The best traffic-free bike rides in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

There are over 70 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park listed on komoot, offering a wide range of options for cyclists of all levels. These include 17 easy routes, 49 moderate routes, and 8 difficult routes.

The routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park offer diverse and often challenging terrain. You can expect rolling mountains, deep glacial valleys, and lush forests, with many routes featuring significant elevation changes and steep gradients. The park is known for its stunning natural features like Lough Tay and the Glendalough valley.

Yes, there are several easier routes available. While many of the park's roads can be challenging, komoot lists 17 easy routes that are more suitable for beginners or families seeking a less strenuous, traffic-free experience. These routes often feature gentler inclines and scenic views.

Many routes offer stunning views of the park's natural beauty. You might pass by picturesque lakes such as Upper Lake, Glendalough, or the Vartry Reservoir. Some routes also provide glimpses of impressive summits like Great Sugar Loaf Summit, or even waterfalls like Poulanass Waterfall.

Absolutely. The Wicklow Mountains National Park is rich in history. A major highlight is the Glendalough Monastic Site, an ancient settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, featuring a well-preserved round tower and churches. While cycling, you might also encounter historical features like the Great Military Road (R115), which traverses much of the park.

Parking is available at various points throughout the park, often near popular trailheads or villages. For example, the route Glenmalure Inn – Drumgoff Bridge loop from Shay Elliott Parking specifically mentions a parking area, indicating designated spots are available for cyclists to start their tours.

While public transport options directly into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park are limited, some bus services operate to towns on the periphery, such as Glendalough or Blessington. From these points, you may be able to cycle to the start of your chosen traffic-free route. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes in advance.

Yes, the Wicklow Mountains are renowned for their challenging climbs and demanding routes. For experienced cyclists seeking a significant test, routes like the Glenmalure Inn – Drumgoff Bridge loop from Shay Elliott Parking, which covers 69 km with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, offer a difficult and rewarding traffic-free experience. The Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap areas are also known for their challenging ascents.

Many of the traffic-free road cycling routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the River Ow Bridge – Glenmalure Inn loop from Macreddin West, which offers a moderate 28 km ride through scenic landscapes.

The traffic-free road cycling routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 14 ratings. Cyclists often praise the stunning natural beauty, the challenging climbs, and the sense of escape offered by the quiet, scenic roads.

The best time for no traffic road biking in the Wicklow Mountains is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours and less chance of rain, making for more enjoyable cycling conditions and clearer views of the stunning landscapes.

While many routes offer a sense of wilderness, you can find cafes and pubs in the villages and towns located on the periphery or within the park, such as Glendalough, Roundwood, or Laragh. It's a good idea to plan your route to include these stops for refreshments, especially on longer rides.