There’s just something about County Wicklow that keeps calling me back. Maybe it’s the nickname—“The Garden of Ireland”—or maybe it’s the fact that this stunning county has played a starring role in so many iconic movies and TV shows. Think Braveheart, The Count of Monte Cristo, P.S. I Love You, and the series Vikings. Pretty amazing, right?
Tucked away in this beautiful county is the enchanting Ballinastoe Forest. It’s every bit as magical as you’d imagine—a fairytale-like place that feels as though you’ve stepped into the world of The Lord of the Rings. Trust me, once you’re here, you’ll see what I mean.
So, if you’re planning a visit, let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Ballinastoe Woods Walk: how to get there, parking options, trails, and a few tips to make the most of your adventure.
Where Is Ballinastoe Forest?
Ballinastoe Woods is nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, near Sraghmore and Oldtown in County Wicklow.
To give you an idea of the distance: it’s just about an hour’s drive from Dublin and roughly 2.5 hours from Belfast—perfect for a day trip or a peaceful escape from city life.
It’s also close to some other scenic spots, including Lough Tay (often called the Guinness Lake), Roundwood Village, and the breathtaking Sally Gap Drive. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can combine your visit with a hike up Djouce Mountain or along a stretch of the legendary Wicklow Way—a 128-kilometre national trail that stretches from Rathfarnham to Clonegal.
Why Is Ballinastoe So Popular?
While hiking enthusiasts love it for the trails and views, Ballinastoe Forest has also gained major popularity thanks to one very Instagrammable feature: the wooden boardwalk.
It’s become a favorite backdrop for dreamy nature photos and videos. If you’ve seen moody forest shots on social media from Ireland, chances are they were taken right here.
Trails in Ballinastoe Forest
Whether you’re up for a quick walk or a half-day hike, Ballinastoe has something for everyone. Here are the two main options:
The Short Walk (3.5 km | 30 mins – 1 hour)
Perfect for anyone short on time or just looking for a scenic stroll.
You’ll get to explore the magical forest, walk along the famous boardwalk, and soak in the views from the JB Malone Memorial—a lookout point that offers incredible vistas of Lough Tay and the surrounding mountains.
Parking Tips
- If you park at the Upper Car Park, head to the JB Malone Memorial first, then walk down the boardwalk. After enjoying the views and some photos, simply return the same way.
- If you start from Pier Gates, walk up through the forest to the memorial, then retrace your steps.
The Longer Walk (10 km | 3 – 3.5 hrs)
If you’re up for a longer adventure, the extended walk is a fantastic option. It follows the same path as the shorter route, but after you visit the JB Malone Memorial, you’ll keep going, adding in the scenic Slí na Sláinte trail (more on that in a moment).
While the longer route is definitely a bit of a trek, most people agree that the real magic of Ballinastoe Woods is the walk to the Memorial itself. That’s usually the highlight, so don’t worry if you don’t tackle the whole trail!
A heads up: If you decide to go for the longer walk, be sure to stick to the path and keep an eye out for cyclists—this area is popular with bikers too.
Slí na Sláinte Trail (5 km | 1.5 hrs)
Here’s another option if you’re looking for something a bit different. The Slí na Sláinte trail doesn’t take you along the famous boardwalk, but you can easily modify your route if you want to add it in later.
To start, head to the Ballinastoe Woods car park. You’ll spot yellow arrows along the way pointing you toward the trail. Follow them, and soon you’ll be walking through the forest, making your way up to the JB Malone Memorial.
It’s easy to miss the memorial, so a little help from Google Maps might be useful here! Once you reach the memorial, you’ll be treated to stunning views over Lough Tay and the surrounding area.
After soaking in the views, the trail will lead you back down to the car park, completing the loop.
My Experience at Ballinastoe Woods
As you can probably guess, I went with the short walk. I had other places nearby that I wanted to explore, so a quick stroll through the woods was just perfect. I parked in the small lay-by on the hillside and set off to find the boardwalk.
Before my visit, I read a lot of reviews about how tricky it can be to find the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, and I was honestly a little worried. But I totally understand the confusion now! The park is easy enough to get to, but finding the boardwalk can be tricky if you don’t start in the right spot. Fortunately, I found the right path and reached the boardwalk in under 15 minutes using the short route.
And wow, the place was stunning. It felt like stepping into the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter—majestic, quiet, and full of character. The views of Lough Tay were breathtaking, and I was lucky enough to have perfect weather for it.
