Wild mountain scenery, peaceful lakes, forest trails and centuries of history are all waiting to be discovered in the Wicklow Mountains. Better still, you don’t need to travel far from Dublin to feel as though you’ve escaped into the wilderness.
For walkers, families, couples and anyone looking for an affordable outdoor break, An Óige’s Glendalough International Hostel and Knockree Hostel make excellent bases for exploring this beautiful corner of Ireland.
Pack your walking shoes, bring a rain jacket — this is Ireland, after all — and discover some of the best things to do during your stay.
1. Discover the Glendalough Monastic Site
If you’re staying at Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most fascinating historic attractions is practically on your doorstep.
The famous Glendalough Monastic Site was founded by St Kevin in the sixth century and developed into an important centre of religion and learning. Today, visitors can wander among its atmospheric ruins and see landmarks including the impressive Round Tower, St Kevin’s Church and the remains of several other medieval buildings.
Surrounded by mountains and woodland, it’s easy to understand why this peaceful valley has attracted visitors for centuries.
Arrive early or explore later in the day and you may also get to experience a quieter side of Glendalough, after many day-trippers have departed.
2. Walk Around the Glendalough Lakes
You don’t have to be an experienced hillwalker to enjoy the scenery around Glendalough.
The Upper and Lower Lakes are surrounded by a variety of walking trails, ranging from relatively gentle woodland and lakeside strolls to much more challenging mountain routes.
A relaxed walk around the valley is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photographs and simply enjoy the landscape.
If you’re travelling with children or don’t fancy tackling a major hike, exploring the lakes and lower trails can still give you a fantastic taste of the Wicklow Mountains.
3. Take on the Spinc
Looking for something more energetic?
The Spinc is one of Glendalough’s best-known walks and rewards the climb with spectacular views over the Upper Lake and surrounding mountains.
The route climbs above the valley, with sections of boardwalk helping walkers across the mountain terrain. From the higher sections, you can look down across Glendalough and appreciate just how dramatic the landscape really is.
Conditions in the Wicklow Mountains can change quickly, so suitable footwear, waterproof clothing and preparation are important. But on a clear day, the views can make the effort worthwhile.
4. Walk a Section of the Wicklow Way
The Wicklow Mountains are home to Ireland’s oldest waymarked long-distance walking route, the Wicklow Way.
Stretching from the Dublin Mountains through County Wicklow and onwards towards County Carlow, the route passes through forests, open mountains and valleys and close to some of the region’s best-known beauty spots.
You certainly don’t have to walk the entire trail.
Both Glendalough and Knockree are ideally positioned for visitors who want to experience sections of the Wicklow Way before returning to comfortable, affordable accommodation at the end of the day.
For keen walkers, combining a hostel stay with a few days on the trail can also be a great-value way to enjoy an active Irish holiday.
5. Explore Powerscourt Waterfall
If Knockree is your base, make time for a trip to Powerscourt Waterfall, one of Wicklow’s most impressive natural attractions.
At 121 metres, it is Ireland’s highest waterfall, tumbling dramatically down the mountainside in a beautiful wooded setting.
It’s a lovely destination for a more leisurely day away from the hiking trails. Bring a picnic, enjoy the woodland surroundings and take in the sight and sound of the waterfall.
Nearby Powerscourt Estate and Gardens is another popular stop, with landscaped gardens and sweeping views towards the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
6. Climb the Great Sugar Loaf
With its distinctive pointed summit, the Great Sugar Loaf is one of Wicklow’s most recognisable landmarks.
The climb is relatively short compared with some of the longer mountain routes in the county, although the final approach becomes steep and rocky. Reach the top in good weather and you’ll be rewarded with expansive views across the Wicklow countryside and towards the Irish Sea.
It’s a particularly handy adventure to combine with a stay at Knockree and a great choice when you want a memorable hike without committing to a full day in the mountains.
7. Enjoy the Simple Pleasure of Switching Off
Not every day in Wicklow needs an itinerary.
One of the pleasures of staying in the mountains is simply having time to slow down. Read a book, enjoy a picnic, photograph the scenery, watch for wildlife or sit down after a long walk with a cup of tea and plan tomorrow’s adventure.
Staying at An Óige Glendalough International Hostel or Knockree Hostel puts the landscape at the heart of your break, rather than making it somewhere you simply visit for a few hours.
With self-catering facilities available, you can also prepare breakfast before heading out, pack your own lunch and cook dinner when you return — helping to keep the cost of your getaway down.
Make the Wicklow Mountains Your Next Adventure
You don’t need an expensive hotel or complicated holiday plan to enjoy one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions.
Choose Glendalough for easy access to its famous lakes, historic monastic settlement and spectacular walking trails, or make Knockree your base for discovering the northern Wicklow Mountains, the Wicklow Way and attractions around Powerscourt and the Sugar Loaf.
Whichever you choose, bring good footwear, prepare for Ireland’s famously changeable weather and give yourself plenty of time to explore.
With breathtaking scenery outside and affordable accommodation to return to at the end of the day, An Óige offers a pocket-friendly way to turn a day trip to Wicklow into a proper adventure.