Best Hiking Trails in Glendalough, County Wicklow: Your Complete Guide

Glendalough's glacial valley offers some of Ireland's most accessible mountain hiking, where well-marked trails lead from the famous monastic site up into the Wicklow Mountains proper. St. Kevin chose this remote glen in the 6th century precisely because the surrounding peaks provided natural protection for his monastery - today those same mountains offer hikers everything from gentle lakeside strolls to serious summit challenges. What sets Glendalough apart from other Wicklow hiking areas is the sheer variety of terrain within walking distance: you can start at the ancient round tower and finish on a 750-meter peak, all in the same day.

The valley's unique geography creates distinct microclimates that affect hiking conditions dramatically. The lower valley around the lakes stays relatively sheltered, while the upper corries and ridges experience genuine mountain weather year-round. This means you can often escape to easier trails when conditions turn harsh on the peaks, something you can't do in more remote Wicklow areas like the Sally Gap.

Major Hiking Trails in Glendalough

Wicklow Way (Glendalough Section)

The most famous stretch of Ireland's first waymarked trail runs 12km from Glendalough to Roundwood, though most hikers tackle shorter sections. The initial 5km climb out of the valley via the Spink offers the classic Glendalough hiking experience - steep zigzags through oak woodland followed by spectacular views back down to both lakes. Allow 3-4 hours for this section, which gains 300 meters in elevation. Unlike the often-crowded lake walks below, you'll find solitude once you clear the initial wooded section. The trail surface can be treacherous when wet, as generations of boots have polished the rock steps.

Camaderry Mountain Circuit

This 8km loop from the Upper Lake car park takes you to Glendalough's most accessible summit at 700 meters. The initial climb through the Camaraí valley follows an old mining track before branching onto mountain paths. Allow 4-5 hours for the full circuit, which includes some scrambling near the summit. Camaderry offers the best panoramic views in the valley, taking in both lakes, the monastic site, and the full ring of surrounding peaks. Avoid during high winds, as the exposed ridge sections become dangerous. Local hill walkers prefer the clockwise route, which saves the steepest descent for your return when you're tired.

Glenenealo Valley Walk

Starting from the Wicklow Way car park, this 6km there-and-back hike follows the remote valley that branches northeast from Glendalough. The old miners' track leads to the ruins of 19th-century lead workings, passing several small waterfalls and pristine mountain pools. The valley sees far fewer visitors than the main Glendalough attractions, offering genuine wilderness solitude just 2km from the crowds. Allow 3 hours for the full walk, though many hikers turn back at the first waterfall after 45 minutes. The track becomes indistinct in places, requiring basic navigation skills.

Spinc and Glenealo Loop

This challenging 11km circuit combines the famous Spinc boardwalk with the wilder Glenealo valley. Starting at the Upper Lake, you climb the Spinc for those iconic elevated views over both lakes, then continue north into Glenealo before looping back via the Wicklow Way. The route involves 500 meters of total elevation gain and takes 5-6 hours. This trail showcases Glendalough's full range of landscapes, from tourist boardwalks to unmarked mountain paths. Strong hikers use this as training for longer Wicklow routes like Lugnaquilla.

Derrybawn Mountain Approach

The 4km climb to Derrybawn's 676-meter summit starts from the valley road beyond the Upper Lake. This unmarked route follows sheep tracks through heather moorland, requiring confident navigation skills. The summit offers unique views west toward the central Wicklow Mountains, including Lugnaquilla on clear days. Allow 3-4 hours for the round trip. Local knowledge helps here - the easiest approach follows the southern ridge rather than the obvious direct route. This trail rarely appears in guidebooks but provides excellent mountain training away from Glendalough's busier routes.

Lower Lake Circuit

The 3km paved path around the Lower Lake offers Glendalough's most accessible hiking option. The route passes the round tower, cathedral ruins, and several smaller monastic buildings while providing constant lake views. Allow 90 minutes for a leisurely walk including time to explore the archaeological sites. This trail suits wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it perfect for families. Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid the worst crowds, particularly during summer months. The path connects to several more challenging trails for those wanting to extend their hike.

