Wicklow Driving Route

Whether you are traveling from Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport or any Irish Airport we would highly recommend you include a trip to the Wicklow Mountains while in Ireland, it's a small route and could easily be completed in a day when travelling from Dublin City.

We would begin by suggesting you hire a car from Car Rental Ireland, this will give you the freedom to travel this route at your own pace and you won't have to rely on public transport.

This route will bring you and your rental car over beautiful bog roads, through stunning valleys, and through mountain gaps. This is a good introduction to County Wicklow’s landscapes in all their splendour. We recommend having the cameras or camera phones at the ready, this is quite a beautiful scenic drive.

Calary Bog

Begin your drive heading towards the N11. The main road from Dublin to Wexford. About 7Km past Bray you will reach Kilmacanogue. At this point, turn right off the N11 onto the R755. Continue along this and take a left for Roundwood past the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, have the camera at the ready because spectacular mountain is worth a picture.

Sugar loaf Mountain
Credit: Carroll Pierce.


Glendalough

You cannot go to Wicklow without visiting Glendalough. A must see in any visitor’s itinerary. This valley is one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations.

For years now, people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes’ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will calm your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul with wonder. It is a great way to relax after the hustle and bustle of Dublin. After you visit make your way back to Laragh for a snack and take the R115 (The Military Road).

Glendalough
Credit: Stefan Flöper.


The Military Road
Constructed around 1800s this picturesque winding road that passes through the hills, glens and bog lands of the Wicklow. Providing some of the best views of this breath-taking scenery. The barren mountains and moorland is spectacular in any weather so there’s no need to worry about Ireland’s unpredictable weather. On your way you will come across the Glenmacnass waterfall, stop here and get some picture, the views are beautiful and the waterfall will soothe the mind. Continue along it to Glencree, where on the way you will pass two beautiful mountain lakes called Lough Bray Upper and Lough Bray Lower and continue through the lakes towards Enniskerry. The last stop on the trip.

Military Road
Credit: Oliver Dixon.


Enniskerry
Here in this picturesque village, you will end your little tour. Have a bite to eat and a drink and admire the setting. This quaint little town is welcoming and will have you feeling right at home from the moment you stop in it. The towns people love visitors and hearing about how your travels are going. To get back to the Dublin, head towards the N11, take the R117 to Bray, then the N11 back to Dublin.

Powerscourt Enniskerry
Credit: Joseph Mischyshyn.


If you want to keep traveling around Ireland, why not take take your rental car and have a look at our other suggested driving routes. If you have any questions regarding car hire, please take a look at our car rental guide. There is so much beauty around Ireland just waiting for you to capture it on your cameras. Don't forget to send in your pictures and review of any of the trips you've taken, we love getting feedback from our customers.