Dublin & The Wicklow Way In Style

Begin your Irish adventure in Dublin, Ireland’s beguiling capital city and an essential part of any visit to the Emerald Isle. From the never-changing traditional pubs to the gorgeous 18th century Georgian architecture, to its strong literary culture and interesting museums, such as the Emigration Museum, Dublin has it all.

Settle into your welcoming hand-selected hotel, located in the town centre, and then begin to explore. Tonight find a lively pub in the Temple Bar area, known as Dublin’s “left bank” in which live Irish music may be heard.

Start your Dublin and the Wicklow Way trip with a 2H30 privately guided walking tour. See the highlights of the city, such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Christchurch Cathedral. Also included are some hidden gems that you would never find if you were exploring alone; a church that is not a church, an entertaining representation of a Da Vinci painting and the story of a mail-box that symbolizes Ireland’s road to independence.

This afternoon there is more time for sightseeing. If you have Irish roots (and even if you don’t!) perhaps you would like to visit The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC). Centrally located in Dublin’s Dockland’s area discover why 10 million people left their homeland and how they influenced the rest of the world with music, literature, science and technology, art, sport, dance and politics.

This morning after a hearty breakfast, a transfer (40 mins) brings you to Kilmashogue Forest, where you begin today’s walk.

Hike through the forest and then out to the open hillsides of the mountains and glens south of Dublin. Throughout the exposed sections there are great views over Dublin city and its harbour. The first 3km is a steady ascent into Glencullen Forest. Before passing into the forest you can make a detour of 1.6km if you would like to visit Johnnie Foxes pub, supposedly the highest in Ireland and one of the oldest! You will also pass the boundary between Dublin and Wicklow counties and pass by Prince William's Seat (555m).

Continue on down into the Glencree Valley, until you reach the Powerscourt complex. This is a world-class mix of gardens and ornamental lakes with the Great Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop. There is also an enormous range of shrubs and trees.

Your hotel this evening is set on the Powerscourt Estate and offers panoramic views over the Enniskerry Hills. You will be here for 2 nights so there is plenty of time to unwind at this stunning resort.

A private transfer takes you to beautiful Lough Tay, a true sight to behold and one of the highlights on the Wicklow Way. Created in the Ice Age this lake is surrounded by mountains and is one of the most photographed and iconic spots in Ireland. Where you begin your walk there are fantastic views over the lake, so pause a while and take some memorable shots!

Set off on your hike today with energy. You will have had a delicious and sustaining breakfast and magnificent panoramas surround you to entice you on. A gradual incline brings you across the exposed shoulder of Djouce Mountain, and then after your descent you can sit on the memorial seat from which to view the Powerscourt Waterfall, which at 120m  is Ireland’s highest.

Then walk the last stretch back to your accommodation where, if you wish, you may unwind and relax your tired muscles in the hotel spa.

Begin with a transfer to Glendalough, famous the world over for its 6th century “Monastic City”. Spend some time here exploring this ancient site, one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This place was an incredible school of learning until in 1214 AD, when the Normans destroyed it. One of the top attractions in Ireland’s “Ancient East”, you can visit the information centre which brings guests back in time to when St Kevin founded this monastery and settlement.

When you have taken the time to discover Glendalough, walk through the wild and remote Glenmalure Valley. This is mainly a woodland walk with some wildlife on view, plus vistas of waterfalls and the Wicklow Mountains, one of which is Mt Lug at 925m and the highest in Ireland outside of County Kerry. The Poulanass Waterfall is particularly lovely, with clear yet bright green water.

Tonight stay in Brook Lodge and Macreddin Village, situated in an area of great historical significance as St Kevin also founded a monastery here.  There is no doubt that pre-Christian folk in Ireland created settlements  in the most beautiful of places.

Today spend time exploring your accommodation, which is, in essence, a small village. There is a local walk (The Macreddin Trail) that you can embark on if you wish, which takes you through the Wicklow countryside and the surrounding hills of the village. Alternatively, if you really want to spoil yourself, you can take a spa treatment at the hotel, although these must be made in advance and you can book on the hotels website.  There’s also a golf course if you fancy a round and a food village which includes an organic bakery, pub, café and much more.

Tonight enjoy an included dinner in the Strawberry Tree Restaurant, which serves organic and wild food such as their own smoked salmon and delicious wild sole.

An included private transfer brings you to Dublin centre or airport for your onward journey.