Wicklow Mountains & Midlands

The Wicklow Mountains form the largest continuous area of high ground in Ireland, rising immediately south of Dublin through granite summits, peat-covered plateaux and deeply carved glacial valleys. Lugnaquilla dominates the southern range, while Mullaghcleevaun, Tonelagee and Djouce provide long days across open mountain country.

Glendalough is the region’s best-known walking centre. Trails climb above its two lakes through woodland, old mining ground and the steep-sided valley surrounding the early Christian monastic settlement. Beyond the busiest paths, Glenmalure, Glenmacnass and the central Wicklow plateau feel considerably more remote.

The Wicklow Way crosses the range on its 131-kilometre journey from Dublin to Clonegal. Created through the persistence of J. B. Malone, it became the Republic of Ireland’s first National Waymarked Trail and established the model followed by dozens of later routes.

Westward, the landscape settles into the Central Lowlands before rising again in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Arderin, Stillbrook Hill and Wolftrap Mountain are modest in height but surrounded by quiet forest, blanket bog and extensive views across the Midlands. The circular Slieve Bloom Way explores the range over several days, while the Grand Canal Way offers gentler walking through Kildare and Offaly.

This is a region where serious mountain days and completely level towpaths can sit comfortably on the same itinerary.