The best walks and hikes around Laragh

Yes, there are nearly 20 hiking routes available directly around Laragh. The majority of these are easy walks, with a smaller selection of moderate trails for those seeking more of a challenge. The area is well-explored, with over 190 hikers using komoot to find their way.

The hiking routes around Laragh are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the region for its access to the Wicklow Way and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding river valleys and forested hills.

Many trails in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. For a shorter, accessible option, consider the Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Castle Coole, which is a pleasant walk of about 4.7 km through woodland.

Many trails in the wider Wicklow Mountains area are suitable for dogs, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. This is especially important due to the presence of wildlife and livestock. Always check specific trail regulations before you go, particularly within the National Park boundaries.

The region offers several gentle walks perfect for a family outing. The Ancient Chestnut Tree loop from Enniskillen is a great choice, offering a relatively flat 7.6 km path that's manageable for most fitness levels.

The Glenmacnass Waterfall is a notable natural feature located just north of Laragh. You can drive to a viewpoint car park and take a short walk for scenic views of the cascade flowing down from Mt. Mullaghcleevaun. For a more immersive experience, trails in the Glendalough valley, like The Spinc, often pass smaller waterfalls on the way up.

The trails cater to a range of abilities. While there are no officially graded 'difficult' alpine routes, you can find challenging hikes. Trails involving significant climbs, such as those up Derrybawn Mountain or around The Spinc in Glendalough, require a good level of fitness and include steep sections.

The terrain is varied. You'll encounter everything from gentle, paved 'Green Roads' in the Glendalough valley to well-maintained forest paths and gravel tracks. Higher mountain trails can be rugged and uneven, with boardwalks over boggy sections and rocky steps on steeper ascents. Proper hiking footwear is recommended for most routes.

There is public parking available in Laragh village, which is a convenient starting point for many walks, including sections of the Wicklow Way. For hikes in the Glendalough valley, there are two main car parks: the Visitor Centre car park and the Upper Lake car park. Be aware that these can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advised.

Yes, Laragh and the nearby Glendalough area are accessible via public transport from Dublin. A privately operated bus service runs daily. This makes it possible to plan a day of hiking without needing a car. Always check the latest timetables before you travel.

Laragh acts as a gateway village with access to the Wicklow Way and trails heading in multiple directions, including south towards Glenmalure. Glendalough, just 1.5 km away, is the starting point for a specific set of nine waymarked trails of varying difficulty centered around the two lakes, including the popular Spinc ridge walk. You can easily walk between the two.