The Wicklow Way

5 days

Duration

Moderate

Difficulty

Ireland

Location

March-October

Availability

Walk the well-marked trails of the Wicklow Way through the ‘Garden of Irealand’

Exploring the amazing 6^th century monastic village of Glendalough

Hike through the majestic Glenmalure Glacial Valley

Experiencing the famous Irish hospitality at friendly B&B’s

Combine with a Dublin city-break and sample some Guinness and traditional music in the city’s pubs

5-day self guided walking holiday from Marlay Park to Glenmalure

The countryside of Ireland is a patchwork of many different landscape types, including several mountainous and upland areas. One of the most spectacular of these is in county Wicklow, just south of Dublin, which despite its proximity to the capital contains many kilometres of wonderfully unspoilt mountain trails, of which The Wicklow Way is the best known.

The Wicklow Way is the oldest marked trail in Ireland, having been opened in 1980. The trail begins in Marlay Park, in Dublin’s southern suburbs. It climbs quickly into the Dublin mountains, offering wonderful views over Dublin Bay, before continuing south through the pine forests and glacial valleys of the Wicklow mountains.

Our 5-day itinerary covers the northern part of the Wicklow Way, which is by far the more scenic and rewarding section. You will pass by Ireland’s highest waterfall at Powerscourt, before continuing past numerous mountain lakes, including the tranquil Lough Tay (nicknamed the ‘Guinness Lake’), as well as extensive remains of the early Christian monastic settlement in the beautiful Glendalough valley. Your walk finishes at the idyllic Glenmalure Lodge in the heart of Ireland’s longest glacial valley. You return to Dublin by train from the nearby town of Rathdrum.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

€575 per person sharing

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

An additional single supplement charge will apply to walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person).

ACCOMMODATION

The hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, comfort and character. They all offer a warm Irish welcome to walkers, as well as a hearty breakfast to set you up for your day ahead.

AVAILABILITY

You can start this trip on any day (subject to availability), between mid-March and mid-October.

INCLUDED

4 nights bed and breakfast accommodation with en-suite rooms
4 breakfasts
Taxi from Curtlestown/Crone Wood – accommodation on day 1
Taxi from accommodation – Curtlestown/Crone Wood on day 2
Luggage transfers while you walk
Detailed walking notes & maps
GPS tracks

NOT INCLUDED

Flights
Travel Insurance
Lunches & dinners
Transport to Marlay Park or from Glenmalure/Rathdrum

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single room supplement
Additional nights during your trip

DIFFICULTY

The trail is easy to navigate and is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness.

Day 1: Marlay Park to Curtlestown Wood

Distance: 17 km* | Ascent: 613 m | Descent: 448 m |Time: 5 hrs approx.

The Wicklow Way begins in the lovely surroundings of Marlay Park, in Dublin’s southern suburbs, before ascending through pleasant wooded paths to the open hillsides of the mountains and glens south of Dublin, before crossing into county Wicklow and finally descending into the Glencree Valley.

You will be picked up at the Curtlestown Wood car park and transferred to your overnight accommodation in or near the picturesque village of Enniskerry. Be sure to take time out to visit the beautiful Powerscourt House & Gardens.

Overnight: Enniskerry / surroundings

Day 2: Curtlestown Wood to Roundwood

Distance: 18 km* | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 560 m | Time: 5 hrs approx.

Beginning where you left off yesterday, along quiet country lanes and forest paths, before descending to follow the path of the tranquil Glencree River. Then, climbing away from the river, you will enjoy views over Powerscourt waterfall (Ireland’s highest waterfall), before continuing across the Glencree Valley, skirting around Djouce Mountain. On a clear day, it is worth climbing to the summit of Djouce (725m) for its stunning views of Dublin Bay to the north and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. You will then follow a raised walkway with more fantastic views over the glacial lake of Lough Tay and the Luggala valley.

Overnight: Roundwood / surroundings

Day 3: Roundwood to Laragh/Glendalough

Distance: 16 km* | Ascent: 415 m | Descent: 570 m |Time: 4 hrs approx.

This is a shorter day with time for exploring the serene heart of the Wicklow uplands, located at the junction of four major glacial valleys. If you arrive early in Laragh you can take some time to visit the 6^th century St. Kevin’s Monastery at Glendalough, which was one of the great centres of learning in early Christian Ireland. Its 30-metre round tower still stands proud today.

Overnight: Laragh

Day 4: Laragh/Glendalough to Glenmalure

Distance: 17 km* | Ascent: 570 m | Descent: 570 m | Time: 5 hrs approx.

If you didn’t find the energy to visit Glendalough yesterday, then you will have plenty of time to explore the monastic city on the first part of today’s route. Your walk starts off across the floor of the Valley of the Saints, crossing the Glendasan River before continuing past the green waterfall of Poulanass. You will cross the shoulder of Mullacor (657m) before descending into the tranquil Glenmalure Valley, while enjoying the impressive vista of Lugnaquilla (Wicklow’s highest mountain) to the south.

Overnight: Glenmalure/Rathdrum

Day 5: Departure

Your Wicklow Way walking holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If staying in Glenmalure Lodge, you can take either the Wicklow Way Bus or a taxi to nearby Rathdrum for a direct train back to Dublin. We will provide you with all the information you will need to get you back to Dublin city or airport.

*Walking distances may vary depending on accommodation available.

Getting to Marlay Park

The Wickow Way begins at Marlay Park, in south Dublin. Marlay Park is on Grange Road and is served by Dublin Bus route No.16 from Santry through Dublin city centre (O’Connell Street). A bus stop is conveniently located almost opposite the Park entrance gate.

Getting from Glenmalure

/	You can either take a taxi or the Wicklow Way Bus to the nearby village of Rathdrum (20 mins approx.). We can arrange your taxi, but it must be paid locally in cash (€15 approx.).
	From Rathdrum you can catch a train to Dublin Connolly Station. Travel time 1 hr 30 mins.