Glendalough
National park · Ireland
Two glacial lakes and the ruins of a sixth-century monastic settlement sit inside a valley of sessile oak, within Wicklow Mountains National Park. A 4.5km valley-floor loop passes the round tower and church walls under turning canopy, and the Spinc boardwalk climbs the ridge above the Upper Lake for a wider view of the color.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 6–October 26
Climatological window from published records — the weather model’s elevation extrapolation isn’t reliable on this terrain, so this is the long-run normal rather than a season-specific forecast.
Glendalough on the map
More things to do in Ireland
Killarney National Park Oakwoods
ForestTypically September 25–October 15
Sessile oak and holly climb the lower slopes of Torc and Tomies mountains above Lough Leane, one of the largest native oakwoods left in Ireland. Nearby, Reenadinna Wood on the Muckross Peninsula holds a 5,000-year-old yew stand, and arbutus trees drop red, strawberry-like fruit onto the woodland floor as the oaks turn.
Don’t miss: Sessile oak on Torc and Tomies slopes · Reenadinna Wood, a 5,000-year-old yew stand · Arbutus (strawberry tree) fruiting in autumn
Glenveagh National Park
National parkTypically October 6–October 26
A 4km nature trail follows the shore of Lough Veagh through sessile oak, birch and hazel woodland below the quartzite peaks of the Derryveagh Mountains, among the largest stretch of native woodland left in Donegal. At Glenveagh Castle the walled garden, planted with exotics since the 1870s, turns red and gold alongside it, while red deer rut in the glen through October.
Don’t miss: 4km native oak, birch and hazel trail · Walled garden at Glenveagh Castle · Red deer rut in the glen
Avondale Forest Park Arboretum
ArboretumSamuel Hayes began planting this arboretum above the River Avonmore in 1777, and the 500-acre estate now holds sequoia, Douglas fir, larch and oak gathered from around the world, some among the tallest trees recorded in Ireland. A 1,440-metre treetop boardwalk threads the canopy near the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell.
Don’t miss: Arboretum planted from 1777, 8,000+ trees · Sequoia and Douglas fir groves · 1,440m treetop boardwalk
Frequently asked
- When does Glendalough peak?
- In a typical year, color peaks around October 6–October 26. The weather model's elevation extrapolation isn't reliable on this terrain, so this is a climatological window (source: https://happyirishwanderers.com/autumn-in-ireland/) rather than a season-specific forecast.
- What is Glendalough best for?
- A valley walk past monastic ruins.
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