How To Go From Dublin To Wicklow Mountains (Local Advice)

Staying in Ireland has allowed us to try a wide array of road trips.

This includes going to the majestic Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow Mountains are a beautiful part of Ireland that is spread across 190 square miles and offers a breathtaking natural sight that’s going to blow you away.

For those who are looking to experience the joy of Ireland’s natural beauty, it’s time to head over to the Wicklow Mountain National Park. This is a fascinating spot as it offers ample greenery, a beautiful mountain range, and of course eye-catching photo opportunities!

If you are in Dublin, here is how to go from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains.

The Route From Dublin To Wicklow Mountains

You are going to be heading south and the most convenient way is to take the M50 until you hit Firhouse and then you use Old Military Road to get to your destination.

This is often the recommended route because it’s going to get you to the Wicklow Mountains within an hour or so.

Some prefer to take the longer route which entails using the R115.

How To Go From Dublin To Wicklow Mountains

This is going to be a delightful 32-mile journey that’s going to take you through a lovely assortment of roads until you reach your destination.

The drive alone is what makes it special.

Unless it’s the holidays, it should take around an hour or so to get there.

Private Tour

The Wicklow Mountains are a heralded tourist spot, which means you are going to have an assortment of tour providers in the area too.

This is useful because you can also arrange the entire trip with the help of the tour provider. They will help manage everything including the pick-up and drop-off part of the trip.

Car

For those wanting to get to the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin, the most common way is going to be to drive.

If you are willing to get behind the wheel, this is a lovely day trip. It won’t take too long and you are going to have a great time too!

We highly recommend doing this because you can customize the stops and the route you take.

Bus

This is an option for those who want to save money but are willing to take longer to get to the Wicklow Mountains.

In this case, it’s going to end up taking a few hours but there are busses that run to the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin. The most common one people take is the Dublin Bus.

Tips For Going To The Wicklow Mountains

Go Earlier In The Day

If you are planning on going to the Wicklow Mountain National Park, it’s best to visit earlier in the day. This is going to ensure you get to where you want to be within an hour from Dublin.

A lot of people don’t do this and then regret the results as they get stuck in traffic.

Plan the route and make sure you are aware of your stops along the way. Otherwise, just complete the drive in an hour and get to where you want to be.

Visit The Lough Tay

Yes, this is one of the most picturesque spots in the region and a must-see for those who are going to the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin.

Lough Tay is a gorgeous lake that is simply one of the best natural spots in the area.

You will have to head out to one of the nearby roads to take a look but it will be well worth it.

Stop At The Glendalough Monastic Site and Visitor Centre

It’s highly recommended to take the time to head out to the Glendalough Monastic Site. This specific location is designed as a setup where there are multiple areas that are important including the cathedral that’s awe-inspiring.

We loved this area because it’s free and you can walk around having a look at its historic presence. Most people come for the mountain range, but this is also a lovely spot.

Final Thoughts

This is how to get to the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin.

While Dublin is a beautiful city, it is always nice to head out to the Southern parts of the nation. This is where you are going to see the exemplary beauty that’s everywhere in this area.

Read more on our thoughts comparing Ireland to Scotland for traveling and the reasons for Ireland’s riches.