A morning spent tackling the Blessington Greenway on foot or by bike is one of my favourite things to do in Wicklow.
The Blessington Greenway is an immersive nature trail in Wicklow and an ideal destination for adventurous travellers who wish to explore a glorious corner of Ireland’s ‘Garden County’.
This picturesque trail allows you to discover some of the most beautiful parts of Blessington, guides you through charming forest roads and woodlands, and offers magnificent lake and mountain views.
In the guide below, you’ll find an overview of the Blessington Greenway trail, with some handy info that’s worth knowing in advance.
Some quick need-to-knows about the Blessington Greenway in Wicklow
Photo by riganmc (Shutterstock)
Although a visit to the Blessington Greenway is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Located in County Wicklow and just a short drive from Dublin, the Blessington Greenway connects the charming town of Blessington with an 18th-century Palladian mansion – Russborough House.
2. Where the trail starts
The trail starts at the Avon Rí Outdoor Pursuits Centre. From stunning scenery to magnificent wildlife, there is plenty to look forward to when going on this incredible hike.
3. How long the walk takes/distance
The Blessington Greenway is a 5.5km trail that takes about 90 minutes to complete. It takes you to some of the finest sites in County Wicklow including Blessington Lakes, Poulaphouca Reservoir, and an ancient medieval ringfort.
4. Difficulty Level
The Blessington Greenway is a relatively easy walk with almost no steep sections. It is suitable for all age groups and walking levels. Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone who is just starting to enjoy this fun outdoor activity, this linear trail in County Wicklow is easy to complete.
5. Bike Hire
If you don’t have a bike of your own, you can rent one at the Avon (the beginning of the trail). Bike rental here is steep enough, costing (at the time of typing) €20 for a half day (3 hours…) and €30 for a full day (6 hours).
Blessington Greenway map
Above, you’ll find a Blessington Greenway map with a trail that you can follow on foot or on bike. Now, you don’t have to include Russborough House, but it’s a lovely addition.
The trail is nice and easy to follow, the only point where you can miss the trail is after you pass Burgage Castle and your crossing the Wicklow and Kildare border.
Just make sure to keep an eye out for the right turn. The trail is fairly obvious and, if in doubt, just flick open the map above.
An overview of the Blessington Greenway walk / cycle
Photo by David Prendergast (Shutterstock)
You can kick-off the Blessington Greenway walk/cycle right in the centre of town. If you are arriving by car, you’ll find plenty of on-street parking.
The Trail
You will begin your walk/cycle in the town, before making your way towards the Avon and on to the shores of Blessington Lakes.
From here, you’ll follow a track that hugs the edge of the lake and that takes you out past Burgage Castle (you’ll need to take a short detour to see it, as it’s just off the trail).
After a while, you’ll leave the woods and head out onto a busy road. Care is required here! Shortly after this, you’ll be back amongst the trees again at Russelltown Wood.
Where the Trail ends
The Blessington Greenway walk/cycle ends at the lovely Russborough House and Gardens. Visitors will be delighted to hear that the gardens look lovely and are worth exploring.
You can also grab something to eat or drink here. After you get some rest, you’ll need to make your way back to Blessington.
Things to do near the Blessington Greenway
One of the biggest towns in West Wicklow, Blessington is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.
In addition to Blessington Lakes, the town is a stone’s throw from many of the best places to visit in Wicklow.
1. Food and drink in Blessington Town
Photo via West Wicklow House Blessington on Facebook
There is no shortage of amazing places to grab a drink and get something to eat in Blessington. Whether you wish to enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at the famous Avon Bar or want to pay a visit to the Lemon Tree Restaurant where you can sample a variety of Chinese dishes, there’s something to tickle every tastebud.
2. The Wicklow Mountains National Park
Photo by Stefano_Valeri (Shutterstock)
Spanning an area of about 20,000 hectares, Wicklow Mountains National Park is famed for its leafy forests, mature woodlands, and beautiful wildlife. During your visit, expect to see everything from rare orchids to falcons. Not to be missed is Glendalough, a historic valley well-known for its early medieval structures.
3. Walks, walks and more walks
Photos via Shutterstock
County Wicklow has a lot of nicknames and one of them is “the Garden of Ireland”. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that you will find some seriously awesome trails here. Want to hear more? See our Glendalough walks or our Wicklow walks guides.
4. Powerscourt Waterfall
Photo by Eleni Mavrandoni (Shutterstock)
You will find the charming Powerscourt Waterfall at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. 121 meters high, it is actually the highest waterfall in all of Ireland and attracts large crowds of visitors throughout the year. There is plenty of wildlife to enjoy, as well as numerous bird species like Cuckoo and Chaffinch.
FAQs about the Blessington Lakes Walks and the Greenway
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best Blessington Lakes walks to what to see on the Greenway.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
How long is the Blessington Greenway?
The Greenway is just under 6km in length.
Can you walk around Blessington Lakes?
Yes, you can follow the Greenway trail or you can tackle one of the sections (see map above).
Where do you park at Blessington Lakes?
You can park at the Avon or there’s also parking in the town itself.