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Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland — Scenic
Europe

Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains

Ireland

In short: Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains is a 137 km scenic road trip in Ireland, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Apr–Sep. Highlights: Dublin, Enniskerry, Sally Gap.

Distance
137 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Apr–Sep
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

From Dublin's Georgian streets into the granite mountains of the Wicklow interior, through Sally Gap's bare moorland, the oak forest of Glenealo Valley, mirror lakes, and stone ruins. The Emerald Isle's most accessible wilderness drive, returning via the coast at Bray.

Practical notes
Expect narrow secondary roads, sheep, and sudden fog on the high Wicklow sections, especially around Sally Gap and the Military Road. Winter frost and low cloud can make the upland crossings slow even for standard cars, but no permits, borders, or guides are required.
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Stops along the route

Dublin — Departure — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Departure
Dublin
Ireland's Georgian capital. Cross the Grand Canal south and watch the city thin as the Wicklow hills rise ahead on the horizon.
Hotels
Enniskerry — City — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
City
Enniskerry
A photogenic estate village below Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest in Ireland. The Powerscourt Estate gardens are among the finest in Europe.
Hotels
Bray — Arrival — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Arrival
Bray
A Victorian seaside town where the Wicklow coastal road meets Dublin Bay. The Harbour Bar is the traditional last stop before the final run back to the capital.
Hotels

Things to Do

Sally Gap — Landmark — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Landmark
Sally Gap
The high moorland crossroads at Wicklow's heart. Bare peat bog stretches to every horizon; the Military Road built after the 1798 rebellion crosses here.
Glendalough — Landmark — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Landmark
Glendalough
A 6th-century monastic settlement in the Valley of Two Lakes, with a round tower, cathedral ruins, and oak forest. Ireland's most atmospheric early Christian site.
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens — Historic Site — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Historic Site
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
Explore the 47-acre estate featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and a historic mansion.
Powerscourt Waterfall — Nature — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Nature
Powerscourt Waterfall
Visit Ireland's highest waterfall at 121 meters, set amidst scenic woodlands.
Bray Head Cliff Walk — Hike — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Hike
Bray Head Cliff Walk
A picturesque coastal trail offering panoramic views of the Irish Sea and surrounding cliffs.

Where to Eat

Poppies Café — Café — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Café
Poppies Café
A charming café in Enniskerry known for its homemade cakes and hearty breakfasts.
The Wicklow Heather Restaurant — Irish — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Irish
The Wicklow Heather Restaurant
A cozy restaurant in Laragh offering traditional Irish dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
The Martello — Seafood — Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains — Ireland
Seafood
The Martello
A seaside restaurant in Bray specializing in fresh seafood and offering stunning ocean views.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains drive?

The Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains covers 137 km from start to finish.

How long does the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains?

The recommended season for the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains is Apr–Sep.

Where does the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains start and end?

The Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains runs from Dublin to Bray.

What are the main stops on the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains?

The Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains passes through Dublin, Enniskerry, Sally Gap.

Can I drive the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains in a regular car?

Yes — the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains EV friendly?

Yes — the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains safe to drive?

Expect narrow secondary roads, sheep, and sudden fog on the high Wicklow sections, especially around Sally Gap and the Military Road. Winter frost and low cloud can make the upland crossings slow even for standard cars, but no permits, borders, or guides are required.

What scenic tier is the Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains?

The Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.