The best running trails in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

There are over 240 running routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park, offering a wide variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences. These include everything from accessible paths to more technical mountain trails.

Yes, the park offers 14 easy routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed run. While specific easy routes aren't highlighted in the top picks, many trails around Glendalough's Lower Lake or sections of the Wicklow Way offer gentler terrain. For a moderate option, consider the Wicklow Way loop from Marlay Park, which is 7.1 km long.

Joggers can expect a diverse range of terrain, from mostly paved surfaces and accessible paths to pristine forest trails, ancient oak woodlands, and more technical mountain routes with significant elevation gains. The landscape is shaped by ancient granite and glacial activity, featuring sweeping valleys, heather-covered peaks, and expansive boglands.

Yes, many routes in the park are circular. For example, the popular Bohernabreena Reservoirs running loop is a challenging 15.7 km circular path around tranquil reservoirs. The Croghan Mountain — Bann River and Croghan Trail running loop is another challenging 10.3 km circular option.

The park is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can encounter stunning mountain vistas, glacial valleys like Glendalough with its two picturesque lakes, and cascading waterfalls such as Poulanass Waterfall. Historical sites include the 6th-century Glendalough Monastic Settlement. You might also spot wild deer, especially around areas like Brown Mountain. Notable valleys to explore include Glencree Valley and Glenmalure Valley.

Yes, several routes offer views of waterfalls. The Glendalough Spink Trail, a difficult 9.5 km route, provides panoramic views of Glendalough's lakes and includes a waterfall. Poulanass Waterfall is also a prominent feature in the park, and Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland's second-highest, is nearby.

The running routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 4,700 runners have used komoot to explore the park's varied terrain, often praising the stunning mountain views, serene woodlands, and the challenge offered by the diverse trails.

Absolutely. The park is known for its more technical mountain routes with significant elevation gains. The Glendalough Spink Trail is a difficult 9.5 km route with over 300 meters of elevation gain. The Bohernabreena Reservoirs running loop is another difficult option at 15.7 km. Sections of the 130-kilometer Wicklow Way also provide excellent challenges for long-distance trail running.

While the park offers a true wilderness escape, it is easily accessible from Dublin. Specific public transport options vary by trailhead, but bus services can reach key access points like Glendalough. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching specific starting points for your chosen running route.

Yes, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is renowned for its spectacular viewpoints. Djouce Mountain offers panoramic views from its summit. The Glendalough Spink Trail provides sweeping views of Glendalough's lakes and surrounding mountains. The Dublin Mountains Way Hellfire & Massey Spur also offers views, including from the historic Hellfire Club.

Glendalough, known as 'the valley of two lakes,' is particularly picturesque with its Upper and Lower Lakes and surrounding boardwalks. The Great Military Road and Sally Gap also offer scenic drives through wide, rolling mountain scenery, with many trails branching off them. The park's diverse landscapes, from mountain vistas to ancient woodlands, ensure scenic beauty on almost any trail.

The park is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and stunning natural colors. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be challenging with colder weather and potentially icy or muddy trails, though it offers a unique, stark beauty. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.