10 Great Places to Visit in Wicklow

1. 1. Lough Dan - Fed by two rivers, the Inchavore and the Cloghoge. It lies close to the Wicklow Way. There are Peregrine Falcons nesting here. The beach where the Inchavore meets the lake is incredible, where you can see the scree face of Knocknaclohoge and trace the Inchavore on its meandering route back up the glacial valley.
2. Glendalough - This Place just has it all! Two magnificent lakes, a monastic settlement, Poulinass Waterfall, wild mountain goats , Peregrine falcons, a deserted miners village , Glenealo River, silver birch woods, ravens, sika, stoats, scots pines, magnificent oaks and wonderful views from the peaks. 
3. Coronation Plantation - A singular landscape,particuarly interesting in the winter months. Magnificent Scots Pines with dramatic views of the River Liffey.
4. Devil's Glen - A great walk, fantastic fauna and dramatic views of the Vartry River.
5. Glenmacnass - An astonishing waterfall, bountiful with gorse and foxgloves, and vibrant green slopes. The view from the waterfall back to the valley is breathtaking. The heather ion the plateau in august/september is also very beautiful.
6. Johnnies oaks -  A beautiful oak glade where Kanturk Mountain meets the Inchavore River.
7. Lugnaquilla - Incredible views of the Wicklow Mountains. (Some hillwalking experience required).
8. The Vale of Clara - A secluded spot for a picnic, wonderful woods passed by the Avonmore River.
9. Sallygap - A sweeping plateau in the Wicklow Mountains. Stunning with the heather in bloom, but my favourite way to visit in by the full moon while hundreds of deer wander silently across the landscape.
10. Fancy Mountain - Wild streams, The Cloghoge River, and windswept trees. Pay very close attention to your footing walking here!

These are just ten suggestions but there is plenty besides  Brittas Bay, Glenmalure, Enniskerry, Ballyknocken, Blessington Lakes etc etc,  but the list is a good place to start!

It is worthwhile to note that The Education Centre of the National Park organize free events eg nature walks, hikes and lectures

contact 0404-45425 or email wickloweducationcentre@environ.ie

The Wicklow Mountains should be Respected; they are exposed, largely uninhabited and rugged. Mobile phone coverage is not great, a minor accident can become a massive problem if you cannot get help.

Mountain Code 

Before you go

Learn the use of a map and compass

Know the weather signs and local forecast

plan within your abilities

Know simple first aid and the symptons of exposure

Know the mountain distress signals

When you go

Never go alone

Leave a note of your route, and report on you return

take windproofs,waterproofs and a survival bag.

Bring a suitable map and compass, torch and food

Wear suitable boots

Take particular care in the winter months

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