Walk the well-marked trails of the Wicklow Way through the ‘Garden of Irealand’
Exploring the amazing 6th 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
The Wicklow Way
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 April and mid-October. | ||||||||||||||
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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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 6th 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.
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