8 Beautiful Walks & Hikes Near Blessington You Can Do in a Day

One of the best things about staying near Blessington is just how much walking is on your doorstep. You don't need to be a serious hiker to enjoy it either. Some of these are gentle lakeside paths you can do in runners, while others will give you a proper workout with views that make the effort worth it. Here are eight of our favourites, all within easy driving distance of Tully's Home.

1. Blessington Greenway

Distance: Up to 6.5 km (one way) · Difficulty: Easy

This is the obvious one and it's right on the doorstep. The Greenway follows the shores of Blessington Lakes and is flat, paved, and suitable for buggies and bikes as well as walkers. The views across the water are lovely, especially on a calm morning when the lake is glassy. You can walk as far as you like and turn back, or do the full route. There's no better way to start a morning during your stay. It's quiet during the week and popular at weekends with families — for good reason.

2. Glendalough Valley Walk

Distance: 3 km loop · Difficulty: Easy

About 40 minutes from Tully's Home, Glendalough is one of those places that lives up to the hype. The valley walk takes you from the visitor centre through the monastic settlement and along the shores of the lower and upper lakes. The round tower, the ancient churches, and the lake backed by steep mountains — it all comes together beautifully. This is the walk we'd recommend to anyone visiting Wicklow for the first time. Get there early to beat the crowds, especially in summer.

3. The Spinc Walk, Glendalough

Distance: 9 km loop · Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

If the valley walk feels too gentle, the Spinc is the step up. It climbs steeply above the upper lake via a wooden boardwalk, then follows the ridge with properly stunning views down into the valley. On a clear day you can see for miles. The boardwalk section through the heather and blanket bog is a highlight. It's a proper half-day walk and you'll feel it in your legs, but the views from the top make it one of the best hikes in Wicklow. Bring a windproof layer — it can be exposed up top even on a decent day.

4. Poulaphouca Falls

Distance: 1-2 km · Difficulty: Easy

Only about 10 minutes from Blessington by car. The falls are on the River Liffey — yes, the same Liffey that flows through Dublin — and although the flow depends on the time of year and the hydroelectric dam, the gorge itself is impressive. There's a short walk down through the trees to the viewing point. It's a quick stop rather than a full hike, but it's a lovely spot and easy to combine with a drive through the area. Worth a visit on the way to or from somewhere else.

5. Russborough House Grounds

Distance: 2-3 km · Difficulty: Easy

Russborough House is a Palladian mansion about 5 minutes south of Blessington. Even if you don't go inside, the grounds are well worth a walk. There are trails through the parkland, a lake, and mature woodland. It's peaceful, well kept, and the kind of walk where you can just wander without a map. The house itself is stunning from the outside and makes a great photo stop. Check their website for opening hours if you want to do the house tour as well — the art collection has a famously dramatic history.

6. Sally Gap & Lough Tay

Distance: Varies (driving route with short walks) · Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Sally Gap is a mountain pass through the Wicklow Mountains and the drive alone is worth doing. The road climbs through open moorland with views that feel more like Iceland than Ireland. Stop at Lough Tay, the so-called Guinness Lake, for one of the most photographed views in Wicklow. The dark water against the white sand beach and steep cliffs is something else. You can pull over and take short walks from several points along the route. It's about 30 minutes from Blessington to reach the pass, and the whole loop takes a couple of hours with stops.

7. Djouce Mountain

Distance: 9 km loop · Difficulty: Moderate

Djouce is one of the most rewarding mountain hikes in Wicklow. At 725 metres, the summit gives you panoramic views over the Sugarloaf, Powerscourt Waterfall, and out to the Irish Sea. The most popular route starts from the car park near Crone Wood and follows the Wicklow Way through forestry before climbing onto open moorland. The boardwalk sections keep your feet dry through the boggy bits. It's a steady climb rather than a scramble, and on a clear day the views from the top are hard to beat. Allow around three hours for the loop and bring a layer — it's always a few degrees cooler up top.

8. Lugnaquilla Mountain

Distance: 14-18 km (depending on route) · Difficulty: Challenging

Lugnaquilla is Wicklow's highest peak at 925 metres and the highest mountain in Ireland outside of Kerry. This is a proper day hike and not one to underestimate — the weather can close in fast and navigation skills are important. The most common route goes via the Glen of Imaal from Fenton's pub car park. The climb is long and steady, with incredible views opening up as you gain height. The summit plateau is vast and exposed, so pick a clear day if you can. It's about an hour's drive from Blessington, and you should allow five to six hours for the walk. A brilliant challenge for experienced hikers.

Getting here: All of these walks are within an hour of Tully's Home in Tulfarris Village. Blessington is 10 minutes away by car, and Glendalough about 40 minutes through the mountains. Bring layers — Wicklow weather can turn quickly, even in summer.