Overview
Crone Woods sits in the north-eastern reaches of the Wicklow Mountains, acting as a natural gateway to some of Ireland’s most rewarding hillwalking terrain. Managed by Coillte, the state forestry agency, the woodland is a mix of mature coniferous planting and pockets of native oak, ash and birch. Just a 15-minute drive from the village of Enniskerry, the site is a trailhead for the Wicklow Way, the Republic’s oldest long-distance footpath, and anchors several shorter circuits. The forest floor is quiet, the air crisp, and the trail network is clearly signed, making it a reliable starting point for both seasoned hill-walkers and active families.
A Landscape Layered in History
The steep, craggy slopes of Crone Woods were formally designated as a royal hunting park in the 13th century, long before the surrounding plantations were established. The dense cover and rugged terrain made it ideal for tracking game, and that same landscape later provided shelter for something far less peaceful. During the 1798 Rebellion, bands of insurgents used the woods as a hideout, prompting the British military to carve a strategic road through the northern Wicklow range and build a barracks at the valley’s head. Those historic tracks and dry-stone walls still surface along the modern routes, weaving centuries of local history into every stride.
The Maulin Loop & Ride Rock
The standout route is the Maulin Loop, a 6.6 km circuit that climbs 350 m and typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete. Waymarked with red discs featuring footprint symbols, the trail can be tackled clockwise or anticlockwise. Starting clockwise is widely recommended, as it fronts the steepest climbs early and delivers the first major payoff within the first two kilometres.
The path begins on a sheltered forest track that gradually steepens into a zig-zagging ascent along the woodland edge. Benches are spaced along this section, offering natural resting spots as the canopy thins. You’ll hear the water before you see it: the trail opens onto the Ride Rock viewpoint, a dramatic cliff-side vantage point overlooking the Glencree Valley. From here, the roar of Powerscourt Waterfall echoes across the ravine, with the Great Sugarloaf rising in the distance and the sweep of Dublin Bay visible on clear days.
Beyond Ride Rock, the loop continues along a narrow ridge path that cuts through dwarf pines, gorse and heather. The terrain shifts to rocky ground and steep, winding descents that require careful footing, especially when damp. The final stretch returns through the shelter of the pine plantation before dropping back to the car park.
Reaching the Summit of Maulin
If you’re looking to push past the loop, the Wicklow Way continues from Ride Rock toward the true summit of Maulin (622 m). At the T-junction just past the viewpoint, follow the yellow hiking-man signs uphill for an additional 1–1.5 km. The final approach climbs a heather-strewn slope to a stone cairn that rewards with a 360-degree panorama of the Wicklow range. The descent back to the loop is steep and exposed; sturdy boots and a walking pole are highly advisable on the way down.
Experienced walkers can also link this area to the wider Circuit of Glensoulan, a 16 km loop that connects Maulin with Tonduff, War Hill and Djouce. It’s a demanding full-day hike, but the continuous ridge walking and varied terrain make it a favourite among local hill-walking clubs.
Practical Information & Safety
Crone Woods is free to enter and open year-round, though the car park operates on seasonal hours (see above). The access road is narrow and single-track, shared with cyclists, walkers and occasional livestock. Drive slowly, yield to oncoming traffic, and expect the car park to fill quickly on summer weekends and bank holidays.
- Grade: Strenuous. Features sustained climbs, rocky sections and narrow ridge paths.
- Dogs: Welcome on a lead.
- Facilities: Car park, picnic tables, basic toilets, and a route map board at the entrance.
- Navigation: Trail maps are available for download from Coillte and Sport Ireland.
- Weather: Mountain conditions change rapidly. Pack waterproofs, layers and enough water for the climb.
Extending Your Day in Wicklow
The trailhead sits in a prime position for a broader Wicklow day trip. A 15-minute drive brings you to Enniskerry, where independent cafés, bakeries and pubs line the riverbanks. Further south, the Powerscourt Estate offers world-class gardens and a working distillery, while the scenic 21 Bends road delivers you to the seaside town of Bray. For more woodland walking, Avondale Forest Park is situated about a 45-minute drive south near Rathdrum, while the Blessington Lakes area, roughly 45 minutes to the west, provides a calmer, waterside alternative for the afternoon.
Check trail conditions before heading out, especially after heavy rain, and remember to take all litter back to the car park. The forest relies on visitors to keep the narrow tracks and ridge paths clear for the next group.