Overview
Roundwood is a tiny hill village (population 948) in County Wicklow, best known as a staging post for hikers tackling the Wicklow Way or climbing Djouce and Luggala. Its key historical claim is supplying Dublin's water via the Vartry Reservoir, a 19th-century engineering feat that James Joyce referenced in Ulysses.
Day Trips · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Accommodation
Camping available June-Aug at Roundwood Caravan & Camping Park. B&Bs include The Coach House (Main St, doubles €220) and Wicklow Way Lodge (April-Sept, doubles €150, on the trail).
Activities
Hiking is primary: Wicklow Way passes 1 km west, Djouce (725 m) accessible via boardwalk, Sli na Slainte trails from village. Golf, equestrian centres, and Special Ops outdoor activities nearby.
Connectivity
4G available from Eir and Vodafone; 5G from Three as of June 2024. WiFi at pubs and cafes.
Food
Roundwood Inn (17th-century, Irish/seafood/continental) and Byrne & Woods (restaurant + bar, great reviews) are the main dining options. Pubs include Kavanagh's Vartry House (live music Sundays) and Tochar House.
Transport
St Kevin's Bus runs twice daily from Dublin (St Stephen's Green) to Glendalough via Roundwood. Local Link Bus 183 connects Roundwood with Wicklow Town, Ashford, and Glendalough multiple times daily.