Glendalough: The Green Road Loop below the Hills

The Green Road Walk keeps Glendalough's wooded valley and wetland views within a low-level outing. The national park lists this green-arrow loop as 3 km, about 45 minutes, with 20 m of ascent. Track and boardwalk lead through oakwoods and along the Lower Lake's wetland edge, opening valley views without the climb onto the Spinc.

Start at the Upper Lake

Use the Upper Lake car park at the end of the valley road, then find the National Park Information Office near the lake. This is the published start and finish. Follow the green arrows around the loop back to the office before returning to your car. The walking-trails page provides the profile; maps are displayed outside the office.

Parking changes the size of the walk. The parking notice warns of queues on the narrow Upper Lake access road. Parking there is charged, and roadside parking along its double yellow lines is prohibited. If the lot is full, turn back rather than leave a car along the access road.

The free Laragh lot is a different start: the park gives a 3 km woodland walk to the Information Office. That approach must be walked again after the circuit. Choose it as a longer outing rather than treating its parking as adjacent to the loop. Our route-shape guide helps distinguish an approach from a circuit.

Keep the green route distinct

Check current notices before leaving. The July 20, 2026 works notice concerns the White Trail's zigzags and occasional Blue Trail disruption, with short helicopter closures possible. It is not a description of the Green Road. Obey local signs rather than changing onto a hill route because it shares the valley.

Wear suitable walking shoes and keep dogs on a lead. Leave time to stop: the change from oakwood shade to open wetland views is this short route's main reward.