I have a fondness for County Wicklow. In part due to its image (it is referred to as the Garden of Ireland) as well as due to the numerous films and television programs about it produced by Hollywood.  Such movies as Braveheart, The Count of Monte Cristo and P.S. Here, I Love You were shot, as well as Vikings, the most popular series, interesting, right?

Ballinastoe Forest belongs to County Wicklow and it is equally lovely (and famous). It is one of the most mystical places in Ireland and this place has got that fairytale touch which looks like the world of The Lord of the Rings. 

Therefore, it is time to truly dive into music, and today we are going to discuss Ballinastoe Woods Walk: what is its location, how to arrive there, where to find parking, etc.

Where is This Beautiful Forest? 

Ballinastoe Woods is situated in Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow, Sraghmore, Oldtown. 

That may, for example, be of little consequence to many of the tourists visiting Ireland. It’s not that far though. For Dublin, it’s literally an hour’s drive and from Belfast it’s about 2 and a half hours’ drive. 

It is close to Lough Tay and right next to Roundwood Village. So, if you are willing, you can very easily include a trip to places such as the Sally Gap Drive, Lough Tay, Djouce Mountain Walk. Best vacation deals

Also, many visitors to this area come for a hike along the Wicklow Way. A 128 km rural national route which runs from Rathfarnham to Clonegal.

However from my own experience, I have come under the impression that most people just go to Ballinastoe Woods just for the Boardwalk. It is great for taking photos and videos, and especially made it super famous on social media, especially Instagram. 

Different Trails Of Ballinastoe Forest

Here, you will find many different walks to do, ranging from short ones that take about 30 minutes to longer ones that can take over 3.5 hours. 

The short walk (3.5 km / .5 – 1 hr)

It is an ideal choice when time is short on the part of the tourists. You will be able to visit the Boardwalk of Ballinastoe Woods and have a breathtaking view of the location on the JB Malone Memorial.

As the commencement point of your journey, you may park at the upper car park or the Pier Gates. When you park at the upper car park, visit the memorial then pass through the boardwalk. Then move back to the car park in the reverse manner.

Just park up at Pier Gates, head up through the forest to the memorial and follow your way back.

The long walk (10km / 3 – 3.5 hrs)

The long walk is basically the same as the short one, but once you reach the JB Malone Memorial, you continue to incorporate the Slí na Sláinte trail (I will discuss it). The further walk is a little bit of a trip, yet the imagination of people believes that the woods walk and the get to the Memorial are the most incredible, and will not contradict this fact.

If you decide to do this longer walk, just be careful to stay on the path and watch out for any bikes coming your way.

The Slí na Sláinte (5km / 1.5 hrs)

Here is yet another alternative to you guys. This is not with the well-known boardwalk but there is nothing to stop you from altering the route in order to include it.

First of all, you need to go to the car park in the Ballinastoe Woods. There will be yellow arrows written on signs. Take the trail and it will go up through the forest until you arrive at the JB Malone Memorial.

One may not find the memorial unless one uses Google Maps to locate it and this is a great idea. After arriving at the Memorial, you will have the astonishing panoramas over Lough Tay and further.

Then we circulate to the Ballinastoe Woods car park.

My Experience of Ballinastoe Woods

As you may imagine, I took the short walk. I also had something to do in other nearby walkable places, so a short walk suited me.  I pulled in at the little lay-by on the hillside. As I searched it out on the Internet, it appeared that locating Ballinastoe Boardwalk was some kind of puzzle but it was listed under Ballygnamock. So many appeared so confused regarding it!

I completely understand it. Wicklow Mountains National Park is accessible by transport, but one might have difficulties locating a boardwalk unless beginning the trip in the right location. Luckily, I had an option to get to the short path to the boardwalk in a matter of less than 15 minutes. 

And the place? I suppose no description will be necessary. The establishment seemed like I had taken a trip to the Forbidden Forest of Harry Potter to me. It was great, and the views over Lough Tay were excellent. I was lucky because it was good weather. However, a word of caution, the sun sets early there, although this may not be much reflected in the pictures. I was slightly afraid. Try to remember that, take a torch and warm clothing.  

