Wicklow Mountains Military Road
1800s British garrison road through rebel highlands
Built by British forces after the 1798 rebellion to control the Wicklow Mountains, this 56-kilometer military road climbs from Rathfarnham through the Sally Gap and Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village. The original route served to patrol the “Wicklow Wilderness” where Irish rebels found refuge among the granite peaks and peat bogs. Modern overlanders follow forestry extensions that branch off the main road, accessing remote valleys like Glendasan and the abandoned Ballyknockan lead mines where 19th-century workings still scar the mountainsides.
Moderate difficulty suits stock 4WD vehicles, though the bog tracks require careful route selection during wet periods. Best traveled April through October when the mountain passes stay clear. No permits needed for the main route, but Coillte forestry tracks may require permission for overnight camping. The reward is classic Irish highland scenery — rolling peat moors, stone circles, and the ruins of Glendalough’s 6th-century monastic city. Fuel and supplies in Roundwood village.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1755 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD |
| Nearest town | Dublin, Ireland |
| Land manager | Coillte Irish Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Rover Defender or 4Runner handle the Military Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD is the listed minimum and genuinely sufficient for this route. The road is unpaved and boggy in sections but not technically demanding — standard clearance and a locking diff or decent traction control will get you through.
What months is the Military Road actually passable, and does it close in winter?
April through October is the best window. Winter brings heavy rain, deep bog saturation, and occasional snow on the higher sections above 1,700 ft — the road stays technically open but conditions can turn nasty fast and recovery options are limited up there.
Are there permits or fees required to drive or camp on the Military Road?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is available under Coillte (Irish Forest Service) jurisdiction, but check current Coillte camping rules before you go — some forest areas have fire restrictions and designated zones that shift seasonally.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect there?
The boggiest and most exposed stretches run through the high moorland between Glencree and Laragh — soft shoulders, limited visibility in mist, and no guardrails on narrow sections. The difficulty is less about rocks and more about mud, weather exposure, and knowing not to leave the firm track surface.
How far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there a realistic range concern for this route?
The route starts near Dublin and ends near Laragh — fuel is available in Blessington and Rathdrum on either end, but there's nothing on the route itself. At 35 miles it's not a range issue for most rigs, but fill up before you head into the highlands since cell service is spotty and a dry tank up there means a long walk.
Trail track
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