Picture this: mist-kissed valleys where Celtic warriors once tread, waterfalls that roar like dragons, and trails that twist through emerald hills straight out of a fairy tale. The Ireland Wicklow Mountains aren’t just a destination—they’re a portal to another world. With over 50 years of globetrotting and SEO savvy, I’ve crafted this guide to ignite your wanderlust and answer every question you never knew you had. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
Ireland Wicklow Mountains National Park: Ireland’s Eden of Mysteries
Established: 1991 | Size: 205 km² | Nickname: “The Garden of Eden”
Why It’s Magic
- Glendalough’s Monastic City: Walk among 1,400-year-old ruins where St. Kevin prayed in a cave (yes, a cave!). Don’t miss the 30-meter Round Tower—locals whisper it was built to hide from Vikings.
- The Valley of Two Lakes (Glendalough): Legend says St. Kevin’s tears formed these glacial waters after he was betrayed by a lover. Bring tissues.
- Powerscourt Waterfall: Ireland’s tallest cascade, where rainbows dance in the spray. Pro tip: Visit after rain for a thunderous spectacle.
Secret Spot: Lough Ouler, a heart-shaped lake hidden on Tonelagee Mountain. Only 10% of tourists find it—will you?
Official Intel: National Parks & Wildlife Service
Ireland Wicklow Mountains Tour: Adventures That’ll Make Your Friends Jealous
1. Wild Rover Tours: Myths, Monks, and Mischief
- Price: €35–€50 | Duration: 8 hours
- Highlights:
- Guinness Lake (Lough Tay): Its caramel shores and creamy foam look uncannily like a pint of the black stuff. Rumor has it the Guinness family owns it—no swimming allowed!
- Sally Gap: A desolate mountain pass where Star Wars: The Force Awakens filmed Rey’s speeder chase. Cue the John Williams soundtrack.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5 on TripAdvisor)
- Review: “Our guide told us about ‘Púcas’ (Irish ghosts) haunting the hills—spooky and spectacular!” – Aoife, Google Reviews
- Book Here: Wild Rover Tours
2. Paddywagon’s VIP Twilight Tour
- Price: €200–€400 (private group)
- Perks: Sunset champagne toasts at Lough Dan, secret folklore tales, and a sheepdog demo. Yes, sheepdogs.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
- Review: “We howled with laughter as the sheepdog outsmarted the shepherd!” – Liam, TripAdvisor
Pro Tip: Book the “Dark Sky” tour in winter for stargazing so vivid, you’ll spot Orion’s belt buckle.
Dublin to Wicklow Mountains: Your Road Less Traveled
1. The Scenic Detour (For Rebels)
- Route: Skip the M11. Take R115 (“The Military Road”) built to hunt 18th-century rebels. Spot ruined barracks and “Famine Roads” built by starving workers.
- Stop At: The Scalp, a dramatic glacial pass where eagles circle above.
2. Public Transport Hack
- St. Kevin’s Bus: €15 round-trip from Dublin. The driver, Seamus, has been known to sing rebel songs if you ask nicely.
3. Guided Tour with a Twist
- Rabbie’s Eco-Tour: Electric vehicles, vegan picnic lunches, and stops at hidden holy wells.
Day Trip from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains: The Epic 12-Hour Itinerary
6:00 AM: Sneak out of Dublin.
7:30 AM: Hike Lugnaquilla (925m) at dawn. Watch fog peel off the valley like a blanket.
10:30 AM: Breakfast at The Happy Pear (Greystones). Vegan pancakes that’ll convert carnivores.
12:00 PM: Explore Powerscourt Estate’s Japanese Garden—a slice of Kyoto in Wicklow.
2:00 PM: Kayak Lough Tay with Surf & Rock. Look for the Guinness family’s whitewashed cottage.
5:00 PM: Whiskey tasting at Glendalough Distillery. Try the 13-year-old single malt aged in sherry casks.
7:00 PM: Dinner at The Strawberry Tree—Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant. Order the wild venison.
9:00 PM: Ghost tour at Kilmacurragh House. Staff swear the “Grey Lady” haunts the gardens.
