GLEN BEACH

CLIFF WALK

AND WICKLOW HEAD LIGHTHOUSES

POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Glen Beach Cliff Walk and Wicklow Head Lighthouses

‹ Place Guides

The Glen Beach Cliff Walk weaves along the rugged edge of Wicklow’s coastline, immersing you in a landscape where emerald headlands drop sharply into the Irish Sea. The atmosphere is of raw, windswept beauty and it is usually fairly quiet, but for the sound of crashing waves and the call of seabirds and (I once heard) seals in the sea caves below.

JUMP TO THE PHOTOS

The Three Lighthouses

The trail leads towards the dramatic Wicklow Head, home to three distinct lighthouses. The most striking is the Wicklow Head Old Lighthouse, a commanding 18th-century octagonal stone tower that is now a unique holiday rental. Seeing its rugged silhouette against the horizon is a highlight of the walk.

Secluded Coves and Caves

The route passes several hidden inlets, including Glen Strand and Trá Cille Aoil (Lime Kiln Bay). These pebble beaches are framed by dramatic rock formations, sea arches, and caves carved by the ocean, offering perfect spots for photography.

Seal Colony

One of the walk's most magical features is the resident colony of grey seals. From the elevated vantage point of Ceann Bhríde, you can frequently spot them bobbing in the water or hauling themselves out onto the rocks below to rest.

Seal Pup Season
However, the most amazing time to (quietly and carefully!) visit is when the seals congregate on Lime Kiln Bay to birth their pups. It is truly amazing and something I go back every year to see.

If visiting between August and December, be especially vigilant. This is seal pupping season, and mothers often leave pups on the beaches. Do not approach them; observe quietly from the cliffs above to avoid disturbing the colony.

Trail Conditions

The path can be a bit uneven in places, often skirting close to unprotected cliff edges. Sturdy walking boots are essential, especially after rain when the mud can be slippery.