With the weather warming and less ice on the trails, now is a great time to explore Wicklow’s great outdoors on foot. Tour buses and packs of hikers love the summer months for trailing and hiking but we prefer the shoulder seasons, so we have the space and freedom to explore at our leisure. Wicklow has dozens of walks short and long, easy and challenging, suitable for all types of explorers. After a long day of hiking, relax and unwind in Tulfarris Hotel, enjoy dinner and drinks beside the open fire and rest your legs. Contact our team to book a well-deserved recovery stay at Tulfarris Hotel in Wicklow.
Glendalough – Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk (White Route)
One of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in all of Ireland, Glendalough, is less than a 30-minutes drive from our Wicklow. There are many routes you can take, some easy and suitable for children and others exclusively for experienced and equipped hikers. The Spinc walk is in between the two. This 9.5km looped trail is moderately challenging but well-signposted and popular with locals and visitors alike. The Spinc Ridge overlooks the spectacular valley and gives you some of the best views of Wicklow that you’re likely to see. The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace and appropriate footwear is advised.
Lugnaquilla Mountain
Lugnaquilla Mountain is the highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains Range and the highest in Ireland outside of County Kerry. A hike up the side of this mountain is not for the faint of heart but it truly rewarding for those who make it to the top. The 13.2 km hike starts and finished near Imael in Wicklow and is out-and-back rather than looped. It takes an average of 5 hours to complete and is great for hiking or running. The mountain is big and bulky with a flat top, ideal to refuel with lunch and a hot thermos before heading back down. Expect a change in weather from bottom to top and be advised of muddy underfoot. Tell a friend, family member or one of our team if you’re heading out alone.
Djouce Mountain
Another part of Wicklow’s impressive hilly landscape is Djouce, the most accessible of the mountains in the area. It’s 725 metres above sea level so it’s not an easy walk but it is accessible for those with a moderate level of fitness and ability. There are three routes you could follow with different difficulties and starting points each offering a route to the summit. Staying on the marked routes is important during this hike, mostly so you don’t get lost but it also prevents erosion. Djouce is very exposed to weather elements so adequate waterproof gear is highly recommended. The timing depends on the route you take but from Lough Tay Car park the route will take you 2.5 hours of tough terrain over 7.4 km.
Blessington Greenway Walk
One of the more easily accessible and popular ways to enjoy the Wicklow outdoors is a stroll around the Blessington Greenway. The Greenway walk links the historic town of Blessington with the Palladian mansion at Russborough House. It starts in the Avon Activity Centre and leads south along the shores of the lanes through forest and woodland. It’s suitable for dogs, buggies and mobile children. You’ll enjoy some stunning views of the scenery and a chance to see an ancient medieval Ringfort in person. It crosses Valleymount Road leading to Russborough House where you can explore the grounds or grab a coffee in the pretty café. It’s a very moderate walk which will take 1.5 hours and is well signposted.
Hiking in Ireland is unpredictable so always start prepared. Let someone know where you are going and what time to expect you back. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of snacks and water.
A relaxing stay in Tulfarris Hotel in Wicklow is a great way to recover after a day of exploring. Book the best available rates for your stay in Tulfarris Hotel, learn more about our championship golf course or book a table in Fi Rua on our official website. We look forward to welcoming you.
