Cycling in Wicklow
Ireland's mountain playground, 30 minutes from Dublin
Best time to ride
Best months
April to September
Temperature
8-18 C across the riding season
Rainfall
Frequent light rain year-round; the eastern valleys are drier than the mountain tops. Pack a rain cape
The riding
The Wicklow Mountains are the closest real mountains to Dublin, and for Irish cyclists they are the default training ground. The landscape is raw: open moorland, deep glacial valleys, conifer plantations, and exposed mountain passes above 500 m. The roads are mostly single-carriageway R-roads with light traffic, and the views on a clear day reach from the Irish Sea to the midlands.
The Military Road (R115) is the backbone. Built by the British army after the 1798 rebellion to access the mountain interior, it runs roughly north-south across the range, climbing over several passes including the Sally Gap (503 m) and the Wicklow Gap (470 m). These passes are not Alpine in gradient but they are long, exposed, and often windy. The climbing is steady rather than steep: 3-5% over 10-15 km stretches.
Beyond the main passes, Wicklow offers excellent quieter roads through the eastern valleys. The Glendalough valley, Glenmalure (the longest glacial valley in Ireland), and the Avoca valley all have scenic, low-traffic roads. Gravel and MTB riders can access forest tracks and fireroads throughout the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The terrain rewards riders who like long, steady efforts in quiet surroundings more than short, explosive climbs.
Key climbs & routes
- Sally Gap via R115 from Dublin (15 km, avg 3.5%) — the classic mountain pass across open moorland
- Wicklow Gap (10 km, avg 3%) — a quieter, more remote pass from Hollywood to Glendalough
- Lugnaquilla approach via Glenmalure (8 km, avg 4%) — a dead-end road into Ireland's deepest valley
- Shay Elliott memorial climb (4 km, avg 5%) — a short climb to a memorial for Ireland's first Tour de France stage winner
- Djuce Mountain via R759 (6 km, avg 4.5%) — a forest road climb with views over Powerscourt waterfall
Practical info
Getting there
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the nearest international airport, about 1h15 from the heart of Wicklow by car. The DART rail line reaches as far south as Greystones on the Wicklow border.
Bike hire
Limited bike hire in Wicklow itself. Most riders bring their own or hire in Dublin. Some accommodation providers in the area can arrange bike rental on request.
Where to stay
Glendalough, Roundwood, and Enniskerry are popular bases. B&Bs and guesthouses are the norm. For road cyclists, Enniskerry puts you at the foot of the Dublin Mountains with quick access to the Military Road. Laragh and Glendalough work for rides deeper into the range.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wicklow good for cycling?
Wicklow is excellent for cycling. The mountain passes (Sally Gap, Wicklow Gap) are long and scenic, the roads carry light traffic, and the landscape is dramatic open moorland and glacial valleys. It is the primary training ground for Dublin-based cyclists and offers a genuine mountain experience within easy reach of the capital.
When is the best time to cycle in Wicklow?
May to September offers the best weather and longest days. Even in summer, conditions above 400 m can change quickly - cloud, wind and rain can appear fast. Carry layers. Autumn colour in October is spectacular but days shorten rapidly. Winter riding is possible but the high passes can be icy.
How hard is the Sally Gap?
The Sally Gap is not steep (average 3.5%) but it is long (15 km from the Dublin side) and very exposed. Wind is the main difficulty - a headwind over the open moorland above 450 m can turn a moderate climb into a genuine effort. On a calm day, strong recreational riders complete it in 40-50 minutes.
Can I do gravel riding in Wicklow?
Yes. The Wicklow Mountains National Park has an extensive network of forest fireroads and tracks. The Ballinastoe MTB trails are purpose-built. For gravel bikes, the fireroads in Glendalough, Laragh, and the Devil's Glen offer long off-road loops. Surface quality varies from smooth gravel to rough forestry track.
What is the best cycling loop in Wicklow?
The classic loop runs from Enniskerry over the Sally Gap, down into Laragh, through Glendalough, over the Wicklow Gap to Hollywood, and back via Blessington. It covers approximately 110 km with 1500 m of climbing and takes in two mountain passes, a glacial valley, and quiet rolling farmland.
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