Ballinastoe Woods Walk | Everything You Need to Know
I have truly loved County Wicklow. It is also known as the “Garden of Ireland” and has been featured in many Hollywood movies and TV shows. Movies like Braveheart, The Count of Monte Cristo, PS I Love You, and the popular series Vikings have been filmed here. Very interesting, isn’t it?
Ballinastoe Forest is in County Wicklow. It is just as charming and famous. It feels like a fairytale place, like walking into the world of Lord of the Rings.
Today, let’s dive into the Ballinasto Woods Walk. We’ll talk about where it’s located, how to get there, parking options, and all the other details you need to know
Where is This Beautiful Forest?
Ballinasto Woods is in the Wicklow Mountains National Park in County Wicklow, near Sloughmore in Oldtown. For many tourists visiting Ireland, this may not mean much. But it’s basically an hour’s drive from Dublin or about two and a half hours from Belfast.
It is close to Lough Tay and not far from Roundwood Village. You can easily add on trips to places like Sally Gap Drive, Lough Tay and Dejus Mountain Walk.
Many go on trips to the Wicklow Way. It is a 128-kilometre national trail that runs from Rathfarnham to Clongal.
In my experience, most people just want to go to Ballinastoe Woods for the boardwalk. It is suitable for taking photos and videos. Social media, especially Instagram, has made it super popular.
Various trails in Ballinastoe Forest
There are many different walks to enjoy in Ballinastoe Forest. Some are short, taking about 30 minutes, while others can take over 3.5 hours.
Short walk (3.5 km / 0.5 – 1 hour)
This walk is great if you are short on time. You’ll see the Ballinasto Woods Boardwalk and enjoy stunning views from the JB Malone Memorial.
To begin with, you can park in the car park above or at the Pier Gates. If you park in the upper car park, go to the memorial first and then walk along the boardwalk. Afterwards, head back to the car park the way you came.
If you park at the pier gates, walk through the woods to the memorial, then retrace your steps.
Long walk (10 km / 3 – 3.5 hours)
Long walks are similar to short walks. After you’ve visited the JB Malone Memorial, you’ll continue to include the Sly Na Sliente Trail (I’ll talk about that later).
The walk is long, but many people find the walk through the forest and reaching the memorial to be the best part. If you choose to walk, stay on the path and keep an eye out for bikes.
The Slà na Sláinte (5km / 1.5 hrs)
Here is another option. This walk does not include the famous Boardwalk, but you can change the route if you want to add it.
Start at Ballinastow Woods Car Park. Follow the signs with yellow arrows. They will take you through the woods to the JB Malone Memorial.
Monuments can be difficult to find, so using Google Maps can help. Once you reach the memorial, you’ll have amazing views of Lough Tay and beyond.
Then, the trail heads back to Ballinasto Woods car park.
My getaway at Ballinasto Woods
I chose the short walk to Ballinasto Woods. I had other places nearby that I wanted to see, so a quick walk was perfect. I parked in a small lair on the hillside.
Ballinastoe Boardwalk seemed difficult to find based on what I read online. Many seemed confused about it. I got it now. Wicklow Mountains National Park is easy to find, but finding the boardwalk can be difficult if you don’t start in the right place. Luckily, I found a way to reach the boardwalk in less than 15 minutes using the shortest route.
And about the place? It felt like stepping into the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter. The views of Lough Tay were amazing. I was lucky to have good weather. But a heads up, it gets dark there quickly, even if it doesn’t look like it in the picture. I was a bit scared, so remember. Bring a torch and warm clothes.
The most beautiful parts of the Ballinastoe Woods walk are from the JB Malone Memorial through the Luggala car park and back, through the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. But you can decide what you like.
Let’s move on to how to get to Ballinasto Woods Boardwalk.
How do I get in there?
Ballinasto Woods is easy to get to. Most people are seen taking cars. There are a few different car parks you can choose from depending on where you want to start your walk.
Many also love cycling here. It is a famous place for biking. So, you can bring a bike, but most tourists prefer to drive as I said earlier.
If you don’t drive, don’t worry. You can still get to Ballinastoe Woods by public transport or take a taxi if you prefer. Once you are there, you can start your adventure in the jungle.
Most people who visit Ballinasto Woods want to see the mysterious-looking Ballinasto Boardwalk. I will write about this in detail later.
Entrance to Ballinastoe Boardwalk
- Halfway up the hill
The most convenient way to access Ballinastoe Boardwalk is to park halfway up the Wicklow Way hill. There is a small lay-by where you can park. Look for two wooden entry entry points and a walkway marker Google PIN.
When you start walking, continue until you reach a small intersection after about 2 minutes. Then, turn left to reach Ballinastoe Boardwalk. Here’s a simple summary:
- Follow the path straight through the forest until you see a small mound. Go over it, turn left and you’ll find the Ballinastow Boardwalk. It will take about 10 minutes to get there.