That being said, a little tip: It can get dark pretty quickly in the woods, even if it looks like there’s plenty of daylight left. I’ll admit, I got a little spooked! So, if you’re visiting, bring a torch and a warm jacket, just in case.
The most beautiful part of my walk was definitely the stretch from the JB Malone Memorial to the Luggala car park and back. The boardwalk section was a highlight, but honestly, it’s all about what you’re in the mood for!
How to Get There?
Now, let’s talk about how to get to this stunning spot. The most popular way to reach Ballinastoe Woods is by car, and there are several parking areas depending on where you want to start your walk.
This area is also a big hit with cyclists, so if you’re into biking, you could bring your own bike or rent one nearby. But for most visitors, driving is the way to go.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! You can still get to Ballinastoe Woods by public transport, or if you’re feeling a little fancy, maybe even a taxi. Once you’re there, you’ll be all set to dive into your adventure through the forest.
And, of course, most people who visit Ballinastoe Woods come for the famous Ballinastoe Boardwalk. I’ll be diving into the details of this must-see spot in another post, so stay tuned!
Entrance Points to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk
1. Halfway Up the Hill
For the easiest access to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, park in the small lay-by about halfway up Wicklow Way Hill. From there, you’ll find a convenient mid-way entrance to the woods, marked by two wooden barriers and a trail marker (Google PIN available).
When you start your walk, simply head down the path for a couple of minutes until you reach a small intersection. Turn left here to reach the boardwalk. It’s a short and simple route! Here’s a quick guide:
- Walk straight into the forest until you come across a small mound.
- Hop over it, turn left, and continue walking until you find the Ballinastoe Boardwalk.
- It’ll take you about 10 minutes to get there.
Once you’re on the boardwalk, it curves up through the woods, and this is where the magic happens. The scene here looks like something straight out of Lord of the Rings, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in the area. If you’re looking for the perfect lighting, cloudy or rainy days are ideal. After snapping some pics, be sure to explore the other enchanting corners of the woods.
2. At the Top of the Hill
If the small lay-by is full, don’t worry! You can always park at the Ballinastoe Car Park at the top of the hill. From there, just walk down the main road to reach the same midway entrance.
The walk from this car park will take around 10-15 minutes, so it’s still a short and easy route.
3. The Don’ts
In the past, there was a third entrance at Pier Gates that only took about 10-15 minutes to reach the boardwalk. However, this entrance is now fenced off, so it’s best to avoid this route.
Some might suggest parking at the JB Malone Car Park and accessing the boardwalk from there. While it’s an option, it’s quite a distance from the boardwalk, and you may risk losing your way. I recommend sticking to the more straightforward parking options for a hassle-free visit.
My Preferred Parking Spots
Now that you have a better idea of the entrance points, here’s a quick rundown of the parking options available:
1. Small Lay-by Next to Ballinastoe Woods on Wicklow Way
This is by far the most convenient parking option. It’s located less than a minute’s drive from Ballinastoe Car Park and offers space for just two cars, so it’s a bit limited. But it gets you to the boardwalk in less than 10 minutes, which is perfect for a quick trip.
2. Ballinastoe Car Park
If the small lay-by is full, the Ballinastoe Car Park is your next best bet. This is a larger off-road car park located opposite the Lough Tay/Luggala estate viewpoint. It’s free, but spaces are still limited, especially during peak times. From here, you can walk down the main road to the midway entrance to the boardwalk, which will take around 15 minutes. [Google Pin Here!]
3. Wicklow Way Car Park at Luggala (Paid)
This is a popular paid parking area at the bottom of Wicklow Way Hill, offering facilities like a port-a-loo and refreshments. Keep in mind that it has specific opening times (9 am – 7:30 pm) and locks in the early evening. It’s also the furthest parking option from the boardwalk, around 20-30 minutes away, so it’s better if you’re up for a longer walk.
4. JB Malone Car Park
This car park is another option for busier days when other spots fill up. However, it’s quite a bit further from the boardwalk, so I’d recommend this only if you’re in the mood for a longer walk.
5. Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail Car Park
This car park doesn’t provide access to the boardwalk and is located on the other side of the woods. Unless you’re into mountain biking, I’d suggest skipping this one.
