The Wicklow Way is Irelands oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by famous hill walker, J.B. Malone. Its 44 miles reveal some of the most spectacular views in the country, from Irelands highest waterfall to discovering why the tranquil Lough Dan has gained the name Guinness Lake. The trail combines the natural splendour of Ireland with the rich history of its people to give a well rounded view of this beautiful country.
Your trip begins in the small town of Tinahely and takes you past some of the most striking scenery, through the long glacial Glenmalure Valley and with luck giving you glimpses of the multitude of wildlife abundant in this area. The walk is testament to the achievements of the people that live here, with Glenmalure being home to the 6th Century monastic city which was the seat of European learning for 6 centuries. With the magnificent Powerscourt and Guinness Estates on route as well, The Wicklow Way will spoil you with sites of both natural and manmade beauty.
Every holiday we offer features hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s, country inns, and guesthouses. Each is unique and offers the highest levels of welcome, atmosphere and outstanding local cuisine. We also include daily door to door baggage transfers, comprehensive route notes, a detailed map and pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it.
Highlights
Exploring the amazing ruins of Glendalough's Monastic City.
Walking through the majestic Glenmalure Glacial Valley.
Experiencing the warmth and welcome of the famous Irish hospitality.
Taking a rest to soak in some of the best views Ireland has to offer.
After arriving at Dublin Airport, take a train or bus to Wicklow where you will be met at the station and transferred to your first nights accommodation.
Overnight Tinahely
The historic village of Tinahely is your first nights accommodation. It is well known for its triangular market square and annual agricultural show.
Day 2 - Iron Bridge to Tinahely — 9 Miles
From Tinahely your hosts will drive you to Iron Bridge, right out into the countryside, away from civilisation. Some of the walks best views are on show today and there are stunning vistas over adjoining counties Carlow and Wexford. The walk takes you right back to your previous nights accommodation.
Overnight Tinahely
Day 3 - Iron Bridge to Glenmalure— 9 Miles
The walking today is a pretty easy going, with good forest track and country roads beneath your feet. There are options to lengthen or shorten your walk, should you so wish. You will end todays walk right in the heart of the Glenmalure Valley.
Overnight Glenmalure Lodge
Built in 1801 as a hunting lodge, Glenmalure Lodge is an ideal getaway, being that it is right in the heart of the Valley. Recently renovated, the Glenmalure Lodge will provide all the home comforts you need after a hard days walking.
Day 4 - Glenmalure to Glendalough — 9 Miles
A superb days walking allowing you amazing views of the valley that you have just walked through. After that there are even more delights with stunning lough views, finishing up with a visit to the 6th Century Monastic city at Glendalough.
Overnight Woodbrook
Woodbrook is a charming little pink B&B in Glendalough. Just 1 mile away from the Monastic City and a couple of minutes walk from the local shops, pubs and restaurants.
Day 5 - Free Day in Glendalough
There are several options available to wile away your free day. There is an optional walk available that is detailed in your information pack, but there are also options for sightseeing and if you are feeling particularly adventurous, Glendalough is a great place to do a bit of rock climbing.
Overnight Woodbrook
Day 6 - Glendalough to Roundwood— 6 Miles
An easy walk today although there is an option to add a further 4 mile walk should you wish. Roundwood is the highest village in Ireland and being that it is so close to the mountain Scarr we also offer an option to take in this mountain.
Overnight The Coach House
The Coach House is one of the highest pubs in Ireland and has recently refurbished to include luxury B&B.
Day 7 - Roundwood to Enniskerry— 11 Miles
The last days walk and it is the longest day, but don't worry because it is a classic days walking. It takes in the beautiful views of the Guinness Estate, Lough Dan and Lough Tay. The walk crosses over the Djouce mountains and takes you alongside the regal Powerscourt Estate, before ending up in Enniskerry on the doorstep of Dublin.
Overnight Brook Cottage
Brook Cottage is a gorgeous B&B nestled in the village of Enniskerry. The owners aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible and pride themselves on taking care of all the small details so you end your trip in as relaxed a fashion as possible.
Day 8 Onward travel.
After a hearty breakfast you can take the bus from right outside your accommodation into Dublin.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Below you will find a list of the accommodation we regularly use which will give you a good idea of the standard of accommodation we use.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person. Equipment Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Dogs
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.
Availability
This walking holiday is best enjoyed between April and October. You can start on any date that suits your travel plans and you will find up to date availability on our website. The Wicklow Way is very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to.
The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains (The Garden of Ireland) in the longest glacial valley in these islands, making it the perfect holiday destination
Guest House
No Website Available
Woodbrook - Glendalough
A warm welcome and a great location in the Glendalough Valley await you at Woodbrook. The Monastic City of Glendalough is only 2 kilometres away and the house has all modern conveniences and all rooms are ensuite.
Guest House
No Website Available
Tóchar Cottage - Roundwood
Tóchar Cottage, a friendly, family-run Bed and Breakfast, is two minutes walk from the centre of Roundwood village. Guests are greeted on arrival with complimentary tea or coffee and home-made scones.
Getting to/from Wicklow
Getting to Wicklow is relatively simple, taking either a bus or train from Dublin directly to Wicklow. From there you will be collected and transferred to your first nights accommodation.
On the return, there is a bus to Dublin directly outside your door.
Getting to/from Dublin
Dublin is easily accessible from the UK with several budget airlines covering the route as well as more traditional airlines. For the cheapest and most convenient routes please look at www.whichbudget.com
Planning a long distance walking trip can be daunting, especially if this is your first long distance walking holiday. We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
How fit do I need to be?
This tour is graded easy so is suitable for occassional walkers or those that enjoy an active lifestyle. The daily walks are around 9 miles so you will be walking for between 3 and 5 hours per day.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Wicklow Way is extremely popular especially over July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
When is the best time of year?
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
The Wicklow Way holiday is available from April to October in the months coloured green. You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book".
Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
Because every holiday we book is unique, availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:
You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.
Is it for me?: This is a relatively easy walk suited for anyone with a good level of fitness. Several days involve ascent and descent and some of the trails are rough underfoot, but the walking days are quite short and the route is well waymarked.
Description: Experience Irelands oldest waymarked trail, packed full of stunning scenery and an abundance of history, all on Dublin's doorstep
Daily Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive Tinahely and overnight
Day 2: Walk to Iron Bridge: 9m
Day 3: Walk to Glenmalure: 9m
Day 4: Walk to Glendalough: 9m
Day 5: Free day in Glendalough: 0m
Day 6: Walk to Roundwood: 6m
Day 7: Walk to Enniskerry: 11m
Day 8: Onward Travel
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