The enchanted forest an hour from Dublin that looks like something from a fairy tale

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Most people heading into County Wicklow go straight to Glendalough or Powerscourt. But there is a forest trail tucked into the Wicklow Mountains that rarely makes the brochures — and locals would quite like it to stay that way. Ballinastoe is the kind of place that makes you stop walking, look up through the canopy, and wonder how you never heard of it until now.

What is Ballinastoe?

Ballinastoe Woods sits within Coillte’s Wicklow Mountains forest network, about 5km from the village of Roundwood — which, at roughly 238 metres above sea level, holds the title of Ireland’s highest village. The woods cover several hundred acres of mixed conifer and broadleaf forest, with trails that open suddenly onto sweeping views of the Dublin and Wicklow hills.

It is the kind of place Dubliners stumble across on a Sunday drive and keep returning to. The trails are well-maintained but not overcrowded — at least not yet. On a weekday morning you can walk for an hour and barely see another soul.

The trails

There are three main looped trails at Ballinastoe, ranging from an easy 2km loop to a more demanding 6km route that climbs above the treeline into open mountain. The shortest is gentle and mostly flat — ideal for families, older visitors, or anyone who simply wants to breathe clean Wicklow air without breaking a sweat.

The longest loop rewards you with panoramic views across the Vartry Reservoir and, on clear days, all the way to the Irish Sea. Even on a grey day — and Wicklow has plenty of those — the forest itself is extraordinary. Shafts of light cut through the canopy. The forest floor is carpeted in ferns. In spring the whole place smells alive in a way that is hard to put into words.

Serious walkers often combine Ballinastoe with the wider Wicklow Way, which passes through this area on its 130km route from south County Dublin all the way to Clonegal in County Carlow.

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Getting there from Dublin

Ballinastoe is about 45 to 55 minutes from Dublin city centre by car, depending on traffic. Take the N11 towards Bray, then the R755 through Enniskerry and on towards Roundwood village. The Coillte car park at Ballinastoe is signposted off the R759 (Sally Gap Road).

There is no regular public bus to Ballinastoe, so a car is the most practical option. Some visitors combine the walk with a stop in Roundwood for lunch before heading home. The drive back through the mountains is half the pleasure.

What to see nearby

Ballinastoe sits at the heart of some of Wicklow’s finest countryside. It is well worth building a full day around the visit.

The Coach House, Roundwood

A 10-minute drive from Ballinastoe, this well-regarded pub in Roundwood village is the perfect spot for a hot drink and a bowl of soup after your walk. Simple, warm, and very much the real Ireland.

Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall

About 20 minutes away by road, Powerscourt is one of Ireland’s great country houses. Its formal Italian and Japanese gardens are immaculate, and Ireland’s highest waterfall — at 121 metres — sits a short drive beyond the main estate. Add it to your day and you will not regret it.

Sally Gap

The dramatic mountain crossroads at 493 metres sits a few kilometres north of Ballinastoe. The landscape up here shifts completely — open bogland, sweeping skies, and a vast quiet that feels a world away from the city. Even a short stop is enough to reset your brain entirely.

Vartry Reservoir

Visible from the upper trails at Ballinastoe, this long, still body of water supplies much of Dublin’s drinking water and carries a timeless quality — especially on a winter morning when mist sits above the surface.

Tips before you go

• Wear proper walking boots. The trails can be muddy after rain, which in Wicklow is more often than not.
• Bring layers. At 300+ metres above sea level, it is usually several degrees colder than Dublin.
• Parking is free and there is a trail map at the entrance.
• Dogs are welcome on leads.
• Open year-round. Autumn and spring offer the most striking colours; summer weekends can get busy.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Ballinastoe Woods from Dublin?

Ballinastoe is approximately 45 to 55 minutes from Dublin city centre by car. The most direct route is via the N11 and R755 through Enniskerry and Roundwood, then onto the R759 (Sally Gap Road). There is no direct public bus service to Ballinastoe.

Are the trails at Ballinastoe suitable for children?

Yes — the shortest loop (around 2km) is gentle and well-maintained, making it suitable for families with young children. The longer trails involve more elevation gain and rougher terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended for all ages.

Is there parking at Ballinastoe?

Yes. There is a free Coillte car park at the entrance to Ballinastoe Woods, with a trail map board. The car park can fill up on busy summer weekends, so arriving early is advisable.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Ballinastoe is beautiful in every season. Spring brings fresh growth and wildflowers; autumn turns the forest rich amber and gold. Winter can be cold and misty, but that only adds to the atmosphere — and you will almost certainly have the trails to yourself.

County Wicklow is so close to Dublin that it is easy to take for granted. Ballinastoe is a reminder that some of Ireland’s most quietly astonishing landscapes are barely an hour from the city — waiting for anyone willing to leave the main road and walk into the trees.

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