I would go so far to say that the best parts of the Ballinastoe Woods walk are the J B Malone Memorial to the Luggala car park and back, which is via the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. However, it depends on you.

Enough about details, now let us focus on how to reach the Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk.

How To Get There? 

And now, how to get there. The most prevalent one is driving. All the car parks are a bit varied, however, depending on which section of the walk you have in mind to start.

Here, people love to ride bicycles as well. It is a renowned place. Therefore, as an alternative, you can use a bike/ cycle but the majority of tourists prefer using a car. 

Do not worry, in case you are not the driver! It is still accessible by bus or even via taxi, should you want to be extravagant. When you get there, you are free to begin your forest adventure.

Yet the Ballinastoe Woods are most likely to be visited by people who will also like to take a look at the mystical Ballinastoe Boardwalk, and I will make the particulars of this one. 

The entrance points of the Ballinastoe Boardwalk

1. Halfway up the hill 

The easiest way to access the Ballinastoe Boardwalk would be to park around halfway up Wicklow Way hill in this small lay-by and use a mid-way entrance nearby to enter the wood. There are two wooden entry barriers and a walking trail marker (Google PIN). 

When you start walking here, just keep going until you reach a small intersection (about 2 minutes later). Then, turn left to reach the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. Here’s a simple summary:

• Follow the straight path into the forest until you see a small mound. Hop over it, turn left, and you’ll find the Ballinastoe boardwalk. It should take about 10 minutes to get there.

• Ahead, the Boardwalk then curves upwards through the woods and this is the spot that looks like you’re in Lord Of The Rings. This spot is super popular for photos. Cloudy or rainy days are best for soft lighting. After photos, explore more magical spots in the woods.

2. At the top of the hill

It has a halfway parking lot which can only handle two cars, thus you might get to find it crowded. However, there is no need to get worried! In that case, you will be able to get free of cost parking at Ballinastoe Car Park on top of the hill. There, then, one has only to walk across the center avenue to the same midway entrance.

It will be no different as far as the walking to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, which will also take 10-15 minutes, starts from this car park.

3. The Don’ts

In addition to this, there was also the third gate at Pier Gates that only took 10-15 minutes to draw. However, it has now got fencing; therefore, this illegal way is better to be avoided.

One can also drive in at J B Malone car park and enter it. Yet to me, this is far too far from the Ballinastoe Boardwalk and you can easily get lost.

The parking area section will make you understand better.

My preference for parking

You fellows are already able to guess that I like the little lay-by parking. Here I am summarizing so as to understand. The list is mine- 

• A little lay-by near Ballinastoe Woods on the Wicklow Way
• Ballinastoe car park
• Luggala Luggala car park
• J B Malone parking
• Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail parking 
• Ballinastoe Woods on the Wicklow Way enjoys a small lay-by on its side

Small lay-by adjacent to Ballinastoe Woods, Wicklow Way

It is the most convenient parking choice, only less than a few minutes’ drive from Ballinastoe Car Park. We already said it. It can hold about two cars, so it’s really small. Step out and it will take you onto the Ballinastoe Boardwalk in under 10.

Ballinastoe car park

This is a more off-road car park facing Lough Tay/Luggala estate viewpoint, on the opposite side, being full, the small lay-by will be. It is free but here too, there is a limit to spaces. 

You walk up and go into the woods through a path. However, to have the most convenient access to the Ballinastoe Boardwalk, as I mentioned previously, just walk to the main road and dive into the forest halfway through. This is something that can give you a trip of 15 minutes to the boardwalk.  If you want a Google PIN, click here!

Paid Parking Wicklow Way car park at Luggala (Paid)

It is a busy pay parking space on the base of the Wicklow Way Hill that provides facilities such as a port-a-loo toilet and refreshments. However, it closes in the early evening (9 am -7.30 pm). It is also at least 20-30 minutes further away than the boardwalk. 

J B Malone parking car park 

It is also available whenever there are busier days such as weekends, when other car parks are filled up. However, once more, it is a bit farther away from the Ballinastoe Boardwalk. I would select this only in case you would like to have a longer walk.