Upper Lake to Poulanass Waterfall

This easy 2km walk follows the valley road from the Upper Lake car park to one of Wicklow's most photographed waterfalls. The route gains minimal elevation and takes about 45 minutes each way. Poulanass drops 150 meters in a series of cascades through oak woodland, with several viewing platforms along the way. The walk extends easily into longer hikes by continuing up the mining track toward Glenealo. Spring snowmelt and autumn rains create the most dramatic waterfall displays.

Hidden Glendalough Hiking Routes

Temple-na-Skellig Approach

Most visitors view this ruined church from across the Upper Lake, but a hidden path leads directly to the site via the southern shore. Starting from the lake car park, follow the unofficial trail that branches left from the main boardwalk after 200 meters. The 20-minute walk through dense woodland reveals foundations of several unmarked monastic buildings before reaching Temple-na-Skellig itself. Local archaeologists use this route to access sites that standard tours never mention. The path can disappear during high water, and you'll need to scramble over fallen trees.

Miners' Village Exploration

Beyond the main Glenealo valley walk, a network of sheep tracks leads to the substantial ruins of 19th-century miners' cottages. These settlements housed families who worked the lead mines from the 1850s through the 1920s. The ruins include school foundations, a small cemetery, and elaborate water management systems. Reaching the most complete cottage groups requires 2-3 hours of rough walking beyond the marked trail end. Local historians have mapped over 20 building sites scattered across the valley floor and lower slopes.

St. Kevin's Road Alternative

While thousands use the modern road to reach the Upper Lake, the original St. Kevin's Road follows a more challenging route along the valley's southern rim. This ancient pilgrimage path starts behind the round tower and climbs through oak forest before descending to the Upper Lake via steep stone steps. The 3km route takes twice as long as the modern road but reveals Glendalough as medieval pilgrims experienced it. Several holy wells along the way still receive offerings from local people maintaining traditions that predate tourism.

Conavalla Mountain Approach

The northern rim of Glendalough offers unmarked routes up Conavalla's 734-meter summit. Local hill walkers access this peak via the old bog road that starts near the youth hostel. The route requires serious navigation skills and takes 4-5 hours round trip, but rewards with unique views south across the entire valley system. You'll encounter working turf banks where local people still cut peat using traditional methods. The mountain holds several small lakes rarely seen by casual hikers.

Seasonal Hiking Considerations

Spring (March-May)

Spring brings Glendalough's best hiking weather, with comfortable temperatures and the oak woodlands' spectacular leaf emergence. The ancient woods around both lakes showcase Ireland's native tree species at their finest, while mountain streams run full from winter snowmelt. April and May offer the most reliable weather windows for challenging summit attempts. However, spring also marks the start of heavy tourist seasons, particularly on weekends. Early morning starts become essential for enjoying popular trails in relative solitude.

Summer (June-August)

Summer hiking in Glendalough requires strategic planning to avoid overwhelming crowds. The valley receives over 2 million visitors annually, with most arriving during summer months. Weekend mornings see traffic jams on the access road and packed car parks by 10 AM. However, summer also provides the longest daylight hours for ambitious mountain circuits. The high-level routes like Camaderry and Derrybawn offer escape from valley floor crowds while providing perfect conditions for serious mountain walking. Thunder storms develop quickly in the surrounding peaks during hot weather.

Autumn (September-November)

October delivers Glendalough's most dramatic hiking season, when the valley's deciduous forests create some of Ireland's finest autumn colors. The oak, ash, and birch woodlands transform the landscape while providing comfortable hiking temperatures. Autumn also brings more reliable mountain visibility as summer haze clears. However, fallen leaves make trail surfaces treacherous, particularly on the steep sections of the Wicklow Way. November marks the start of hunting season in surrounding areas, though the main hiking trails remain unaffected.

