Military Road: Wicklow’s Wild Ride and Historic Horizons
The Military Road (R115 and parts of R759), a historic artery slicing through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, is an absolute essential for any serious motorbike tour of Ireland. Built by the British after the 1798 Rebellion to access rebel strongholds, this truly iconic route offers an unparalleled blend of exhilarating riding, dramatic scenery, and a tangible sense of history.
Stretching approximately 60 kilometres from the outskirts of Dublin to near Aughavanagh, the Military Road is a rider’s dream. It winds and climbs through vast expanses of heather-clad moorland, over high mountain passes like the Sally Gap, and through deep glacial valleys. Expect challenging curves, elevation changes, and continuous, jaw-dropping panoramic views of the untamed Wicklow Mountains National Park. This is where you truly feel immersed in Ireland’s wild beauty.
Along this historic route, keep an eye out for significant sights. The famous Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) is easily viewed from a viewpoint near the Sally Gap. The serene Glencree Valley, home to the poignant German War Cemetery, offers a moment of reflection. While not directly on the road, the ancient monastic city of Glendalough is just a short and scenic detour, highly recommended for its historical depth.
Given its remote mountain setting, there are no immediate dining options directly on the Military Road itself. However, welcoming villages at either end or accessible via short detours provide excellent refuelling stops. Enniskerry to the north offers charming cafes and pubs. Laragh and Roundwood to the east (near Glendalough) boast popular pubs and restaurants like The Wicklow Heather or The Roundwood Inn, perfect for a well-deserved meal. The Military Road offers an unmatched combination of thrilling riding and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a powerful and unforgettable highlight on your Irish motorbike adventure.
Military Road: Wicklow’s Wild Ride and Historic Horizons
The Military Road (R115 and parts of R759), a historic artery slicing through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, is an absolute essential for any serious motorbike tour of Ireland. Built by the British after the 1798 Rebellion to access rebel strongholds, this truly iconic route offers an unparalleled blend of exhilarating riding, dramatic scenery, and a tangible sense of history.
Stretching approximately 60 kilometres from the outskirts of Dublin to near Aughavanagh, the Military Road is a rider’s dream. It winds and climbs through vast expanses of heather-clad moorland, over high mountain passes like the Sally Gap, and through deep glacial valleys. Expect challenging curves, elevation changes, and continuous, jaw-dropping panoramic views of the untamed Wicklow Mountains National Park. This is where you truly feel immersed in Ireland’s wild beauty.
Along this historic route, keep an eye out for significant sights. The famous Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) is easily viewed from a viewpoint near the Sally Gap. The serene Glencree Valley, home to the poignant German War Cemetery, offers a moment of reflection. While not directly on the road, the ancient monastic city of Glendalough is just a short and scenic detour, highly recommended for its historical depth.
Given its remote mountain setting, there are no immediate dining options directly on the Military Road itself. However, welcoming villages at either end or accessible via short detours provide excellent refuelling stops. Enniskerry to the north offers charming cafes and pubs. Laragh and Roundwood to the east (near Glendalough) boast popular pubs and restaurants like The Wicklow Heather or The Roundwood Inn, perfect for a well-deserved meal. The Military Road offers an unmatched combination of thrilling riding and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a powerful and unforgettable highlight on your Irish motorbike adventure.