Scenic valley view in County Wicklow, Ireland, with forested hills, a winding river, and mountain backdrop in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

County Wicklow – Mountains, Valleys, and Upland Lakes

Granite uplands, forested slopes, and glacial valleys south of Dublin.

County Wicklow is a county of granite mountains, upland heath, and wooded valleys in eastern Ireland. Walking routes cross Wicklow Mountains National Park and follow the Wicklow Way, linking places such as Bray, Enniskerry, Roundwood, Glendalough, Laragh, and Tinahely across ridgelines, forest tracks, and valley floors between the Irish Sea coast and the interior hills.

Much of the terrain is firm but varied underfoot. Forest roads, upland tracks, boardwalks, open moorland paths, and minor roads allow steady progress, with regular climbs and descents between valleys rather than long continuous ascents. Ground can be rocky or wet on higher peat and heath sections.

The landscape shifts between areas. The northern edge near Bray and Enniskerry includes wooded foothills and managed estates, while central Wicklow rises into open upland around Lugnaquilla and the Glenmalure valley. Around Glendalough the ground becomes more enclosed, with lakes, woodland, and steep-sided glacial valleys. Toward the south and west, hills give way to lower farmland and scattered settlements.

Towns and villages are spaced along valley routes and the coastal fringe, creating practical access points for day walks and longer point-to-point routes, with quieter and more remote stretches across the upland interior.

Trails and Routes Through County Wicklow

Wicklow Way

Long-distance route running north–south from Bray to Clonegal, crossing the Wicklow Mountains through forest, open hillside, and valley tracks.

Glendalough Valley Paths

Waymarked routes around the Upper and Lower Lakes using woodland paths, lakeshore tracks, and hillside trails.

Sugar Loaf and Bray Head Paths

Short hill routes on the coastal edge with steeper climbs and open views across the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay.

Glenmalure and Lugnaquilla Tracks

Upland paths and forest roads through broad valleys and higher mountain ground in central and southern Wicklow.

Walking Character

Granite mountains and rounded summits
Forest tracks and managed woodland
Heath and peat moorland
Glacial valleys and lakes
Regular climbs and descents
Villages concentrated in valleys and along the coast
Predominantly inland and upland terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Wicklow located?

County Wicklow is in eastern Ireland, directly south of Dublin, between the Irish Sea coast and the inland counties of Carlow and Kildare.

What defines walking here?

Mountain and forest terrain dominate, with long upland crossings, wooded valleys, and lake basins connected by tracks and minor roads.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Wicklow Way runs the full length of the county from north to south.

Is the terrain steep?

Many routes include steady climbs and descents. Upland sections can be exposed and uneven, while forest roads and valley paths are generally easier.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn provides longer daylight and firmer ground. Winter conditions can be wet and muddy on upland and peat sections.