A dense pine forest in the Wicklow Mountains where a winding wooden boardwalk tunnels through mossy spruce, creating an uncanny Lord of the Rings atmosphere — and it's just an hour from Dublin.
The star attraction: a wooden boardwalk snaking uphill through dense Sitka spruce with overhanging branches forming a natural tunnel. The most photogenic stretch is about 5–10 minutes uphill from the mid-hill entrance (just off Wicklow Way). Go on a misty weekday for the most ethereal light — weekends get packed. The boardwalk section is roughly 600 m long; from there you can continue to the JB Malone Memorial or loop back.
A short detour from either main trail takes you to this memorial honouring the pioneer of the Wicklow Way. The real reward is the sweeping view over Lough Tay — the 'Guinness Lake' — with its dark waters and white sandy shore, backed by the heather-clad Wicklow Mountains. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Irish Sea.
Ballinastoe is one of Ireland's premier mountain-biking destinations, with purpose-built trails managed by Biking.ie. Bike rental and guided spins are available. Walkers: stick to the walking paths and keep an ear out — bikes come downhill at serious speed.
A waymarked loop starting from the mountain-bike trail car park, following yellow-arrow posts along forestry tracks. It doesn't include the boardwalk by default, but you can easily modify the route to add it in. Allow about 1.5 hours. Stay alert — this trail shares sections with fast-moving mountain bikes.
Ballinastoe sits right on one of Ireland's most dramatic scenic drives. After your walk, continue along the R759 and R115 past Lough Tay, the vast Wicklow blanket bog, and Glenmacnass Waterfall. The whole loop from Roundwood takes about 1–1.5 hours with stops.
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