a number of alternatives. Dublin Bus serve gateway villages such as Enniskerry, Glencullen, Rockbrook, Blessington and Kimacanogue. Many of these services are infrequent and often do not run on weekends. Particularly useful routes include: 44, 185, 44B, 47, 145, 16, 116 184 and 65. During the summer months the Dublin Mountains Partnership runs the Dublin Mountaineer bus which serves some of the upland areas close to Dublin, mainly around the Glencullen and Kilakee areas. The St Kevin's Bus runs between Dublin and Glendalough each day, also serving Roundwood, Annamoe and Laragh. The Wicklow Way Bus operates on demand and serves Laragh, Glenmalure, Iron Bridge and Tinahely from the train station at Rathdrum.
Ordnance Survey Ireland produce a number of topographic maps of the region: Discovery Series Maps 50, 56 and 62 being the most useful. EastWest Mapping have a series of four highly-detailed maps of the region as well as a Dublin Mountains Map (for walking the Dublin Mountains Way) and a Wicklow Way Map Guide. Harvey produce a Wicklow Mountains Superwalker map.
The best way to get to the Dublin-Wicklow Mountains is with your own car. Failing that there are a number of alternatives. Dublin Bus serve gateway villages such as Enniskerry, Glencullen, Rockbrook, Blessington and Kimacanogue. Many of these services are infrequent and often do not run on weekends. Particularly useful routes include: 44, 185, 44B, 47, 145, 16, 116 184 and 65. During the summer months the Dublin Mountains Partnership runs the Dublin Mountaineer bus which serves some of the upland areas close to Dublin, mainly around the Glencullen and Kilakee areas. The St Kevin's Bus runs between Dublin and Glendalough each day, also serving Roundwood, Annamoe and Laragh. The Wicklow Way Bus operates on demand and serves Laragh, Glenmalure, Iron Bridge and Tinahely from the train station at Rathdrum.
Ordnance Survey Ireland produce a number of topographic maps of the region: Discovery Series Maps 50, 56 and 62 being the most useful. EastWest Mapping have a series of four highly-detailed maps of the region as well as a Dublin Mountains Map (for walking the Dublin Mountains Way) and a Wicklow Way Map Guide. Harvey produce a Wicklow Mountains Superwalker map.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Luggala (Fancy Mountain) via East Gully
A short challenging hike up a well know Wicklow mountain, taking in some fantastic views of Lough Tay.
A short challenging hike up a well know Wicklow mountain, taking in some fantastic views of Lough Tay.
Moderate
5.4 mi/
8.7 km
8.7 km
Hell Fire Club and Massey Woods
A half day exploring one of the spookier parts of the Dublin Mountains.
A half day exploring one of the spookier parts of the Dublin Mountains.
Moderate
5.7 mi/
9.2 km
9.2 km
Shankill to Scalp
Small Hills, Big Views in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
Small Hills, Big Views in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
Moderate
7.3 mi/
11.8 km
11.8 km
Bray Head
Climb the summit overlooking this Victorian seaside resort, returning via a dramatic clifftop path.
Climb the summit overlooking this Victorian seaside resort, returning via a dramatic clifftop path.
Moderate
7.8 mi/
12.5 km
12.5 km
Exploring Glendalough
A full day in the Glendalough valley visiting the historic ruins and enjoying the beautiful scenery
A full day in the Glendalough valley visiting the historic ruins and enjoying the beautiful scenery
Moderate
11.9 mi/
19.1 km
19.1 km
Tomb Raiding in the Dublin Mountains
Exploring the prehistoric ruins of the Dublin Mountains
Exploring the prehistoric ruins of the Dublin Mountains
Moderate
12.1 mi/
19.5 km
19.5 km
Guides
Exploring the prehistoric ruins of the Dublin Mountains
A half day exploring one of the spookier parts of the Dublin Mountains.
Small Hills, Big Views in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.