Winter (December-February)

Winter hiking in Glendalough offers serious mountain experiences when snow covers the higher peaks. The contrast between the sheltered valley floor and exposed ridges becomes most pronounced during winter months. Ice forms on the lake surfaces, creating unique photographic opportunities for those combining hiking with winter sports. However, several trail sections become dangerous without proper equipment - the Spinc boardwalk turns treacherous in ice, and summit routes require mountaineering skills. The shorter daylight hours limit hiking options to valley floor walks for most visitors.

Family Hiking Options

Green Road Circuit

This 4km forestry track starts from the visitor center and makes a gentle loop through Coillte plantation forests. The wide, well-surfaced path suits pushchairs and small children, while offering enough distance to feel like a proper hike. Several picnic areas along the route provide rest stops, and the varied forest types keep children interested. You'll encounter red deer, which local children love spotting. The route connects to more challenging trails for families with older children wanting to extend their adventure.

Nature Detective Trail

The official family trail starts near the round tower and follows marked posts through the lower valley. Each post challenges children to spot specific plants, animals, or archaeological features. The 2km route takes 90 minutes with enthusiastic children and includes activities like bark rubbing and pond dipping. Parents appreciate the educational focus while children enjoy the treasure hunt atmosphere. The trail works year-round and provides structured activities when weather threatens longer hikes.

Upper Lake Exploration

Beyond the main boardwalk, several shorter paths lead to child-friendly adventures around the Upper Lake. The old mining track provides easy walking to small waterfalls where children can paddle safely. Rock hopping along the lake shore reveals tiny beaches perfect for picnicking. The route offers flexibility - families can turn back when children tire or continue to Poulanass Waterfall for more ambitious groups. Rangers sometimes organize special children's events during school holidays.

Woodland Adventure Path

The unmarked trails through the ancient oakwoods offer natural playground experiences for adventurous families. Children can build shelters, climb suitable trees, and explore the stream systems that feed both lakes. Parents need to supervise carefully as these paths don't follow safety standards of official trails. However, they provide genuine wilderness experiences rare in modern Ireland. Local families have used these routes for generations, creating an informal network of safe exploration areas.

Event Calendar

Spring (March-May)

The Glendalough Marathon and Half Marathon in April brings thousands of runners to experience the valley's trails in competitive format. The event showcases routes that combine road running with trail sections, offering spectators excellent hiking opportunities along the course. May's Dawn Chorus Walk led by BirdWatch Ireland provides early morning hiking combined with expert wildlife interpretation. Spring also sees the resumption of guided archaeological walks after winter suspension.

Summer (June-August)

Heritage Week in August features special access to normally restricted areas of the monastic site, combined with guided historical walks. The Wicklow Mountains Festival includes challenging group hikes led by local mountain rescue teams. Summer evening talks at the visitor center often conclude with sunset walks around the Upper Lake. Photography workshops during long summer evenings combine hiking with technical instruction in landscape photography.

Autumn (September-November)

The Glendalough Cross Country Running Festival in October attracts international athletes while providing hiking route inspiration for spectators. Guided mushroom foraging walks during autumn months combine hiking with traditional skills rarely taught elsewhere. The annual blessing of the lakes ceremony in November includes pilgrimage walks following ancient routes used for over 1,000 years. Autumn astronomy nights feature guided walks to dark sky viewing areas within the valley.

Winter (December-February)

Winter solstice celebrations include early morning walks to viewpoints that capture the season's unique light. The St. Kevin's Day pilgrimage on June 3rd (celebrated in winter timing) brings traditional walkers following medieval routes. Christmas nature walks provide family-friendly hiking during school holidays. Winter photography workshops take advantage of dramatic weather and lighting conditions for serious landscape hiking.

Local Business Highlights

Glendalough Hotel Bar

After challenging mountain hikes, locals head to this traditional bar for their renowned Irish stew and perfectly poured Guinness. The pub maintains detailed trail condition information from returning hikers and serves as an informal meeting point for group walk organization. Their hearty portions cater specifically to hikers' appetites, and the beer garden offers mountain views for tired legs. The Glendalough Hotel bar opens early for breakfast before long hiking days.

