Ballinastoe Woods Walk is one of the most magical places in Ireland. It feels like a fairytale place that looks like you’re walking into the world of the Lord of the Rings. 

Today, let’s take a deep dive into the Ballinastoe Woods Walk: where it’s located, how to get there, parking options, and all the essential details you need to know for your visit.

Location

Ballinastoe Woods is located in the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park, near Sraghmore and Oldtown in County Wicklow. While these names might not ring a bell for most tourists, it’s essentially about an hour’s drive from Dublin or roughly two and a half hours from Belfast.

The forest is close to Lough Tay and not far from Roundwood Village, making it easy to combine your visit with other local attractions like the scenic Sally Gap Drive, Lough Tay, or the Djouce Mountain Walk.

Many visitors come to hike the famous Wicklow Way, a 128-kilometre national trail stretching from Rathfarnham to Clonegal. However, in my experience, most people are drawn to Ballinastoe Woods for its iconic Boardwalk. It’s a picture-perfect spot, especially popular on social media—Instagram, in particular, has made it famous for its stunning views.

Different Trails in Ballinastoe Forest

Ballinastoe Forest offers a variety of trails, ranging from quick 30-minute walks to longer hikes that can take over 3.5 hours.

Short Walk (3.5 km / 30 min – 1 hr)

This trail is ideal for those short on time. You’ll experience the famous Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk and enjoy breathtaking views from the JB Malone Memorial.

• Starting Point: You can park at either the upper car park or Pier Gates.
  • If you park at the upper car park, head to the memorial first, then walk down the boardwalk and return the same way.
  • If you park at Pier Gates, walk up through the forest to the memorial, then retrace your steps.

Long Walk (10 km / 3 – 3.5 hrs)

This route follows the same path as the shorter walk but extends to include the Slí na Sláinte trail. After visiting the JB Malone Memorial, continue on for a more immersive forest experience.

• Pro Tip: While the hike can be a bit of a trek, many agree that reaching the memorial is the highlight. Just make sure to stay on the path and be mindful of cyclists/bike along the way.

Slí na Sláinte (5 km / 1.5 hrs)

For a slightly shorter option, this trail doesn’t include the boardwalk, but you can adjust the route to add it if you like.

• Starting Point: Begin at the Ballinastoe Woods car park and follow the yellow arrow markers.
• The trail will take you through the forest, eventually reaching the JB Malone Memorial.
  • The memorial can be tricky to spot, so it’s helpful to use Google Maps. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over Lough Tay and beyond.

After soaking in the views, the trail loops back down to the car park.

My Experience at Ballinastoe Woods

As you can probably guess, I opted for the short walk. I had other places nearby I wanted to check out, so a quick stroll was ideal. I parked in a small lay-by on the hillside. Before my visit, I noticed that finding the Ballinastoe Boardwalk seemed to be a bit of a challenge for many people online. A lot of visitors seemed confused about its exact location.

And I totally understand why. While it’s easy to reach Wicklow Mountains National Park, finding the boardwalk can be tricky if you don’t start from the right spot. Luckily, I figured out a way to reach the boardwalk in less than 15 minutes using the short route.

As for the experience? Words don’t quite do it justice. To me, it felt like stepping into the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter. The place was magical, with stunning views over Lough Tay. I was fortunate with the weather, but a quick tip: it gets darker much earlier there than it seems in photos. I’ll admit, I felt a bit uneasy as it got dimmer, so make sure to bring a torch and warm clothes.

For me, the most beautiful part of the walk was from the JB Malone Memorial to the Luggala car park and back, passing through the iconic Ballinastoe Boardwalk. But ultimately, the route is yours to choose.

Now, let’s dive into how to actually get to the Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk.

How to Get There?

Driving is the most popular way to reach Ballinastoe Woods. There are several car parks to choose from, depending on where you’d like to start your walk.

Cycling is another great option, as the area is well-known for being a favorite spot among cyclists. While many tourists opt to drive, biking offers a more active way to explore the surroundings.

If you’re not driving, no need to worry! Public transport can get you close to Ballinastoe Woods, and a taxi is also an option if you prefer a more comfortable ride. Once you arrive, you’re ready to begin your adventure into the woods.

Most visitors to Ballinastoe Woods will likely want to experience the enchanting Ballinastoe Boardwalk. I’ll share more details about that next!

The entrance points of the Ballinastoe Boardwalk

1. Halfway up the hill 

The easiest way to access the Ballinastoe Boardwalk is by parking halfway up Wicklow Way hill in a small lay-by. From there, you can enter the woods through a nearby mid-way entrance, marked by two wooden entry barriers and a walking trail marker (Google PIN available).

