Wicklow Mountains National Park · Ireland
Glendalough Miner's Way
The classic Glendalough loop past the Upper Lake to the abandoned 19th-century Miner's Village. 10km, forest + lake shore + Wicklow granite, day trip from Dublin.
Updated August 23, 2026
Best half-day walk in Ireland accessible from Dublin (90 min by St Kevin's Bus from Dawson St). Loop starts at the monastic site, climbs above the Upper Lake, and passes the ruins of a Victorian lead-mining village. Turn around at the Miner's Village or push on for a full loop over the ridge.
Best months: March-October
Trailhead / base town: Glendalough
Nearest airport: DUB
Waymarked: Yes — signposted route
Waypoint map — 6 points
Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.
Elevation profile
Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.
304m
Peak gain
Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.
Community reviews
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Trail waypoints in order
- 1
Monastic Site Visitor Centre (Start)
- 2
Upper Lake Car Park
- 3
Poulanass Waterfall junction
- 4
Miner's Village ruins
Abandoned Victorian lead-mining settlement
- 5
Ridge crossing (optional loop)
- 6
Monastic Site (Finish)
Getting out of Glendalough (DUB)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Glendalough Miner's Way — frequently asked
How long does the Glendalough Miner's Way take to complete?
3-4 hours (day hike) for the full 10km (380m total ascent). Difficulty grade: moderate.
Is the Glendalough Miner's Way waymarked?
Yes — waymarked with yellow arrow + walking-man signs at every junction. You do not need a topo map to complete it, but bring one anyway for weather-diversion decisions.
When is the best time of year for the Glendalough Miner's Way?
March-October. Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.
Where should I base myself for the Glendalough Miner's Way?
Glendalough — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into DUB, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.
Do I need a permit for the Glendalough Miner's Way?
No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.