Glendalough & the Wicklow Mountains Day Trip from Dublin
A monastic round tower between two lakes, over a mountain gap road
A one-day drive from Dublin to Glendalough & the Wicklow Mountains — 102 km round trip, about 2h 14m behind the wheel, with stops, timings and where to eat already worked out.
Sally Gap
Dramatic boggy mountain pass through the Wicklow Mountains, a lovely detour on the way in.
💡 Pull-offs are limited — use the small car parks near the crossroads.
Cloghoge, Sally Gap
Glendalough Cathedral
Atmospheric 6th-century monastic settlement with a striking round tower and two lakes, one of Ireland's most iconic historic sites.
💡 Arrive before 10am to beat tour coaches from Dublin.
Sevenchurches Or Camaderry, Glendalough
Wicklow Heather Restaurant | Glendalough
Well-regarded local restaurant near Glendalough serving hearty Irish fare, ideal for a midday break.
Glendalough Road, Brockagh, Laragh
Glendalough Upper Lake
Serene glacial lake ringed by cliffs and woodland, with an easy lakeside trail to the Poulanass Waterfall.
💡 Walk the Green Road for the best views without the crowds near the visitor centre.
Lugduff
Glenmacnass Waterfall
Spectacular cascading waterfall tumbling down a valley, roughly 15 km detour on the return route through the mountains.
💡 Small roadside car park fills fast — arrive off-peak for easy parking.
Laragh West, Newtown Park
- No low-emission zone concerns in Wicklow — parking is straightforward at Glendalough's paid car park
- Glendalough car park can fill by late morning in summer; arrive early
- Military Road (R115) has no fuel stations — fill up in Dublin before departing
- Weather changes fast in the mountains — check conditions before the Sally Gap detour
- Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall+15 km
Grand gardens and Ireland's tallest waterfall, a classic Wicklow stop just off the route from Dublin.
- Glendalough Miners' Village+2 km
Atmospheric ruins of a 19th-century lead-mining settlement along the Upper Lake trail, easy add-on walk.
- Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)+10 km
Striking dark lake with a white sandy beach owned by the Guinness family, iconic viewpoint off the Military Road.
Make this trip your own
Plan your own road trip →This route was drafted with AI. Please double-check roads, opening hours and local conditions before you go.
Made with Roadanza