Once you start walking, follow the path straight ahead for about two minutes until you reach a small intersection. At this point, turn left to reach the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Walk straight into the forest until you see a small mound. Step over it, turn left, and you’ll arrive at the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. It takes about 10 minutes to reach.
• The Boardwalk then curves upward through the woods, offering a breathtaking view reminiscent of scenes from Lord of the Rings. This spot is particularly popular for photos, especially on cloudy or rainy days when the soft lighting enhances the magical atmosphere. After snapping some photos, take time to explore more enchanting spots hidden within the woods.

2. At the top of the hill

The halfway parking area only fits two cars, so it might be full when you arrive. No need to worry! If that’s the case, you can park for free at the Ballinastoe Car Park located at the top of the hill. From there, simply walk down the main road to reach the same midway entrance.

The walk to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk from this car park is about the same, taking around 10-15 minutes.

Preference For Parking

There used to be a third entrance at Pier Gates that took only 10-15 minutes to reach the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. However, it’s now fenced off, so it’s best to avoid this illegal route.

Some may suggest parking at the J B Malone car park and entering from there, but in my opinion, it’s quite far from the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, and you may risk losing your way.

Parking options overview

As you may have guessed, my favorite spot is the small lay-by for parking. Here’s a summary of parking options for better clarity. My list includes:

1. Small lay-by next to Ballinastoe Woods on Wicklow Way
2. Ballinastoe Car Park
3. Wicklow Way Car Park at Luggala (Paid)
4. J B Malone Car Park
5. Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail Car Park

Small lay-by next to Ballinastoe Woods on Wicklow Way

This is the most convenient option, located less than a minute’s drive from the Ballinastoe Car Park. It only accommodates two cars, so space is limited. However, it gets you to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk in under 10 minutes.

Ballinastoe Car Park

If the small lay-by is full, the Ballinastoe Car Park is a larger, off-road option, located opposite the Lough Tay/Luggala estate viewpoint. It’s free, but space is also limited.

There’s a path leading into the woods from above, but for easier access to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, walk down the main road and enter the woods about halfway through. This will take around 15 minutes to the boardwalk. [Click here for the Google Pin!]

Wicklow Way Car Park at Luggala (Paid)

This popular paid parking area, located at the bottom of Wicklow Way Hill, offers facilities like a port-a-loo and refreshments. However, it has specific hours (9 am – 7:30 pm) and locks in the evening. It’s also further from the boardwalk, taking around 20-30 minutes.

J B Malone Car Park

This option is available on busy days when other car parks are full, but it’s farther from the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. I would only recommend it if you’re up for a longer walk.

Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail Car Park

This car park is on the other side of the woods and doesn’t offer access to the boardwalk. It’s best avoided unless you’re into mountain biking.

Nearby Attractions

Lough Tay Viewpoint (Guinness Lake)

For an extra magical experience, stop by the Lough Tay viewpoint. Also known as Guinness Lake because it resembles a pint of dark beer and was once owned by Arthur Guinness, the lake offers stunning views, especially on sunny days. Fun fact: Lough Tay was used as the filming location for Kattegat in the Vikings TV series.

Sally Gap Drive

For a scenic drive, consider the Sally Gap Drive. Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking sights like Lough Tay and Glenmacnass Waterfall.

Other Walks Nearby

Other walking trails in the area include the Djouce Mountain Walk, Lough Tay to Lough Dan Walk, Djouce Woods Walk, and Lough Ouler Walk. Be sure to capture some photos at the various viewpoints.

Local Folklore

According to local folklore, if you stand quietly among the trees, you might feel the magic of the forest. Whether you believe in it or not, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

Quick Tips for the Ballinastoe Woods Walk

1. Timing matters – Visit early or late in the day, and avoid weekends if possible to beat the crowds.
2. Wear good shoes – The woods can get muddy in winter, and the boardwalk can be slippery in the rain.
3. Bring a torch – The woods can get dark in the afternoon, so it’s a good idea to have a light source.
4. Bring water and snacks – While there’s a refreshment van at the Wicklow Way car park, it’s handy to have your own supplies. Don’t forget to clean up after yourself!
5. Dress warmly – The area can get chilly, especially in the evenings. Dress in layers to stay comfortable.

FAQs about the Ballinastoe Woods Walk

• How far is Ballinastoe Woods from Dublin?
  It’s about a 60-90 minute drive, depending on whether you take toll roads.
• Is Ballinastoe Woods safe?
  Yes, but be cautious. It’s a popular spot for mountain biking, so stay alert and avoid walking on the biking paths.
• When is the best time to visit Ballinastoe?
  I recommend visiting on a cloudy or rainy day, and avoiding weekends. Early mornings or late afternoons are also great for photography.
• What are the Ballinastoe opening times?
  The Ballinastoe Boardwalk is open 24/7, so you’re free to visit anytime.
• Is Ballinastoe Woods free?
  Yes, it’s completely free, and there’s free parking nearby.
• Are there toilets at Ballinastoe?
  No, but there are port-a-loos in the paid Wicklow Way car park.
• How long does the Ballinastoe Forest walk take?
  Depending on the route you choose, the walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours.