Wicklow Mountains Mountains
Granite mountain range south of Dublin, scenic highlands
Just south of Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains offer peat bogs, heather-covered ridges and the monastic ruins at Glendalough. Tourists hike marked trails, drive the Military Road and visit waterfalls and country houses such as Powerscourt nearby.
Wicklow Mountains at a Glance#
Address: Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow, Ireland
About Wicklow Mountains#
The Wicklow Mountains are a granite and metamorphic upland in the province of Leinster, Ireland, forming a broad, rounded interior south of Dublin and containing open moorland, bogs and deep glacial valleys. The range includes Ireland’s highest peak in Leinster, Lugnaquilla, at 925 metres.
Glendalough, a monastic valley with two lakes and early medieval ecclesiastical remains, is one of the range’s best-known cultural and visitor sites and provides access to multiple walking routes. Scenic roads such as the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap cross the massif and give panoramic views over upland valleys and lakes.
The area contains early Christian archaeological sites, and rural settlement and pastoral farming have shaped the landscape over many centuries. Modern conservation and recreational management aim to protect upland habitats while supporting public access.
The mountain range lies directly south of Dublin, with the main visitor entrances and car parks roughly 30 kilometres from the city centre, making it a popular day-trip destination.
- Visiting Glendalough: The monastic site in the valley is busiest in summer and is served by marked walking routes that range from short loops to multi-hour ridge hikes.
What to See#
- Glendalough: A monastic settlement founded in the early medieval period set in a glacial valley with Upper and Lower Lakes, noted for well-preserved round towers and early-Christian ruins.
- Lugnaquilla: The highest summit of the range and of the province of Leinster, rising to 925 metres and popular with hikers travelling long-distance routes across the massif.
How to Get to Wicklow Mountains#
Approximately 1 hour driving from Dublin city; major access points include Glendalough (via the R756) and the Wicklow Gap (R759). Bus services from Dublin reach Glendalough.
Tips for Visiting Wicklow Mountains#
- Start early for longer ridge walks from Glendalough or from Wicklow Gap to avoid afternoon cloud.
- Visit the Powerscourt Waterfall and Glendalough monastic site for two very different but quintessential Wicklow experiences.
- If driving, use the R755 and R115 (Military Road) for scenic access; many carparks serve trailheads but can fill on weekends.
Best Time to Visit Wicklow Mountains#
Best in late spring through autumn for walking and clearer weather; winter can bring snow and restricted access on higher roads.
Weather & Climate near Wicklow Mountains#
Wicklow Mountains's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1151 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 7° | -1° | 122 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 93 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 87 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 76 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 82 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 72 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 71 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 92 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 102 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 118 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 111 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 125 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