Car park in Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail

This location is not accessible from the boardwalk and is across the woods. Therefore, you should not do mountain biking unless you really like it.

So here is your speedy guide on Ballinastoe Woods Walk. And to help your journey even more, below are some other good places around you that you can visit.

Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail parking

This place lacks access to the boardwalk and is located in the woods. Therefore, unless you like mountain cycling, it is better to stay away.

Here then is your brief to the Ballinastoe Woods Walk. And to make your journey even deeper, here are some other places in the neighborhood that you want to visit.

Amazing places near Ballinastoe Woods Walk

Lough Tay point of view aka the Guinness lake

To make your walk through Ballinastoe Woods even a bit more magical, you cannot afford to skip the Lough Tay viewpoint.

It is the Guinness Lake not just because of the appearance ( It resembles a pint of dark beer) but it is also called that way because the land formerly belonged to Arthur Guinness who founded the Guinness beer company.

A fun fact is that Lough Tay is where one of the sets of the TV show Vikings is filmed! The name of the town they have filmed is Kattegat. However, you needn’t worry, you will not encounter any Vikings on your visit.

The scenery of Lough Tay is fantastic on sunny days! The road has quite a number of places where you can get fantastic photos. Therefore, just be sure to come and enjoy the beauty!

The Sally Gap Drive

In case you are willing to take a scenic drive, you can do so by venturing on Sally Gap Drive. During driving, you will see beautiful scenery of such places as Lough Tay and Glenmacnass Waterfall.

Other Walks 

It has got many other walks within its locality also so you can sample them including Djouce Mountain Walk, Lough Tay to Lough Dan Walk, Djouce Woods Walk and Lough Ouler Walk.

Don’t miss taking some pictures from different perspectives on the road. Be sure you will have a day trip of the fullest kind in this place. Great deals on vacation packages

One of the local folklore says that standing in a row of the trees and listening attentively, you may sense the magic peculiar to this forest, even in case you do not believe in it. Do you feel good to be touched by this gem? 

Some quick tips for the Ballinastoe Woods walk

It is about time – 

Go at odd times of the day (early or late) and, ideally, not on the weekend. It gets a bit busy on weekends due to close proximity to Lough Tay (Yeah, I understand that it does not reflect in the photos)

Wear a good shoes – 

The woods are dry in summertime, and in winter are a little muddy, or are very muddy. In addition, the Ballinastoe Boardwalk gets slippery when it is raining. Then carry your best shoes.  

Take a torch (or a light on your phone)

Woods are very dark, particularly during the afternoon. Take a torch or turn on the light on your phone.

Bring a snack and some water (but do not mess up the place)

Take water and snacks along with you. Although there is a refreshment van at the Wicklow Way car park, it is good to be self-provided. Oh, don’t forget to carry away your rubbish with you.

Dress Warmly 

It can be windy with the field being open; the light might go away, thus it feels cool. Wear layered clothes so you can be comfortable.

FAQs about the Ballinastoe Woods Walk

• How far is Ballinastoe Woods from Dublin?

         It’s around a 60 – 90 minute drive from Dublin, depending on whether you take the toll roads or not! 

• Is Ballinastoe Woods safe? 

          Yes, but you need to be cautious. It’s a popular spot for mountain biking, so stick to the main trails and watch            out for bikes. They can come by quickly, so stay alert and avoid walking on the main biking paths.

• What is the best time to visit Ballinastoe? 

        I would say on a cloudy or rainy day and avoid weekends! Earlier or later in the day is also good for photography          to avoid other walkers.

• What are the Ballinastoe opening times? 

         The Ballinastoe Boardwalk is open 24 hours a day, so you’re not restricted on when you visit. 

• Are Ballinastoe Woods free? 

         YES! It’s completely free to visit Ballinastoe Woods and there is free parking nearby. 

• Are there toilets at Ballinastoe? 

          No. There are some port-a-loos in the paid Wicklow Way car park, though.

• How long does the Ballinastoe Forest walk take?

         It ranges from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours, depending on the route (see the different options on the map above).