Wicklow is a fantastic trail running destination, offering a vast network of scenic trails that wind through mountains, forests, and along stunning coastlines. With year-round mild weather, runners can explore iconic routes like the Wicklow Way, Glendalough, and the Sugarloaf without seasonal extremes. The county also hosts top-class events, including EcoTrail Wicklow, which attracts trail runners from around the world to experience its breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain.

Favourite Trail Running and Fast Hiking Areas in Wicklow

Wicklow is a trail runner’s paradise, offering a mix of rugged mountain paths, rolling hills, and forested trails. Popular spots include Bray Head and the Sugarloafs, where steep climbs reward runners with stunning coastal and mountain views. Djouce Mountain, part of the Wicklow Way, provides an exhilarating mix of single-track trails and boardwalks, with breathtaking vistas over Lough Tay. The Glendalough Valley offers technical and scenic routes, winding past ancient monastic ruins, lakes, and waterfalls. Further south, the trails around Tinahely provide gentler but equally stunning routes, ideal for long, flowing runs over rolling countryside.

Fast-Pack the Wicklow Way

Follow on the footsteps of Jeff and Audrée fast-packing the Wicklow Way over three days.  The Wicklow Way is an exhilarating way to experience one of Ireland’s oldest and most scenic long-distance trails. Stretching 132 km from Dublin to Clonegal, it weaves through the Wicklow Mountains, past rugged peaks, serene valleys, deep forests, and glacial lakes. Whether tackled in two, three, four, or more days, this route blends trail running and lightweight hiking, offering a perfect mix of speed and adventure. Highlights include Djouce Mountain’s panoramic views, the mystical Glendalough Valley, and peaceful stretches near Tinahely.

EcoTrail Wicklow

EcoTrail Wicklow has quickly become Ireland’s most iconic trail race, attracting runners from around the world to experience Wicklow’s stunning landscapes. Held annually on the last weekend of September, the race offers five distances—10km, 19km, 30km, 46km, and 80km, catering to everyone from trail-running enthusiasts to elite ultrarunners. The routes take runners through some of Wicklow’s most breathtaking scenery, including Bray Head, the Sugarloafs, Powerscourt Waterfall, Djouce Mountain, and the Wicklow Way. With its mix of coastal paths, forest trails, and mountainous terrain, EcoTrail Wicklow is a challenging yet rewarding race that showcases the best of Ireland’s wild beauty.

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