Wicklow Mountains Drive
Wicklow
About This Route
Just an hour from Dublin lies Ireland's largest upland area - the Wicklow Mountains. This route crosses the heart of the range through glacial valleys, past pristine lakes, and over the famous Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap passes.
Why This Route?
The Wicklow Mountains deliver drama surprisingly close to the capital:
- Glacial valleys - U-shaped valleys carved by ice age glaciers
- Mountain passes - Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap offer exhilarating driving
- Lakes - Lough Tay, Lough Dan, and the Glendalough lakes
- Accessibility - Under an hour from Dublin city centre
- Film locations - Vikings, Braveheart, P.S. I Love You
The Landscape
The Wicklow Mountains are a granite dome, weathered over 400 million years. The highest point is Lugnaquilla (925m), but the passes and valleys are more accessible and equally dramatic.
The Route
Starting from Dublin
Head south through the suburbs or take the faster M11/M50 to join the route at Enniskerry.
Enniskerry
A picture-perfect estate village at the gates of Powerscourt. The village square is charming, with cafes and craft shops.
Powerscourt Estate
One of Ireland's greatest gardens - 47 acres of formal gardens, terraces, and woodland with views of Great Sugar Loaf mountain. The waterfall (separate entrance) is Ireland's highest at 121m.
Great Sugar Loaf
This distinctive conical peak (501m) dominates the skyline. The walk to the summit takes about an hour and rewards with panoramic views.
Glencree
A peaceful valley with a reconciliation centre in former military barracks. The German War Cemetery here contains graves of WWII servicemen.
Sally Gap
One of Ireland's most famous mountain passes. The road crosses blanket bog at 498m, with views extending to the Dublin and Wicklow coasts on clear days.
Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
The iconic dark lake with its white sand beach - the sand was imported by the Guinness family, whose estate surrounds the lake. Best viewed from the Sally Gap road above.
Lough Dan
A more accessible lake with parking and walking trails. The scenery rivals the Scottish Highlands.
Wicklow Gap
A second dramatic pass crossing the mountains from east to west. Less trafficked than Sally Gap but equally impressive.
Glendalough
End at this famous monastic site (see separate Glendalough route for details). The valley setting is spectacular.
Walking Options
Spinc & Glendalough Loop
- Distance: 9km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Valley views, Upper Lake, boardwalk
White Hill from Sally Gap
- Distance: 6km return
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Bog walk, panoramic views
Great Sugar Loaf
- Distance: 4km return
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Easy summit, coastal views
Practical Tips
- Sally Gap road can close in winter - Check conditions November-March
- No fuel stations in the mountains - Fill up before leaving
- Weather changes quickly - Pack layers even in summer
- Lough Tay is private - View from the road only
- Powerscourt needs 2-3 hours - Don't rush the gardens
Film Locations
The Wicklow Mountains have doubled for locations worldwide:
- Braveheart - Battle scenes at Curragh Plains
- Vikings - Lough Tay (Kattegat)
- P.S. I Love You - Sally Gap and Wicklow Way
- The Count of Monte Cristo - Powerscourt
Best Light
- Morning - East-facing valleys lit from behind
- Evening - Sally Gap and Lough Tay golden hour
- Autumn - Heather and bracken turn golden
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
