Trail Running: Wicklow is Ireland’s Favourite Destination: The Best Trail Running Playground in Ireland
Ireland is a fantastic year-round Trail Running destination. Our temperate climate means that it’s never too cold in Winter or too hot in Summer. Irish sceneries are incredible with views over hills and mountains, sea, cliffs, lakes and forests. Yes, it does rain, but the weather changes so quickly that the sun is never too far.
Located on the East Coast of Ireland and on Dublin’s doorstep, Wicklow is Ireland’s most popular Trail Running destination. Wicklow is an amazing outdoor activity playground with the largest mountain area in Ireland, the largest forest area, the highest waterfall, the first long distance trail, the largest man-made reservoir, the highest mountain outside of Kerry and counts for 30km of diverse coastline along the Irish Sea made of sandy beaches, marshlands and cliffs.
Most popular activities include Walking, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Surfing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, Sailing, Horse Back Riding, and of course Trail Running.
Below are some of our recommended trail running areas and event in Wicklow:
The Spinc, Glendalough
Glendalough is an ideal trail running destination with many marked trails to choose from. Sceneries through the surrounding glacier valleys are unrivalled in Ireland. Of the trails available, the Spinc Loop is probably the most popular. Start your run/walk from the VIth Century Monastic Site, pass the two lakes and climb up to Spinc ridge for stunning views of the whole valley!
Djouce Mountain
Djouce mountain is one of the most accessible mountain top in Ireland. At 720 meters above sea level, Djouce summit offer 360 degrees views over the Wicklow Mountains and with the Irish Sea in the distance. Crone Woods is probably the most popular starting points to join the Wicklow Way and follow the trail up to Djouce. Passed Djouce, follow the Wicklow Way along the popular boardwalk to reach Lough Tay (The Guinness Lake).
Bray Head & Sugarloaf
South of Dublin City Centre and easily accessible by public transport, Bray offers great trail running options. Run/walk along the popular Cliff Walk to Greystones, climb up Bray Head for stunning views over the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay or push the adventure along the newly opened Belmont Way to reach the Great Subarloaf.
Ecotrail Wicklow
From the first edition, Ecotrail Wicklow has become the most popular trail running event in Ireland. With start and finish on the Bray Promenade, the various trails will take you to some of Wickow’s most scenic locations such as Bray Head, Killruddery, the Great Sugaloaf, Powerscourt Waterfall, The Wicklow, Lough Tay and the Vartry Reservoir. Choose from four distances: 18k, 29k, 45k or 80k!
Author: TrailRunninIreland.com
