Wicklow is Dublin's escape hatch. 40 km from the city and you'\''re in genuine mountain wilderness. Lough Dan is one of the most private spots in our entire directory despite being within an hour of Ireland'\''s capital. The Military Road is the best inland drive in Leinster.
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Remote mountain lake 40 km from Dublin. High clearance recommended on approach. Remarkable privacy so close to the capital.
Blue Flag, big car park. Amber Jun–Aug; Green in shoulder season. April and September are the sweet spot.
Arrive after day-trippers leave, depart before they arrive. Rangers check in summer. Best Oct–Apr.
Rathfarnham → Glencree → Sally Gap → Laragh → Rathdrum. The highest road in Leinster. 50 km of empty mountain driving with views to the Wicklow coast. Do it on a weekday to have it to yourself.
Bray → Greystones → Kilpedder → Brittas Bay → Wicklow town. Cliff views, Blue Flag beaches, and the Wicklow Head lighthouse. A good shoulder-season run when the mountains are wet.
Laragh → Glendalough → Glendasan → Glenmalure. The valley system at the heart of the mountains. The Upper Lake car park at Glendalough is the best early-morning walk in Leinster.
Cold, quiet, beautiful. Snow on the Sally Gap is a real possibility. Glendalough without crowds is special. Brittas Bay yours entirely.
Best window. Spring on the Military Road. Glendalough before the school tours arrive. Brittas Beach coming alive.
Glendalough and Brittas get very busy — Dubliners treat Wicklow as their beach. Go early morning or push to Lough Dan.
Autumn colours in the Wicklow Mountains are underrated. September is one of the best months in the county. Empty Brittas Bay.