Hiking trails in the Wicklow Mountains and a layered local history define Laragh. Hikers and other visitors use Laragh as a base for leisure activities in the mountains. At the same time, the village is best known for its proximity to the monastic city of Glendalough. Choosing a place to stay for mountain activities also offers the opportunity to explore the landscape and architectural history of the area.

Glendalough and the trails in the surrounding area

Glendalough lies in a glaciated valley with two lakes. The visitor centre at the monastic site gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the area. The surrounding landscape offers a variety of scenery for walks: one described trail climbs steeply beside Poulanass Waterfall, then follows a forest path around the ridge of Derrybawn Mountain. From there, views extend across Glendalough Valley, taking in Upper and Lower Lake, the monastic settlement and the village of Laragh.

Another trail follows Upper Lake through a forest of Scots pine to the abandoned Miners’ Village in Glendalough. The first route description takes you up a steep climb and over a ridge with wide views of the valley, while the other passes through the forest alongside the lake to the remains of the mining village. The route that suits your walking day therefore also depends on whether you would prefer to focus on the climb and the views, or on the lakeshore and forest section. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

The Laragh Heritage Trail tells the story of the village through a series of protected buildings and structures. It does not yet have a formalised route connecting its individual sites. Therefore, do not plan to visit the buildings mentioned as a waymarked circular walk. Laragh Castle, the Priest’s House and the Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks are private residences and are not accessible to visitors.

Architectural history in Laragh

The Laragh Heritage Trail traces the village’s origins to the Rebellion of 1798 and the construction of the Military Road. Laragh Castle was originally one of five military barracks built in Wicklow. The Priest’s House was built in 1864 and has housed the priests of St Kevin’s Church ever since. The Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks was built around 1855 to accommodate the local Royal Irish Constabulary. Today, like Laragh Castle and the Priest’s House, it is a private residence with no access for visitors.

The two churches also reflect different aspects of the village’s history. The Anglican Church of St John was completed in 1847 as part of a programme to support people affected by the Famine. The Roman Catholic Church of St Kevin was completed in 1851. Laragh Mill, built around 1855, is the only significant industrial heritage building in the village and is privately owned. Together, these buildings offer insight into different historical functions and periods of construction; not all of them are open to the public.

Planning your journey and dates

Laragh lies at the junction of the R115, R755 and R756 roads through the Wicklow Mountains. The Wicklow Way Bus offers transport from Laragh to Rathdrum railway station. As current services must be confirmed, check the service before travelling. Another nearby attraction is Clara Lara, a 100-acre leisure park about five kilometres from Laragh on the road to Rathdrum.

If you are planning a visit around local events, check their respective dates: the Brockagh Market & Car Boot takes place monthly on the second Sunday, except in January and February. The Walking Festival starts in Laragh and takes place every year in October. Check the latest dates before travelling. This lets you take event dates into account when planning your trip without conflating them with hiking opportunities or visits to historic sites.

In County Wicklow, Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is a recreational area for locals and tourists. This regional setting complements the specific opportunities in and near Laragh: local history, trails in the Glendalough area and mountain scenery offer different considerations when choosing a hotel in Laragh.

Discover more destinations: Tinahely, Kiltegan, Bray, Wicklow, Aughrim, Rathnew, Enniskerry, Donard

For the wider travel overview: County Wicklow.