There are two ways to think about walking in Roundwood: the circular trails at Vartry Reservoir and the third stage of the Wicklow Way from Roundwood to Glendalough. The local trails are listed with their distance and approximate walking time; the long-distance trail is about 130 km in total. If you’re looking for a hotel in Roundwood, this distinction can help you choose what to focus on: a circuit around the reservoir, a section of the Wicklow Way, or time to explore the village’s history.
Walking at Vartry Reservoir
The Roundwood Reservoir Lower Vartry Trail is an easy 7.6 km circular walk, taking about two hours. It starts and finishes in the centre of Roundwood. Local conditions can vary, so treat the stated walking time as a guide when planning. A Ballaun stone is located beside Vartry Reservoir along the trail.
The Roundwood Reservoir Upper Vartry Trail is a 6.6 km circular walk, taking about one and a half hours. It starts at the reservoir’s Knockraheen entrance and offers panoramic views of Sugar Loaf and Djouce. The circuit is shorter than the Lower Trail, and its stated walking time is about half an hour less. When choosing between them, you can compare the time required, starting point and views: the Lower Trail starts and finishes in the village centre, while the Upper Trail starts at the named reservoir entrance.
From a village walk to a long-distance hike
The Wicklow Way runs through the Wicklow Mountains, is about 130 km long and was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. Its third stage runs from Roundwood to Glendalough. This gives you the option of a stage of a longer walking route as well as the two reservoir circuits. The difference is practical: for the local trails, the circuit, distance and walking time set the framework; on the Wicklow Way, Roundwood is the starting point for the named stage to Glendalough.
Village history and architecture
Roundwood developed in the 19th century around the Catholic church of St Laurence O’Toole. The village has several notable examples of Tudor Revival architecture. A prehistoric Bullaun stone with rock art is also located in Roundwood. These features span different periods: prehistory, the village’s development in the 19th century, and its architecture.
More about County Wicklow
In County Wicklow, St Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. This early monastic history has a different historical focus from Roundwood’s development in the 19th century. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists.
Discover more destinations: Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy, Rathnew, Kiltegan, Rathdrum, Greystones, An Láithreach, Tinahely
For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.