A full day in the Glendalough valley visiting the historic ruins and enjoying the beautiful scenery
A short challenging hike up a well know Wicklow mountain, taking in some fantastic views of Lough Tay.
Climb the summit overlooking this Victorian seaside resort, returning via a dramatic clifftop path.
5.0 mile trail near Bray, Ireland
Community Trips
This walk starts from the car-park at the end of the tarmac
road which runs through Glenmalure valley. The walk takes across the river, and
along the gravel road past the hostel, before -Turning after the hostel. Follow
the forest track all the way to Fraugh Rock Glen, and then ascend the waterfall
to the top of the glen. From here, take a well earned break to enjoy the
scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife,...
The second stage of the Wicklow Way passes through some of the most spectacular scenery along the route.The day starts in Seskin Wood where the trail meanders along the river on the floor of the Glencree valley. It then climbs rapidly at Crone Wood to Ride Rock overlooking the Powerscourt Waterfall. The Way then descends briefly into the lonely Glensoulan valley where it crosses the River Dargle before climbing again along the...
A hike around one of the most prominent hills in the Dublin Mountains. The walk begins in the village of Stepaside and takes in the historic ruin of Kilgobbin Church with its Celtic cross. It then climbs towards the village of Barnacullia via a path through Fernhill estate. From Barnacullia, the trail ascends to the summit of Three Rock Mountain via forest roads and paths.
Three Rock is on the shoulder of Two Rock...
A short hike to the summit of Maulin (570m) in the Wicklow Mountains along the Maulin Mountain Trail.According to Coillte Outdoors:"Records show that as early as 13th century the steep sides of Crone in the Glencree valley were set aside as a Royal Hunting Park. Powerscourt Estate documents reveal that the name Crone was in use as far back as 1757 and may derive from Cruasdhne or hard ground. This area became...
This trip is now also available as a guide: here.A day's hike around the Bronze Age sites found around Kilmashogue, Two Rock and Tibradden in the Dublin Mountains. The following sites are visited along the way:Kilmashogue Wedge Tomb:This Bronze Age wedge tomb lies on the Northern side of Kilmashogue Mountain. It was excavated in 1953 by members of the Royal Irish Academy and was found to consist of two chambers - a large...
Users may also find this guide useful: Exploring GlendaloughA quick spin around the White Trail in Glendalough.The recent bad weather has done some damage to the paths and trails around Glendalough. The bridge connecting the Green Road and the Monastic City has been swept away, some parts of the Miners' Road have collapsed and been swept into the Upper Lake and the Miners' Village was under about 2cm of water (the Glenealo...
From Glenmacnass carpark, cross the river and head uphill a little to the right of the forest; the ground is rough with fairly heavy vegetation and hints of trail come and go. After a little while you will come to a stony trail running roughly East-West from the forest area; follow this West for a while, then veer off on a well-worn trail SW up the mountain. The slope is gentle and...
A fairly straightforward there and back again to Djouce and War Hill, via the Coffin Stone.Djouce (725m), or Dubh Ais ("Black Back") dominates the lonely Glensoulan Valley through which the Dargle River passes before flowing over the waterfall at Powerscourt, the highest in Ireland. Panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and across the Irish Sea are possible from the summit.On the north-west slopes of Djouce lies The Coffin Stone, the remains of...
This route begins by descending from Pier Gates on the R759 above Luggala, towards Lough Dan. After crossing the first bridge (over the river running from Lough Tay), it crosses over a stile (beside a gate) to the right, to pick up a track up the SE slope of Luggala. On reaching the cliffs and the highest point of the hill, the path winds around the cliffs before heading off NW as...
"O steel blue lake, high cradled in the hills, / O sad waves, filled with sobs and cries / White glistening shingle, hiss of mountains rills / and granite hearted walls blotting the skies;" - from 'Lough Bray' by Standish O'Grady.The twin corrie lakes of Upper and Lower Lough Bray, in the foothills of Kippure Mountain near Glencree, have long been an inspiration for writers, many of whom have resided over the...
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