Overview
Devils Glen has two waymarked walks and one waterfall, and how good the waterfall is depends entirely on how much rain has fallen. The Vartry River cuts through a steep, wooded gorge below Ashford, its walls of Cambrian greywacke and shale carpeted in moss, lichen and polypody fern under a canopy of beech, ash, Spanish chestnut and conifer. If you’ve only time for one loop, take the Waterfall Walk – the falls, the rock arch and the viewpoint give it the edge; the Seamus Heaney Walk is the one to choose if you’d rather read poetry than chase a cascade.
The glen was once part of the Glanmore estate, ancestral home of the playwright John Millington Synge. Across the northern bank sits the privately held Tottenham Estate, and older estate walls linked to the Earl of Meath still trace the edges of the trail. Coillte manages the woods now, balancing forestry with recreation.
The story behind the name
The gorge was cut at the end of the last Ice Age, when glacial meltwater tore a channel through the bedrock, and the Vartry has been working the valley ever since. The name comes from the waterfall. Before the Vartry Reservoir was built in the 1860s to supply Dublin, the falls ran full and loud – loud enough that the sound was likened to a ‘Satanic power announcing some great doom’. The reservoir took the volume out of it, which is why a dry-weather visit can be a let-down: the drama returns only when the river runs high after a good soaking.
Walking the Trails
Two looped routes cover the glen, each colour-coded and equipped with way-markers, interpretive signs and occasional wooden sculptures.
Seamus Heaney Walk (4 km, ~2 hours, moderate)
Marked with yellow signs, this route climbs gently through high forest and focuses on the area’s literary connection. In the 1970s, poet Seamus Heaney’s family rented a gate lodge on the Glanmore Estate. Heaney wrote of the “strange loneliness” of the landscape, and today his words appear on carved plaques along the path. The trail also features a small informational board detailing his time in Wicklow, making it a quiet, reflective walk that pairs well with the surrounding canopy.
Waterfall Walk (5 km, ~2 hours, moderate)
Follow the red markers for a slightly longer circuit that leads to the Devils Glen Waterfall. The path includes a short, steady climb before reaching the cascade, where a viewing platform offers clear sightlines of the drop. Beyond the falls, the route passes a natural rock arch and a higher vantage point that opens up to panoramic views across the gorge and the surrounding Wicklow hills. This loop is ideal for those who want a mix of elevation, water features and wider scenery.
Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights
The glen’s mix of mature broadleaf and conifer plantations supports a steady population of red squirrels, roe deer and various woodland birds. Keep an eye out for jays, great tits and woodpeckers, whose calls are often the first sign of life in the shaded understorey.
Seasonal shifts change the character of the walk. Autumn turns the beech and chestnut canopy into a palette of copper, gold and russet, while spring brings fresh moss growth and early bird activity. The waterfall itself is highly weather-dependent: a dry spell leaves a gentle trickle, but a weekend of rain transforms it into a loud, misty cascade that justifies the glen’s dramatic name.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Footwear – The trails cross roots, gravel and occasionally muddy steps. Sturdy boots with reliable grip are strongly recommended, particularly after rain.
- Dogs – Leashed dogs are welcome on both loops. Keep them close near the waterfall edge and on steeper sections.
- Buggies & Strollers – The paths are uneven and include steps, especially near the falls. A sturdy all-terrain buggy with large wheels can manage most of the route, but you may need to leave it at the base of the final steps to the waterfall.
- Facilities – There are no permanent cafés, toilets or shops in the glen. Bring your own water, snacks and any necessary supplies.
- Trail Maps – Coillte provides an official, downloadable map of both loops: Devils Glen Trail Map.
Getting There
By Car – From the Ashford roundabout, take the R764 towards Roundwood, then turn left onto the R763 heading towards Glendalough. After roughly 3 km, the entrance to the glen appears on the right. The smaller 5-space car park sits at the Seamus Heaney Walk entrance, while the larger 25-space lot (with coach parking) serves the Waterfall Walk. Both fill quickly on sunny weekends, so arriving before 10:00 am or after 3:00 pm helps avoid turning away.
By Public Transport – Regular bus services run to nearby towns, but no direct route serves the glen car park. The nearest practical option is taking a bus to Bray or Wicklow Town, then arranging a local taxi or rideshare for the final 15 km stretch.
Nearby Attractions
- Ashford – Home to Mount Usher Gardens, a historic botanical garden with glasshouses and ornamental walks, just a few minutes’ drive away.
- Avoca – The Avoca Valley and Handweaving Mill are a short scenic drive north, pairing traditional crafts with riverside walks.
- Wicklow Town – A 20-minute drive brings you to the historic county town, featuring the Wicklow Gaol, Georgian streets and a range of pubs and restaurants.
- Glendalough – Ireland’s most famous monastic site and twin lakes lie 15 km east, providing a natural extension to a day spent walking in the Wicklow Mountains.
FAQs
- Is the walk suitable for families? – Yes. Both loops are clearly signposted and moderate in difficulty. Supervise children on steeper sections and near the waterfall edge.
- Can I bring a stroller? – The terrain is uneven with tree roots and steps. A robust all-terrain buggy works best; standard urban strollers will struggle on the final approach to the falls.
- When is the waterfall at its best? – Water flow peaks after sustained rainfall. Check recent weather patterns, as a dry spell can leave only a light trickle over the rocks.
One practical warning worth the italics: the barrier on the larger Waterfall Walk car park closes at 5pm, so if you start a loop late you can come back to a locked gate. Either park in the small Seamus Heaney lot, which stays open, or be back at the car well before closing.