Amazing Places Near Ballinastoe Woods Walk
Lough Tay Viewpoint (AKA Guinness Lake)
Looking to add something truly magical to your Ballinastoe Woods walk? Make sure to stop by the Lough Tay viewpoint. This stunning spot is known as Guinness Lake because of its unique shape that resembles a pint of dark beer—quite fitting considering the land was once owned by Arthur Guinness, the founder of the Guinness beer company.
Fun fact: Lough Tay is also where they filmed the famous Kattegat scenes for the Vikings TV show! Don’t worry though, you won’t run into any Vikings during your visit.
On a sunny day, the views of the lake are absolutely breathtaking! There are several spots along the road where you can stop and snap some amazing photos, so make sure to take a moment and soak in the beauty.
The Sally Gap Drive
If you’re up for a scenic drive, don’t miss the Sally Gap Drive. As you make your way along the winding roads, you’ll be treated to some incredible sights, including Lough Tay and the Glenmacnass Waterfall. It’s the perfect way to see the area from a different perspective and enjoy some stunning scenery.
Other Nearby Walks
There are plenty of other amazing walks to explore around the Ballinastoe area. Try the Djouce Mountain Walk, the Lough Tay to Lough Dan Walk, the Djouce Woods Walk, or the Lough Ouler Walk. Each of these trails offers its own unique beauty, and you’ll find plenty of picturesque viewpoints along the way.
And here’s a local secret: Some say that if you stand among the trees and really listen, you can feel the magical energy of the forest, even if you don’t believe in it. So, take your time and let the forest work its charm!
Quick Tips for the Ballinastoe Woods Walk
Timing Matters
To make the most of your visit, try to come early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. Weekends can get especially busy because of the nearby Lough Tay, so if you can, plan your visit for a quieter time.
Wear Good Shoes
The woods are pretty dry in summer, but they can get muddy during the winter months. The Ballinastoe Boardwalk can also be slippery when it rains, so make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Bring a Torch (or Use Your Phone Light)
The woods can get quite dark, especially in the afternoon. It’s a good idea to bring a torch with you, or you can use your phone’s flashlight to help light your way.
Bring Water and Snacks (But Keep It Clean!)
While there’s a refreshment van at the Wicklow Way car park, it’s always a good idea to pack your own water and snacks. Just remember to take your rubbish with you when you leave—let’s keep this beautiful place clean for everyone to enjoy!
Dress Warmly
The area is open and can get chilly, especially as the day goes on. Be sure to dress in warm layers to stay comfortable as you explore.
FAQs About the Ballinastoe Woods Walk
How far is Ballinastoe Woods from Dublin?
Ballinastoe Woods is about a 60 to 90-minute drive from Dublin, depending on whether you take the toll roads or not. It’s a quick and scenic drive through the heart of the Wicklow mountains, so it’s definitely worth the trip!
Is Ballinastoe Woods safe?
Yes, Ballinastoe Woods is generally safe, but as with any outdoor spot, it’s always best to be cautious. The area is popular with mountain bikers, so make sure to stick to the main walking trails and keep an eye out for bikes. They can come by quite quickly, so it’s important to stay alert and avoid walking on biking paths.
What is the best time to visit Ballinastoe?
For the best experience, I recommend visiting on a cloudy or rainy day. The misty atmosphere makes the woods look even more magical! Weekdays are quieter, so try to avoid weekends when the woods can get busier. If you’re into photography, early mornings or late afternoons are perfect to capture the beauty of the woods without too many other walkers around.
What are the Ballinastoe opening times?
Good news – Ballinastoe Woods is open 24 hours a day! There are no restrictions on when you can visit, so you’re free to explore whenever it suits you.
Are Ballinastoe Woods free to visit?
Yes! Access to Ballinastoe Woods is completely free, and there is free parking nearby, so you can enjoy the beauty of the area without any cost.
Are there toilets at Ballinastoe?
Unfortunately, there are no toilets directly at Ballinastoe Woods. However, there are port-a-loos available at the paid Wicklow Way car park, which is only a short distance away.
How long does the Ballinastoe Forest walk take?
The duration of the walk can vary depending on the route you choose. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours, so you can tailor your walk based on how much time you have. Be sure to check the map for different route options before setting off!
Is Ballinastoe dog-friendly?
Yes, Ballinastoe Woods is dog-friendly! You’re welcome to bring your furry friend along, but just remember to keep them on a lead. This ensures the safety of everyone and helps protect the local wildlife.
