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From Wikitravel

Roundwood is a small, picturesque village in nestled amongst the glorious Wicklow Mountains in the heart of Ireland's Garden County, County Wicklow.

[edit] Understand

Roundwood is located on the main route from Dublin to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains making it an ideal stop-off point for travellers between the capital & Glendalough's monastic village. At 238 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest villages in Ireland.

Roundwood has a close association with two former Presidents of Ireland, Seán T. O'Kelly who lived locally and Erskine Childers who is buried in the nearby Church of Ireland Derralossary churchyard.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

Roundwood is served by the privately owned St. Kevins Bus Service, which runs twice-daily between Dublin, Bray & Glendalough. Buses cost around €10 one-way & offer a fast reliable service which takes roughly 1 hour from Dawson Street in Dublin City Centre. The route takes in some of Wicklow's most breathtaking scenery & is highly recommended on a summers day.

Time Table Information can be found here.

[edit] By bike

Taking a bike is another popular method of travelling to & through Roundwood. Although no separate cycling paths exist along the way, the public roads to Roundwood from both Bray & Glendalough are particularly picturesque. Due to one or two steep climbs the cycle can be moderately challenging at times. Travelling from Bray there are two steep hills early on, however once these overcome the rest of the journey is a gentle cycle on the flat. The village is within a few hours of Bray & acts as a perfect stop-off point for cyclists to Glendalough.

[edit] By car

The most convenient way of reaching Roundwood is by car. It is located on the R755 road which is part of the main route between Dublin to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains. Travellers from Dublin should take the N11 in the direction of Wexford & take the R755 turn-off at Kilmacanogue.

[edit] By foot

Roundwood is located mid-way along the famous Wicklow Way walking route & is therefore an ideal stop off for hikers in the Garden County. Hikers looking to stop off in Roundwood as part of their Wicklow Way journey should consult sheet number 56 of the Irish Ordinance Survey maps.

[edit] Get around

All of Roundwood's attractions can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle. Slí na Sláinte maps advertising recommended walking routes around the reservoir can be located at 'The Old School', a white building next to the village pharmacy. These clearly marked-out routes range from one hour to 3-4 hours & take in the best of the local countryside.

Further information about the Slí na Sláinte walking routes can be located here.

[edit][add listing] See

Roundwood Reservoir

Roundwood Church

Local Scenery

[edit][add listing] Do

• Skirmish Paintballing, (Go through Roundwood in the direction of Dublin and take the right fork as you exit the village. Proceed for three miles to the next right turn, with a sign for Vartry Drive. Turn right at the junction and Skirmish can be found are half a mile down the road, on the right hand side.), ☎ 086 8444 007 (info@skirmish.ie), [1]. €50+ Depending on Paintballs used..  edit

• The Wicklow Way.  edit

• Sli ná Sláinte Walking Trails, (Signs can be found at the Old School building on the main street & routes can last from one hour to 4 hours, taking in the lakes & forestry en-route.).  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Shopping in the Roundwood area is focused primarily on the needs of local residents & is therefore is only of use to travellers wishing to purchase food & provisions.

On the main street visitors can expect to find...

• Centra - Centra is the major convenience store in the village & stocks food, newspapers, wine & alcohol.

• Keily's Hardware Store - This store stocks BBQ supplies in addition to the usual hardware store items.

• Village Pharmacy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• The Roundwood Inn, Main Street. Mid-Range.  edit

Serving more traditional Irish & continental dishes, this 17th century family-owned inn is a favourite for both locals & tourists alike. Specialities include seafood & shellfish dishes. Bar menu available.

• Heather's Bistro, Main Street. 8am-5pm. Mid-Range.  edit

Heather's Bistro is a recent addition to Roundwood's eating establishments. Heather's offers a large selection of Continental dishes & is well known locally for its attractive desert menu.

• The Coach House, Main Street. The Coach House is one of Roundwood's most well-known pubs for visitors.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Roundwood has a good selection of pubs filled with local patrons & traditional rural Irish charm.

• The Coach House.  edit
• Kavanagh's Pub.  edit
• The Roundwood Inn.  edit
• Tochar House.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

For a village of its size Roundwood offers travellers a broad selection of good quality places to sleep. From small family owned B&Bs, to the large camping site and more-expensive guest houses operated by the local pubs, there is something to suit all budgets.

• Woodstock B & B, (Located 200m from the Church in the Direction of Laragh), ☎ 01-2818005.  edit

• Wicklow Way Lodge B&B, ☎ 01-2818489.  edit

• The Coach House Pub & Restaurant, ☎ 01-2818157.  edit

• Fannings Tochar House Bar, Main Street.  edit

• Roundwood Caravan & Camping Park, (Located at the outskirt of the village, 2 minutes from the church in the direction of Bray.).  edit

[edit] Get out

Glendalough's monastic village, round tower & lakes.

Wicklow Town

The Sally Gap

The Wicklow Gap

Powerscourt Gardens