SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Family Day Out - Saturday Farmers’ Market

Take in the craft displays and enjoy the food stalls or head to The Big Boys which has plenty of options for both kids and grown-ups. Browse through Outdoor Living and our Partner displays and return to the Farmer’s Market to enjoy the entertainment.

Home & Garden Inspiration

Wicklow Village is a great place to gather ideas for your home or outdoor space.

Start at OutdoorLiving.ie, where you can see outdoor structures, garden furniture and a dedicated BBQ Centre. Continue to Loghouse.ie to explore their garden rooms and cabins - a practical option for anyone considering a home office, studio or extra living space. Visit at Roadstone Retail, which offers a full range of paving, stone and landscaping materials to help shape your garden or driveway. Have a look at Adman Steel and Premier Sheds for garden storage options. 

It’s a simple loop for reliable home and garden inspiration in the Wicklow area. 

LOCAL WALKING TRAILS

Combine a visit to Wicklow Village with some of Wicklow’s most accessible walking routes and mountain climbs. 

From the winding paths of the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve to the panoramic heights of the Sugarloaf, this area offers walking trails for all levels. Each route has its own character, from shaded forest paths to open hilltop views, all within easy reach of Wicklow Village.

At Wicklow Village, we value simple, sustainable ways to explore our surroundings. Walking here means slowing down, noticing nature, and supporting the local environment that makes our community special.

Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve

Just south of Wicklow Village lies one of the county’s most beautiful landscapes - the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve.

This woodland valley is part of the natural heart of Wicklow: a place where oak forests thrive, wildlife flourishes, and local people have walked for generations.

The Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve is a protected conservation area rich in oak, birch, and holly. It is one of the few ancient forests remaining in Ireland. It is home to red squirrels, woodpeckers, and many bird species. 

Walking up Ballydonagh Lane, turn right into the Nature Reserve and venture down towards the Octagon and into often steeper and rugged dense forest and enjoy a peaceful, natural setting with few visitors. 

The Government has recently doubled the size of the Nature Reserve which includes the land where the once palatial Bellevue House stood. 

Please stay on marked paths and keep dogs on leads to help preserve the native habitat.

Little Sugarloaf

It is also possible to climb the Little Sugar Loaf by walking to Kilmacanogue along the back roads on the other side of the N11. 

The Little Sugarloaf offers impressive views and a quick climb through heather and gorse. The return walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

From the summit, you can see the coastline stretching across Greystones, Bray Head, and the larger Great Sugarloaf and beyond. It’s a perfect short walk for families and anyone looking for fresh air and open space close to home.

The Sugarloaf

For something a little more challenging, the Great Sugar Loaf is a rewarding climb with panoramic views encapsulating the wild beauty of the area.

The Sugarloaf is one of Wicklow’s best-known landmarks. Its distinct cone shape makes it visible for miles, and the walk to the top is one of the most popular in the county.

The main trail starts from the Red Lane car park and takes circa two hours to return. The path is rocky near the top, but the wide views from Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains make it well worth the climb.

Kindlestown Hill

Kindlestown Woods provides a quieter loop through woodland with plenty of space for families and dogs. It is accessed via Ballydonagh Lane beyond the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve entrance.

Kindlestown Hill offers a peaceful forest walk with a gentle climb to open views across Greystones, Bray, and the sea. The looped route takes about 45–60 minutes, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

It’s an ideal place for a weekend stroll, a family walk, or some peaceful time outdoors.

Downs Hill 

For a quieter alternative, Downs Hill Forest provides calm, shaded trails through spruce and pine woodland with soft underfoot paths that are ideal for dog walkers and families.

This is a lesser-known corner of the Wicklow countryside, perfect for those who enjoy slower, quieter walks surrounded by birdsong and forest air.

Glenview Hotel / Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve

Walk or drive to the Glenview Hotel on the other side of the N11 and experience Forest Bathing In Glenview Gardens | 4-Star Glenview Hotel Blog 

This is the west side (left-hand trail) of the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve. 

Starting near the Glenview Hotel, this moderate loop leads through old woodland with occasional openings that reveal views towards the Sugarloaf. The walk takes about an hour and is ideal for a quiet morning or evening stroll.

Walking with Care

At Wicklow Village, sustainability begins with small choices like how we explore our local landscape. 

When walking in the Glen of the Downs area we encourage everyone to:

  • Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife and plant life.
  • Take all litter home.
  • Respect parking areas and local residents.

Together, these habits help keep Wicklow’s natural spaces healthy and welcoming for everyone.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The area around Wicklow Village has plenty to explore, with well-known spots like Powerscourt Estate, Mount Usher Gardens, Bray and Greystones all within easy reach. 

Each offers a mix of scenery, food, shops and coastal or garden walks. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Beyond The Trees Avondale is a great choice with its numerous forest trails and scenic treetop walk.

These places pair naturally with a visit to the market, giving you simple add-ons before or after your time at Wicklow Village. If you want more details such as opening times or ticket information, check the official websites for each attraction.