County guide · Wicklow
Free things to do in Wicklow
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Wicklow is the easiest county in Ireland to turn into a free, repeatable day-out machine. You’ve got iconic entity stops like Glendalough, high-viewpoint drives like the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap, big “proper hike” options like Great Sugar Loaf and Lugnaquilla, plus coastal wins like Brittas Bay, Magheramore, and the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. This page is designed to rank and to be useful: quick picks, deeper mini-plans, selfie spots, rainy-day backups, and a live Wicklow freebies list.
- Mountains: Glendalough walks, Spinc-style viewpoint routes, Glenmacnass Waterfall, Sally Gap & Wicklow Gap
- Coast: Bray Head, Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk, Brittas Bay, Magheramore Beach
- Quiet nature: Vartry Reservoir (Roundwood), Glenmalure Valley, Blessington Lakes edge
- Practical: libraries, free family options, food/essentials support links
Jump to what you need
Pick a vibe — these jump to real ideas and mini-plans (not just headings).
Quick picks: the best free wins in Wicklow
These are the “most likely to work” free days out — low effort, high reward.
Glendalough (Upper & Lower Lake walks)
- Start with the Lower Lake loop (warm up + easy photos).
- Then walk towards the Upper Lake for the wide “valley” view.
- Bring your own food — it keeps the day genuinely free.
- Note: access to the valley is free; parking can be paid depending on where you leave the car.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
- Start from Bray side while energy is high.
- Stop at 2–3 viewpoints (wide sea shot, cliff leading line, “tiny people” scale shot).
- Finish in Greystones and loop back via your preferred transport.
- Always check conditions and follow local safety signage.
Sally Gap + Wicklow Gap viewpoints
- Pick one: Sally Gap (big open views) or Wicklow Gap (dramatic valley feel).
- Add a short walk from a safe pull-in (don’t chase distance — chase views).
- Bonus entity: the Lough Tay viewpoint (view from the road area; shoreline access is restricted).
Brittas Bay + Magheramore Beach
- Brittas Bay: long sandy stretch — ideal for a simple out-and-back.
- Magheramore: pebbly + dramatic; pair with a short coastal walk.
- Bring a thermos and snacks for a genuinely free beach day.
Free things to do in Wicklow by area
Mini-guides designed for repeatable plans: clear steps, real place names, and easy backups.
North Wicklow: Bray, Greystones & coastal walks
- Bray Head: short uphill reward with big sea views.
- Bray Promenade: easy flat walk for any fitness level.
- Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk: the classic route (check safety info on the day).
- Greystones harbour walk: low-effort, high “sea air” payoff.
Central mountains: Glenmacnass Waterfall + valley drives
Glenmacnass Waterfall is a reliable free stop that works as a standalone or as part of a bigger Wicklow Mountains loop (often paired with viewpoint roads like the Sally Gap area).
- Stop 1: waterfall viewpoint photos (wide + close-up water texture).
- Stop 2: short walk from a safe parking area (10–30 mins is plenty).
- Stop 3: finish with a lake/valley viewpoint (Sally Gap or Wicklow Gap).
Roundwood: Vartry Reservoir & quiet loops
Around Roundwood, the Vartry Reservoir area is great for calm walks, birdlife, and “reset” afternoons. If you want a simple rule: do a short loop, pick a viewpoint photo, and keep it easy.
West Wicklow: valleys, lakes & longer day-outs
- Glenmalure Valley: classic “deep Wicklow” feel and a strong base for walks.
- Blessington Lakes edge: wide water views on the Wicklow side (good for sunsets).
- Wicklow Gap: dramatic, fast-access viewpoint drive.
Bigger hikes (free) in Wicklow
Only do these if you’re prepared — Wicklow weather flips fast. Start earlier than you think.
- Great Sugar Loaf: short, steep, huge payoff viewpoint.
- Djouce Mountain: popular ridge option with classic Wicklow views.
- Lugnaquilla: for experienced hikers (respect conditions and navigation).
Ruins, abbeys & “castle views” in Wicklow
We focus on reliable free exterior/history stops (no ticket needed).
- Glendalough monastic site area: iconic stone + history while you’re doing the walks.
- Black Castle (Wicklow Town): sea-facing ruins for dramatic photos.
- Rathgall Hillfort (near Wicklow Town): prehistoric viewpoint-style stop.
Popular selfie & photo spots in Wicklow
Pick 3–5 shots and your “walk” becomes a proper outing (and you actually come home with proof).
Glendalough Upper Lake valley shot
- Wide valley + lake (include the path for scale).
- Reflection shot if the water is calm.
- Close-up: stone + moss + water texture.
Sally Gap / Wicklow Gap horizon
- Leading-line road shot.
- Wide panorama with one tiny person in-frame.
- Moody clouds shot (Wicklow speciality).
Bray Head cliff edge angle
- Wide shot with sea in frame.
- Side-profile silhouette shot.
- Detail shot: grass + rock + ocean.
Brittas Bay “endless sand” shot
- Footprints leading line.
- Wide “tiny person / big beach” scale shot.
- Golden-hour close-up (sand + sea foam).
Free things to do in Wicklow with kids
- Bray Promenade: flat, easy, stroller-friendly.
- Brittas Bay: space to run, simple walking.
- Glendalough Lower Lake loop: the easiest “mountain” option for families.
- Libraries: warm, free, and often run family sessions/events (check local listings).
Rainy-day free things (indoors) in Wicklow
When weather flips, aim for places that still feel like an outing — not “we gave up”.
- Libraries: see the library section below for named options.
- Free local events: use the live Wicklow feed and filter for Events and Classes.
- Coastal cafes-at-home plan: do a short seafront walk, then warm up at home with a proper snack.
Free food & essentials support in Wicklow
If you need practical support (food help, community meals, essentials), start here:
- Free food & essentials in Ireland
- Open the live Wicklow list and filter for Food & essentials
Availability can change quickly — always click through and confirm details before travelling.
Free toys & family support (Wicklow)
For free kids activities, family supports, toy swaps, and community listings:
- Free toys & family in Ireland
- Open the live Wicklow list and filter for Family
Libraries in Wicklow (always-free fallback)
Libraries are the underrated free day-out upgrade: warm, calm, and genuinely useful. Named options to look up include Bray Library, Wicklow Library, Arklow Library and Greystones Library (check opening times and events listings).
Live: Wicklow freebies right now
Use the live list for what’s current (events, classes, walks, food support, and more). The buttons are fastest.
FAQs – free things to do in Wicklow
What are the best free things to do in Wicklow?
Top free options include Glendalough lake walks, Wicklow Mountains viewpoints like Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap, the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, and long beach walks at Brittas Bay.
Are the Glendalough walks free?
Access to the Glendalough valley and most walking trails is free. Costs can come from parking depending on where you leave the car, so check signs on the day.
What are the best free walks near Bray and Greystones?
Bray Head is a strong short climb with big views, and the Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk is the classic coastal route (always follow local safety advice and conditions).
What are the best free beaches in Wicklow?
Great free options include Brittas Bay for long sandy walks and Magheramore for dramatic coastal scenery. Always follow local access and safety signage.
What are the best free scenic drives/viewpoints in Wicklow?
The Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap areas offer quick-access mountain viewpoints, and the Lough Tay viewpoint is a popular photo stop from the road (shore access is restricted).
Where can I find a live list of free things in Wicklow?
Use the Wicklow freebies feed on YoureGrand.ie. It filters the main directory to County Wicklow and you can browse and filter by type such as trails, events, classes and food support.
Ready to plan something? Start with the button below to see every Wicklow freebie currently listed.