The Wicklow Way

This tour is suitable for regular walkers who are generally fit.

The Wicklow Way trail uses forest paths and sometimes minor roads to avoid walking on private land. The terrain is mixed with some rocky areas and mixed surfaces underfoot.

In wet weather it may also be boggy and the board walks (installed to protect the fragile surrounding blanket bog from further serious erosion) can be slippery.

The Way does not go any higher than 630m, so it is comparatively low-level, however is undulating.

Overall, around 25% of the Wicklow Way consists of road walking, but in the southernmost section (past Tinahely) this rises to around 63%. The road walking is scenic and mostly along quiet lanes with little traffic, although a few short sections are along busier main roads where extra care and attention are needed.

This route ranges from easy-to-moderate to strenuous, overall it is moderate. Each tour variant has a grade, and within that tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

You'll stay in a mix of hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&Bs that we've specifically chosen to give walkers a warm welcome and real Irish hospitality.

We'll always try to accommodate you at the locations in your itinerary, but because of limited availability, we may sometimes need to book you into an alternative location, which we'll note in your accommodation details. Due to the route the Wicklow Way takes, it's sometimes necessary to accommodate you a few kilometres from the trail itself, as there isn't always suitable accommodation close by - worth bearing in mind when you're working out your daily walking distances.

Iron Bridge

Due to the remoteness of Iron Bridge and the lack of phone signal in this particular area of the route, we will provide private transfers. This means that you will be collected on the morning of day 6 and transferred to Iron Bridge. From here you will then walk back to Glenmalure (in reverse). You will spend two nights in Glenmalure.

The next morning on day 7, you will be transferred back to Iron Bridge to continue your walk to Tinahely.

Shillelagh

This only applies to the 10-day itinerary of the Wicklow Way. Due to the remote setting of Shillelagh and the lack of suitable accommodations in this area, you will be spending two nights in Tinahely. Walk to Shillelagh on day 8 as per the itinerary, then get transferred back to Tinahely in the late afternoon. On the morning of day 9 you will be picked up by a private transfer and taken back to Shillelagh to continue your walk as usual.

You can rest assured that you are still walking the entire length of the trail, but due to the remote nature of the area, we have added these private transfers to improve your experience along the route.

Yes, solo travellers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner aren't included, which leaves you free to choose from the options available locally. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch on request, and you'll also find local shops, cafes and pubs in each village along the way. In the evening, you can eat at your accommodation or at a nearby pub or restaurant.

This walking tour is best enjoyed between April and October, with the flexibility to start on any date, subject to availability. Both Dublin and the Wicklow Way get busy over the summer months, so if you're planning to travel between June and August, we'd recommend booking in advance, especially if travelling in a group.

Spring is a great time to visit, when colourful wildflowers are in bloom - the region is known as the Garden of Ireland for good reason. July and August are the busiest months, with accommodation filling up fast, though you're also more likely to catch a local festival in Dublin and enjoy long hours of daylight. September offers a quieter alternative, as the crowds begin to thin.

Irish weather is typically unpredictable year-round, so be prepared for any conditions - wet and windy weather is possible at any time of year in the Wicklow Mountains. Check the local forecast before setting off each day, and be aware that wintry conditions are possible at the start and end of the season.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg/33lbs per person.

It’s vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The Wicklow Way is well waymarked throughout and easy to follow, and is known as one of the best-maintained trails in Ireland.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading

Although not essential, if you’d like more information on the route, we recommend:

The Wicklow Way Rucksack Readers Guide

Getting to the Start

It is easiest to fly directly into Dublin and many international airlines connect to Dublin Airport from both the UK and the US, check Aerlingus.com or other major US airlines.

Traveling from the airport to the city center is easy using the excellent bus service (duration: 25 min) or taking a local taxi (duration: 35 min). For general travel information for Ireland check the Transport for Ireland website.

Getting from the End

Getting back to Dublin from the Wicklow Way is easy by public transport. Your route home depends on where your trip finishes.

Dublin & The Wicklow Way Short Break (5 days), finishing in Glenmalure

• Ask your B&B to book a local taxi to Rathdrum train station (approx. 20 mins).
• From Rathdrum, take the train to Dublin (approx. 1 hr 20 mins).
• Or take the official Wicklow Way Bus from Glenmalure to Rathdrum. It must be booked in advance.

The Wicklow Way, 8 days, finishing in Tinahely

• Take the TFI Local Link bus (route 800) from Tinahely to Arklow train station (approx. 45 mins).
• From Arklow, take the train to Dublin Connolly (approx. 1 hr 45 mins).
• Or book the official Wicklow Way Bus from Tinahely to Rathdrum and catch the train to Dublin from there.

The Wicklow Way, 10 days, finishing in Clonegal

• Organise a short local taxi to Bunclody (approx. 5 mins)
• From Bunclody you can depart with the twice-daily bus via Kildavn back to Dublin (approx. 2 hr 15 mins).

Rural buses and trains only run a few times a day, so check the timetables on Transport for Ireland and Irish Rail before you set off.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation