Blessington Greenway: a picturesque walking trail

Blessington Greenway, Wicklow

It's an unseasonably warm March day. A deliciously blue sky with huge fluffy clouds has enticed us away from a White Lotus binge to the shores of the Blessington Lakes. We're here to check out the Blessington Greenway, a 6 km walking and cycling trail which links the town of Blessington with the beautiful Russborough House and gardens.

Russborough House, Co. Wicklow

The trail starts in Blessington, a pretty town in west Wicklow with a number of historic buildings, and streets lined with colourful and well-preserved traditional facades. The Avon Activity Centre on the outskirts of town is an ideal starting point with a large car park (€3 per day), bike rental options and a food court and café.

The greenway follows the shores of the Blessington Lakes, with expansive views across the water from the start with the Wicklow mountains as a backdrop. From here the track runs south along the lake shore as the path weaves through forest and areas of natural woodland. Bear in mind that it's a linear route - 6kms one-way - so you'll have to double back the way you came. Or bring two cars and leave one at either end.

Blessington Greenway, Wicklow

The trail is mostly flat and suitable for all fitness levels and age groups and is well signposted from the start. After about a kilometre, we take a short detour off the trail to the left to see the ruins of Burgage Castle overlooking the lake. Thought to date back to Norman times, the remains of the tower house are unfortunately no longer accessible to the public and enclosed by a fence.

A manmade sandy beach lines the lakeshore at this point with magnificent views across the Blessington lakes and the Wicklow Mountains, some of the best views on the entire trail. The water shimmers in the late afternoon sun, reflecting the clouds above, and the air is alive with birdsong. It's incredibly peaceful.

Back on the trail again, we continue through the woods, enjoying the signs of spring in the air with trees in tentative bloom, and wildlife scuttling about unseen in the hedges. Gorse bushes line the path exploding in pops of yellow colour, its coconutty scent filling the air.

It's worth noting that a short section of the trail runs along a footpath on the N81. It was a bit of a shock to the system to emerge from the peaceful woodland onto a busy road. But fear not - before long it turns back into the forest at Burgage Moyle lane.

The forest is at its most dense at this point with trees forming a canopy above our heads, cocooning us on all sides. The dappled effect of sunlight filtering through trees evokes that beautiful Japanese word Komorebi which signifies that exact sensation.

Emerging from the trees at the end of the forest, the lake comes into view once more to our left. Straight ahead are a set of green gates with signposting for Russborough House but it's worth taking the time to follow the Greenway to its endpoint - the viewing point of the lake at Poulaphouca Reservoir, past a little marina lined with colourful boats.

The Greenway terminates at the Poulaphouca Reservoir but it would be remiss to come all this way and not to visit Russborough House, one of Ireland's best examples of Palladian architecture. Make your way back to the green gates and follow the signs for Russborough House and parkland. An impressive gate lodge marks the entrance with a long stately avenue leading to the house.

Russborough House, Co. Wicklow

The house was designed by renowned Georgian architect Richard Castle in the mid 18th century. Its facade is restrained and beautifully elegant, flanked on both sides by wings with niches and classical statuary. Today it is home to the Beit Collection: an impressive private art collection of works from the 17th to the 20th century, including Gainsborough and Singer-Sargent. It also occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions - at time of writing, visitors can enjoy a selection of works by the wonderful 17th century Spanish painter Murillo. The exhibition runs until end of May 2025. More details here.

The house is accessible by guided tour only (pricing here) while park tickets includes access to 200 acres of parkland, a maze, a self-guided audio tour of the parklands, and a tree trail map. The grounds are ridiculously picturesque with options for a Lake Walk with views across the lakes and mountains (2 kms) or a Woodland Walk (2.5 kms) through trees and gardens.