Wicklow Gap to Glendalough — Military Road South via Glenmacnass Waterfall

The Military Road through County Wicklow was carved by British forces after the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion — a hard gravel spine pushed through blanket bog to deny the mountains to insurgents. The southern section from Wicklow Gap down through Glenmacnass Valley to the monastic settlement at Glendalough is the most dramatic stretch. The Glenmacnass Waterfall drops straight off the plateau edge midway down — pull off carefully on the narrow verge and walk ten meters to the lip. The road narrows significantly through the valley and the bog shoulders are soft; two vehicles passing in places requires one to reverse. Watch for sheep on blind corners at all hours.

This is a Moderate route — paved but narrow, exposed, and serious in winter when ice forms on the plateau section with no warning. Any capable vehicle can run it dry, but the tight bends and soft shoulders mean overconfident drivers in wide trucks have put wheels off the tarmac edge. No permit required. The Wicklow Mountains National Park surrounds the route — no dispersed camping in the national park core, though sites exist outside its boundary. Fuel in Laragh or Roundwood. Best run spring through autumn; the bog views in October heather are worth the trip alone.