Self-Drive Tours in Wicklow
Ireland
Loop through the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin in a day — Powerscourt gardens, the Sally Gap pass above Lough Tay, and Glendalough's monastic valley, all on well-surfaced roads barely an hour from the capital.
Self-Driving in Wicklow
County Wicklow is one of the easiest and most rewarding self-drive destinations in Ireland. The entire county sits within an hour of Dublin, the roads are well-surfaced, and a single day can take in Powerscourt Estate, the Sally Gap mountain pass, Lough Tay, and Glendalough without covering long distances or feeling rushed.
The classic Wicklow loop starts at Powerscourt Estate near Enniskerry, 25 kilometres south of Dublin. Allow two hours for the gardens — the Italianate terraces and views of the Sugar Loaf are worth the time. From Powerscourt, the road climbs south over the Sally Gap (R759), a single-track road through open moorland that feels worlds away from the capital. The viewpoint above Lough Tay — where dark water meets white sand — is one of the most photographed spots in Wicklow. Continue south to Glendalough, roughly 35 kilometres and an hour from Powerscourt.
Glendalough deserves at least two hours for the monastic site and a walk. The Upper Lake boardwalk is flat and accessible; the Spinc loop (9 kilometres, 3-4 hours) is more demanding but offers the definitive view of the valley. Return to Dublin via the Wicklow Gap and Roundwood, completing a 120-kilometre loop.
For those with more time, extending south to Avoca — home to the oldest working handweaving mill in Ireland — and the Meeting of the Waters adds another dimension. The Vale of Avoca is gentler and greener than the mountain passes, and the drive through Rathdrum and Avondale House (the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell) takes about 40 minutes from Glendalough.
Our self-drive packages include a diverse range of vehicles with fully comprehensive insurance and zero excess, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered.
Highlights of Wicklow
Dublin to Powerscourt
Start the loop 25km south of Dublin at Powerscourt Estate. 47 acres of gardens, Italianate terraces, and views of the Sugar Loaf. Allow 2 hours.
Sally Gap & Lough Tay
Climb the R759 through open moorland to the viewpoint above Lough Tay. The dark lake against white sand is Wicklow's most photographed scene.
Glendalough Valley
Park at the upper or lower car park and explore the 6th-century monastic site, round tower, and lakeside walks. The Spinc loop is the signature hike.
Wicklow Gap Return
Complete the 120km loop back to Dublin via the Wicklow Gap and Roundwood. The pass offers different mountain views from the Sally Gap.
Sample Wicklow Self-Drive Itinerary
A suggested rhythm — yours to bend.
Day 1
Arrive & Powerscourt
Collect your car and drive to Enniskerry (25 minutes from Dublin). Explore Powerscourt Estate gardens and the separate waterfall (121m). Check in to your accommodation in the Wicklow Mountains area.
Day 2
Sally Gap, Lough Tay & Glendalough
Drive the Sally Gap road (R759) through open moorland. Stop at the Lough Tay viewpoint and the Glenmacnass Waterfall. Continue to Glendalough for the monastic site and a walk. Return via the Wicklow Gap.
Day 3
Avoca & Departure
Optional drive south to Avoca for the handweaving mill and the Meeting of the Waters. Return to Dublin via the N11 or continue south to Kilkenny or Waterford.
Driving Tips for Wicklow
Essential Tips for Your Self-Drive Adventure
- 1The Sally Gap road (R759) is narrow and single-track in places. Drive slowly and use passing places. The surface is good but can be icy in winter
- 2Glendalough car parks fill by midday in summer — arrive before 10am. The upper car park is closer to the lake walks; the lower car park is closer to the monastic site
- 3The full Dublin–Powerscourt–Sally Gap–Glendalough–Wicklow Gap loop is about 120km. Allow a full day with stops
- 4Powerscourt Waterfall is a separate entrance from the main estate, 6km south. It's worth the detour but adds 30 minutes
- 5The Wicklow Gap road is quieter than the Sally Gap and offers different mountain views. A good alternative return route to Dublin
- 6Fuel up in Enniskerry or Roundwood — there are no petrol stations on the mountain passes
- 7All tolls are included with your rental through our Peace of Mind Package
Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Drive in Wicklow
About 50 kilometres south, roughly 50 to 60 minutes by car via the most direct route (N11 and R762). Via the scenic Sally Gap road, allow 90 minutes with stops.
Yes. The Powerscourt–Sally Gap–Glendalough loop covers the highlights in a single day (120km, 6-7 hours with stops). An overnight stay in the mountains allows a more relaxed pace and time for longer walks.
Yes, though it is narrow in places. The road is well-surfaced and suitable for any car. It can close in winter ice — check conditions November through March.
The Spinc loop — a 9-kilometre trail above the Upper Lake that climbs 300 metres to a boardwalk ridge with panoramic views. Allow 3 to 4 hours. The Poulanass Waterfall trail (3km, 90 minutes) is an easier alternative.
Yes. The 47 acres of formal gardens are among the finest in Ireland, with Italianate terraces, Japanese gardens, and views of the Sugar Loaf. Allow 2 hours for the gardens and add the 121-metre waterfall if time allows.
Let's start dreaming —
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