Ballinastoe Woods
Tourist site

Ballinastoe Woods

Irish forest parks
Ballinastoe Woods - ©Chaosheng Zhang

A magnificent forest, thick and unspoilt, a playground for hikers and cyclists! The perfect place to walk and recharge your batteries!

If you’re looking for a place in the heart of nature, ideal for hiking, look no further than Ireland’s Ballinastoe Woods. This forest in the Wicklow region is renowned for its natural beauty and famous boardwalk. Follow its trails, plunge into the heart of lush wilderness, and soak up the surrounding atmosphere: a complete change of scenery awaits you!

Visit Ballinastoe Woods

A unique forest park, the land of fairies and leprechauns!

The Ballinastoe Woods are a wooded area in County Wicklow, Ireland. Famous throughout the island, this particularly thick forest is a haven of peace where nature reigns supreme. It is located on the luggala mountain, overlooking Lough Tay, a lake with deep, mysterious waters, and is one of the most beautiful forests in the country!

With its majestic trees and luxuriant vegetation, it offers a superb playground for cyclists and hikers eager for a stroll, birdsong and an almost mystical atmosphere!

According to the local population, the forest is the favourite haunt of fairies, leprechauns and other folkloric creatures from Irish tales and legends! All you have to do is stand in the middle of the trees and listen: whether you believe it or not, the charm of this forest is absolutely unique!

Trails to follow in Ballinastoe Woods

If you’ve got good walking shoes and enjoy hiking in unspoilt surroundings, don’t miss the 5km trail through the forest.

Not too strenuous, the walk will allow you to admire the beauty of the local flora and fauna, all bathed in the fields of birds!

But beware, finding the Ballinastoe Woods trail can be a real challenge, especially if you don’t have the right information. Many people have spent hours searching for the boardwalk without success. That’s why we’re here to guide you and show you the way!

Avoid common mistakes

It’s important to note that there are two trails in Ballinastoe Woods. The first, located in an alpine area in the direction of the JB Malone memorial, is often mistaken for the boardwalk you’re looking for. Don’t make this mistake, and steer yourself in the right direction!

GPS coordinates

For your convenience, here are the exact GPS coordinates of the Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk entrance: 53°05’53 “N 6°15’06 “W. You can use them to orient yourself and find the boardwalk more easily.

The ideal starting point

The best place to start your walk to the boardwalk is the Ballinastoe Woods parking lot. Avoid the JB Malone Car Park, which is a long way from the boardwalk. The Wicklow Way Car Park is also an option, but it’s best to park at the Ballinastoe Woods parking lot to be closer to the boardwalk.

How do I get to the Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk?

Now that you have the right information, here’s how to get to the Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk step by step:

  • Park your car at the Ballinastoe Woods parking lot.
  • Follow the path from the parking lot towards the road.
  • After a 5-minute walk, you’ll see the entrance to the boardwalk on your left.
  • Take the path towards the hill.
  • After a short climb, you’ll arrive at the iconic boardwalk spot, where the trees overhang the path.
  • All that’s left to do is enjoy the magic of Ballinastoe Woods!

Once you’ve arrived at the boardwalk, take time to soak up the beauty of Ballinastoe Woods. The walk through the trees is truly magical, and you can take some great photos along the way.

Feel free to explore Ballinastoe Woods further after you’ve taken the trail. There’s so much to discover in this magnificent forest, from hiking trails to breathtaking scenery, you won’t know where to turn!


Practical Guide

Ballinastoe Woods

Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.

GPS coordinates

53.09901107145344, -6.250425494924809

Visit duration

3h00

Opening hours

every day

Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Prices

free of charge

Location

Ballinastoe Woods on the map

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