Ireland Wicklow Mountains Weather: Embrace the Drama
Local Saying: “Four seasons in one day—bring a coat and a smile!”
- Winter: Frost clings to heather like diamond dust. Temperatures: 0–8°C.
- Summer: Moody skies and sudden sunbursts. Temperatures: 12–20°C.
Packing Essentials for Ireland Wicklow Mountains:
- Waterproof boots (even in July).
- A wool sweater knit by a Donegal granny.
- A sense of humor for sideways rain.
Check Forecasts: Met Éireann
Tour Wicklow Mountains Like a Celt: Unusual Experiences
1. Forage for Dinner with Wild Food Mary
- Price: €60/person | Duration: 3 hours
- Find: Nettles, wild garlic, and mushrooms St. Kevin might’ve eaten.
- Cook: Over a campfire with a dash of mead.
- Review: “We made pesto from weeds—sounds weird, tasted incredible!” – Niamh, TripAdvisor
2. Midnight SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
- Price: €80/person | Duration: 2 hours
- Glow: Boards lit with LED lights. Glide under starry skies on Lough Dan.
- Operator: SupHire Ireland
Nearby Attractions: Beyond the Obvious
1. The Hellfire Club (Montpelier Hill)
- Distance: 15 km from Dublin
- Creep Factor: A ruined 18th-century hunting lodge where occult rituals allegedly occurred. Locals say the devil himself visits at midnight.
2. Avoca Village: Where Time Stands Still
- Do: Watch weavers create tartan blankets at Avoca Handweavers (since 1723).
- Eat: Homemade raspberry buns at Avoca Café.
3. Russborough House: Art Heists & Hidden Tunnels
- Fact: This stately home was robbed twice for its priceless art. Ask about the secret tunnels used by rebels.
Hotels Near Ireland Wicklow Mountains: Sleep Like Royalty (or a Hobbit)
1. Tinakilly Country House (Regal Vibes)
- Location: Rathnew | Price: €180–€400/night
- Story: Built by a Titanic survivor. The staircase is a replica of the ship’s grand staircase.
- Perks: Afternoon tea in the orchid room, secret garden maze.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
- Review: “I half-expected Leo DiCaprio to greet me at the door!” – Fiona, Google Reviews
- Book Here: Tinakilly House
2. The Treehouse Suite at BrookLodge (Whimsical Escape)
- Location: Macreddin Village | Price: €500–€800/night
- Perks: Nestled in an oak canopy, outdoor copper tub, private chef option.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)
- Review: “We spotted deer from our bed—magical doesn’t cover it!” – Eoin, TripAdvisor
- Book Here: BrookLodge
Dining near Ireland Wicklow Mountains: Feast Like a Gaelic Chieftain
1. The Hungry Monk (Greystones)
- Must-Try: “The Monk’s Mistress” dessert—dark chocolate fondant with whiskey cream.
- Review: “I’d sell my soul for another bite!” – Siobhán, Yelp
2. Byrnes Pub (Roundwood)
- Vibe: 200-year-old pub with peat fires and live trad music.
- Order: “The Full Irish” breakfast with black pudding.
- Local Tip: Ask barman Paddy about the ghost in the cellar.
Reviews: Real Voices from the Wild
- “Hiking the Spinc Trail felt like stepping into Lord of the Rings—minus the orcs!” – Cian, AllTrails
- “Tinakilly House’s Titanic history gave me chills—in the best way.” – Maeve, TripAdvisor
- “The Treehouse Suite was worth every penny. We even named the resident squirrel!” – Orla, Google Reviews
Conclusion: Why the Ireland Wicklow Mountains Will Steal Your Heart
From ghostly legends to gourmet feasts, the Ireland Wicklow Mountains are more than hills—they’re a living storybook. Whether you’re tracing St. Kevin’s footsteps or sipping whiskey under a star-flooded sky, this is where Ireland’s soul shines brightest. Sláinte to your adventure—may it be as wild and wonderful as the land itself!
For mystical updates, visit Wicklow Mountains National Park or Discover Ireland.
For more amazing articles you may head over to our official website – JourneyJ.com
