Exploring the beauty of Wicklow: The top 10 hikes you won’t want to miss
Located in the southeast of Ireland, Wicklow is a county known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful hiking trails. From rolling hills and verdant forests to rugged coastlines and towering peaks, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to discover in Wicklow. Here are the top 10 hikes you won’t want to miss during your visit to this beautiful region.
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Wicklow Way
The Wicklow Way is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from Dublin to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park. The trail is approximately 127 miles (204 kilometers) long, and it passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Wicklow. Along the way, you’ll encounter rolling hills, verdant forests, and stunning views of the Irish countryside. If you don’t have time to complete the entire trail, there are plenty of shorter sections to explore as well.
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Lough Dan Loop
Lough Dan Loop is a moderate hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Wicklow Mountains. The hike starts at the Lough Dan car park and follows the Lough Dan trail through a beautiful forest before climbing up to the ridge line. From the ridge line, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including Lough Dan and the Sugarloaf Mountain. The hike is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and takes around 5 hours to complete.
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Glendalough Upper Lake Loop
Glendalough Upper Lake Loop is a beautiful hike that takes you through the stunning Glendalough Valley. The hike starts at the Glendalough Visitor Center and follows the Upper Lake trail around the upper lake before climbing up to the ridge line. From the ridge line, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Glendalough Upper Lake. The hike is approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and takes around 4 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through a beautiful forest and have the opportunity to see some of the historic monastic ruins that are located in the Glendalough Valley. This hike is suitable for hikers of all levels and is a great way to explore the stunning scenery of Wicklow.
Before you set out on your hike, be sure to bring plenty of water, a map of the trail, and any other supplies you may need. It’s also a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans, in case of any emergencies. With proper preparation and a sense of adventure, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful and memorable hike through the stunning Glendalough Valley.
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Djouce Mountain
Djouce Mountain is a moderate to challenging hike that takes you to the top of one of the most iconic peaks in Wicklow. The hike starts at the Djouce Mountain car park and follows the Djouce Mountain trail up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) long and takes around 4 hours to complete.
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Glenmalure Loop
The Glenmalure Loop is a moderate hike that takes you through the beautiful Glenmalure Valley. The hike starts at the Glenmalure car park and follows the Glenmalure trail through a stunning forest before climbing up to the ridge line. From the ridge line, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and takes around 5 hours to complete.
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Sally Gap Loop
The Sally Gap Loop is a moderate hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Wicklow Mountains. The hike starts at the Sally Gap car park and follows the Sally Gap trail through a stunning forest before climbing up to the ridge line. From the ridge line, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and takes around 5 hours to complete.
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Mullaghcleevaun Loop
Mullaghcleevaun Loop is a moderate to challenging hike that takes you to the top of one of the highest peaks in Wicklow. The hike starts at the Mullaghcleevaun car park and follows the Mullaghcleevaun trail up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and takes around 5 hours to complete.
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Lugnaquilla Loop
Lugnaquilla Loop is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of the highest peak in Wicklow. The hike starts at the Lugnaquilla car park and follows the Lugnaquilla trail up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) long and takes around 6 hours to complete.
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Kippure Mountain
Kippure Mountain is a moderate to challenging hike that takes you to the top of one of the most iconic peaks in Wicklow. The hike starts at the Kippure Mountain car park and follows the Kippure Mountain trail up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and takes around 5 hours to complete.
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Slieve na Cailleach Loop
Slieve na Cailleach Loop is a moderate to challenging hike that takes you to the top of one of the highest peaks in Wicklow. The hike starts at the Slieve na Cailleach car park and follows the Slieve na Cailleach trail up to the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The hike is approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) long and takes around 6 hours to complete.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a beautiful outdoor adventure, Wicklow has something for everyone. These top 10 hikes are just a small sampling of the beautiful trails that this region has to offer, so be sure to explore and discover all that Wicklow has to offer. Happy hiking!
