Seamus Heaney Walk

2.5 miles (4.1 km)

This circular loop walk follows the Seamus Heaney Walk in the Devil's Glen in County Wicklow.
The peaceful forest loop follows woodland paths along the Vartry River. The trail is waymarked with white arrows and boot symbols, making it easy to follow as it winds through dense trees, moss-covered rocks, and the sound of flowing water. The path offers glimpses of the river and steep glen sides carved over time by the Vartry, creating a quiet and enclosed setting that captures the atmosphere of Heaney’s nature-inspired poetry.
At the heart of the walk is a sense of reflection and stillness, with sections of the forest opening briefly to views across the valley before closing in again under tall spruce and beech. The ground is often soft underfoot, covered with pine needles and leaves, and the walk’s loop nature allows visitors to experience the full variety of the glen’s landscapes without retracing their steps. Birdsong and the rush of the river add to the calm and meditative feel that mirrors the tone of Heaney’s writing.
Seamus Heaney, born in County Derry in 1939, was one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets, known for his evocative use of language and his deep connection to place, history, and the natural world. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995, his work often explored rural life, memory, and identity, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Ireland. The walk named in his honour reflects this connection between poetry and the land, offering visitors a chance to experience the kind of scenery that shaped his imagination.
The route eventually loops back towards its starting point near the forest entrance, with interpretive signs along the way that reference Heaney’s life and work. The mix of forest tranquillity, river views, and quiet contemplation makes this a fitting tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest literary voices.