Lynham's Laragh Inn

Located in nearby Laragh village, this family-run pub provides the perfect post-hike recovery spot. Their famous bacon and cabbage feeds hungry hikers while locals share trail advice and weather forecasts. The pub's hiking boot cleaning station outside shows their understanding of muddy mountain adventures. Three generations of the same family have served hikers here, maintaining detailed knowledge of local route conditions.

Glendalough Visitor Centre Shop

Beyond standard tourist merchandise, this shop stocks quality hiking supplies including OS maps, emergency equipment, and local guidebooks. Staff members are experienced hikers who provide current trail advice and weather updates. They offer equipment rental including walking poles and emergency gear for visitors unprepared for mountain conditions. The shop's notice board connects solo hikers with groups and shares real-time trail conditions.

Wicklow Way Lodge

This walker-friendly accommodation in Laragh caters specifically to hiking groups and individual trail users. They provide packed lunches, gear drying facilities, and detailed route planning assistance. The lodge maintains current information about trail closures, weather conditions, and seasonal access issues. Their shuttle service helps hikers access trailheads and return from different end points for linear walks.

Practical Hiking Information

Glendalough's popularity creates unique challenges for serious hikers seeking mountain experiences. The valley receives over 2 million visitors annually, with most concentrated around the lakes and monastic site. Weekend mornings see traffic jams on the narrow access road and packed car parks by 10 AM during summer months. Serious hikers arrive before 8 AM or start from alternative access points to avoid these crowds.

Weather in the Wicklow Mountains changes rapidly, particularly on the higher routes around Glendalough. The valley's sheltered nature can mask harsh conditions on the surrounding peaks, where temperatures drop significantly and winds increase dramatically. Even summer hiking requires proper mountain gear including waterproofs, warm layers, and emergency supplies. Mobile phone coverage disappears quickly once you leave the valley floor, making navigation skills essential rather than optional.

The granite terrain becomes particularly slippery when wet, especially on the popular Spinc route where thousands of boots have polished the rock steps. Proper hiking boots with good grip are essential year-round, not just during winter months. Many of the unmarked traditional routes cross bog land that can be treacherous without local knowledge - stick to marked trails unless you have serious mountain experience.

Getting There and Access

Glendalough sits 50km south of Dublin, accessible via the N11 and R755. Public transport includes the St. Kevin's Bus service from Dublin, which runs daily year-round with increased summer frequency. The bus stops at both the visitor center and Upper Lake car parks, making it viable for hikers without cars. However, many of the best hiking routes require transport to different start points or car shuttles for linear walks.

Parking fills early during peak seasons, particularly weekends and bank holidays. The main car parks charge fees, but overflow parking along the valley road remains free though limited. Early morning arrivals (before 8 AM) usually find spaces, while afternoon arrivals often face long walks from distant parking areas. Local residents request that visitors respect parking restrictions and avoid blocking farm gates or narrow road sections.

Hiking In Glendalough

Glendalough offers Ireland's most accessible introduction to serious mountain hiking, where well-marked trails lead from one of the country's most important historical sites into genuine wilderness areas. The valley's unique combination of ancient monastic ruins and dramatic mountain scenery creates hiking experiences unavailable elsewhere in Leinster. Whether you're seeking gentle lakeside walks or challenging summit attempts, Glendalough provides options for every hiking ability level.

The key to enjoying Glendalough's hiking lies in timing your visit to avoid overwhelming crowds while taking advantage of the valley's remarkable variety. Early morning starts reveal the mystical atmosphere that attracted St. Kevin 1,500 years ago, while the surrounding mountains offer escape routes from the busy valley floor. As tourism continues growing, the contrast between crowded lake walks and solitary mountain routes becomes more pronounced, making local knowledge increasingly valuable for finding the hiking experiences that showcase Wicklow's true mountain character.

Now, check out our guide about the best hiking spots in County Laois.

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