- The boardwalk then curved upwards through the forest. This spot looks like a scene from Lord of the Rings and is very popular for photos Cloudy or rainy days are best for soft lighting. After taking photos, explore more magical places in the forest
- On the top of the hill
Half the parking area only fits two cars, so it may be full by the time you arrive. Don’t stress! If it’s full, you can park for free in the Ballinasto car park at the top of the hill. From there, walk along the main road to reach the same midway entrance. From this car park, it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to Ballinastow Boardwalk.
- Don’t
There was a third entrance at Pier Gates which took only 10-15 minutes, but now it is closed. Better to skip this invalid option. Some people might suggest JB Malone car park and access from there, but in my opinion, it’s quite far from the Ballinastoe boardwalk, and you might lose your way.
The next section on parking areas will give you a better understanding.
My Parking Preferences
You’ve probably already guessed that I love short lay-bys for parking. Let me sum up my list for better understanding:
- 1. Small lair next to Ballinasto Woods on the Wicklow Way
This is the most convenient parking option, a short drive from Ballinastow Car Park. It only holds around two cars, so it’s very limited. But it will get you to Ballinastoe Boardwalk in less than 10 minutes.
- Ballinasto Car Park
When the small lay-by is full, it is a large off-road car park, opposite the Lough Tay/Lugala Estate viewpoint. It’s free, but space is limited. There is a path into the forest from the top, but for the easiest access to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, walk along the main road and enter the forest halfway. It will take you about 15 minutes to reach the boardwalk. [Click here for a Google Pin!]
- Wicklow Way Car Park at Luggala (Paid)
This popular paid parking area at the bottom of Wicklow Way Hill has facilities such as port-a-loo toilets and refreshments. But it has opening hours (9 am – 7.30 pm) and is locked in the early evening. It is further from the boardwalk, about 20-30 minutes.
- 4. JB Malone Car Park
This is an option on busy days like weekends when other car parks are full. But again, it’s further from Ballinastoe Boardwalk. I would only choose this if you want a long walk.
- Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail Car Park
This spot does not have boardwalk access and is on the other side of the forest. So unless you’re into mountain biking, it’s best to avoid it.
So, there you have it, your quick guide to Ballinasto Woods Walk. And to make your trip even better, here are some other nearby places you might want to check out
Fantastic location close to Ballinastoe Woods walk
Lough Tay Viewpoint, also known as Guinness Lake
To make your Ballinastow Woods walk more special, you should stop at the Lough Tay viewpoint.
It’s called Guinness Lake because it looks like dark beer! Also, the land belonged to Arthur Guinness, who started the Guinness Beer Company.
Here’s something cool: Kattegat in the TV show Vikings was filmed right here on Lough Tay! But don’t worry, you won’t see any Vikings during your trip.
On a sunny day, the views of Lough Tay are absolutely breathtaking! There are plenty of spots along the road where you can take some amazing pictures. So, don’t miss this beautiful scene!
Sally Gap Drive
If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, why not take a trip to Sally Gap Drive? Along the way, you’ll pass stunning sights like Lough Tay and Glenmacnass Falls.
Other walks
There are many other walks nearby that you can try. You’ve got the Dawes Mountain Walk, the Lough Tay to Lough Dan Walk, the Dawes Woods Walk and the Lough Olar Walk.
Don’t forget to take some pictures of the various viewpoints along the way. Trust me, you will have an amazing day trip to explore all these places.
Local folklore says that if you stand among the trees and listen carefully, you can feel the special magic of this forest, even if you don’t believe it. So get ready to experience this hidden gem.
Quick Tips for Ballinasto Woods Walk
Timing Tips:
Try to go early or late in the day, and weekdays are better than weekends. Weekends can be busy due to nearby Lough Tay (but trust me, the pictures don’t show it!).
Shoe Matters:
Wear sturdy shoes. Wood is dry in summer but muddy in winter. And if it rains, the Ballinastow Boardwalk can get slippery, so bring your best shoes.
Bring a light:
It gets really dark in the forest, especially in the afternoon. Bring a torch or use your phone’s light to see better.
Water and snacks:
Bring your own water and snacks. There is a refreshment van at Wicklow Way car park, but it’s always better to have your own. And remember, take your trash with you when you go.
Wear warm clothes:
It can get cold quickly, so dress in warm layers to stay comfortable.
Frequently asked questions about the Ballinasto Woods Walk
How far is Ballinasto Woods from Dublin?
It’s about a 60-90 minute drive from Dublin, depending on whether you take the toll road or not!
Is Ballinasto Woods safe?
Yes, but be careful. It’s popular for mountain biking, so stick to the main trail and keep an eye out for bikes. They can zoom by quickly, so be careful and avoid walking on major biking trails.
Best time to visit Ballinasto?
Cloudy or rainy days are great, and weekdays are better than weekends! It is also better to take photos earlier or later in the day to avoid the crowds.
Ballinasto opening time?
Ballinastoe Boardwalk is open 24/7, so you can visit anytime!
Is Ballinasto Woods free?
Absolutely! Ballinasto Woods costs nothing to visit and there is free parking nearby.
Toilets in Ballinasto?
No, but there are some portable toilets in the paid Wicklow Way car park.
How long does it take to walk in Ballinastoe Forest?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours, depending on the route you choose (see map above for options).