5 Days & 4 Nights

4.2

Dublin & The Wicklow Way Short Break

Combine the cheerful city of Dublin with walks in the remote Wicklow Mountains
Lough Tay, "The Guinness Lake", and the Luggala Valley
Walk across the exposed shoulder of Djouce Mountain and White Hill
Glendalough, one of Ireland's most important monastic sites
Spend the night in a cosy B&B in the heart of the Glenmalure Valley

Combine the lively streets and welcoming pubs of Dublin with the remote valleys of the Wicklow Mountains on a short walking trip. With its medieval castles, cathedrals, and ancient bookstores the Irish capital feels like a living museum. As a contrast to this, the trail runs south into the glacial valleys, remote uplands, and silent forests of an area that is known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’. Enter the Luggala Valley and gaze over the dark waters and white shores of Lough Tay, “The Guinness Lake”. Visit the monastic settlement at Glendalough where you will have plenty of time to learn about Saint Kevin and the importance of this historical site. Enjoy a traditional Irish Coffee as you settle into your B&B in the heart of Glenmalure Valley. With a warm welcome from the locals, you can be sure to have a great time!

From £599.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Dublin

Begin your Irish adventure in Dublin, Ireland’s charismatic capital and an essential part of any visit to the Emerald Isle. The city boasts many landmarks and monuments dating back hundreds of years. Make sure to visit Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the Guinness Factory, and St Stephan's Green.

Settle into your welcoming, hand-picked hotel and head out to explore the Temple Bar District, known as Dublin’s “left bank”. Here you can often listen to live music and order a pint of the 'black stuff' to celebrate the start of your trip.

Overnight Dublin

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Temple Bar Inn | Hotel

The Temple Bar Inn is located in the heart of Dublin City, in the busting Temple Bar district. Located a stone’s throw away from all major attractions such as Trinity College, the National Museum of Ireland, Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. Making this the ideal location for exploring Dublin.

Harding Hotel | Hotel

The Harding Hotel is ideally located in a central and convenient part of historic Old Dublin. The Harding Hotel boasts 52 well appointed bedrooms. All rooms are equipped with TV, Fridge, Iron & Board, Tea/Coffee making facilities, Telephone, Free Wi-Fi, In-room Safe, and AC Unit.

Albany House | Bed and breakfast

Albany House is a historic building in the heart of Georgian Dublin. Located just off St Stephen's Green it's a leisurely 5 minute walk to Grafton Street and onto the atmospheric Temple Bar. All rooms are equipped with TV, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer and free Internet access.

Day 2 Crone Wood to Roundwood 11 miles / 18 km

Join the Wicklow Way trail after a transfer from your hotel in Dublin to the start of your walk at Crone Wood (60 min). Walk towards Glencree River and ascend across the shoulder of Djouce Mountain and onto White Hill. Breathe in the fresh mountain breeze and take in views of Dublin Harbour, Great Sugarloaf, and the Luggala Valley.

The trail contours along the exposed slopes of Djouce and passes just below the summit. If you have the energy and the sun’s out, then the guaranteed panoramic views may make a detour to the top irresistible! The path rolls over several hills, with views of lakes and reservoirs in every direction.

This is a popular walking route and although we always try to accommodate you in Roundwood itself, there may not be any availability on your chosen departure date. If this is the case, we may accommodate you in a lovely guest house in Lough Dan (which adds around 2 km to your walking day).

Ascent: 600m (1,969ft) / Descent: 529m (1,736ft)

Overnight Roundwood

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Loughdan House | Bed and breakfast

The accommodation at Lough Dan house has been developed with walkers in mind. Located 300 metres up in the Wicklow mountains enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding lake and landscape. Laundry and drying facilities are available. Delicious home-cooked meals served each evening at a time to suit you. If required they can also provide trips to a variety of excellent pubs and entertainment in the evenings.

The Coach House | Bed and breakfast

The Coach House, located in the heart of Roundwood is the perfect place to wind down after a day of walking in the Wicklow mountains. Recently renovated rooms, all tastefully decorated and a gastropub serving delicious home-cooked meals.

Day 3 Roundwood to Laragh/Glendalough 8.5 miles / 14 km

This section is characterized by easy walking with moderate gradients (up to 370m) along quiet roads, forest tracks, and mountain paths. You are in the very heart of the Wicklow uplands and at the intersection of four major glacial valleys (Avonmore, Glenmacnass, Glendasan, and Glendalough).

Hike the northeastern shoulder of Paddock Hill, descending to cross Glenmacnass River and walk further to Glendalough, where you have the opportunity to visit the Monestic Site.

We recommend: Adding an extra night in Laragh to fully explore the Glendalough area.

Ascent: 372m (1221ft) / Descent: 511m (1,677ft)

Overnight Laragh

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Tudor Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Set directly on the Wicklow way trail, Tudor Lodge is reminiscent of a rustic country cottage. All rooms are equiped with Free WiFi, hairdryer, selection of toiletries, flat Screen TV & DVD Player, and tea & coffee facilities.

Lynhams | Hotel

A warm welcome awaits at Lynhams of Laragh Hotel. They have a traditional bar serving delicious food where you can relax and enjoy a drink after a long day walking.

Heather House B&B | Bed and breakfast

Heather House B&B is a family-run establishment in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains on the footsteps of Glendalough. After a long walk you can relax in the cozy rooms or on the little terrace overlooking the beautiful nature.

Day 4 Glendalough/Laragh to Glenmalure 10 miles / 16 km

Set out across the floor of the Valley of the Saints. Reach the Lugduff Valley where you’ll pass by the mysterious green waterfall of Poulanass, before starting on a 4-5km uphill section of 400m to the shoulder of Mullacor, crossing the saddle on a well-placed boardwalk over the boggy ground.

With lovely panoramic vistas all around, head down into the Glenmalure Valley, admiring Wicklow’s highest mountain, Lugnaquilla. You will end this stage of the walk right in the heart of the lovely Glenmalure Valley.

Ascent: 442m (1,450ft) / Descent: 440m (1,444ft)

Overnight Glenmalure

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Coolalingo B&B | Bed and breakfast

The owners are from families that have lived in the area for generations and have extensive knowledge of the local area and community. The simple yet cosy farmhouse accommodation is situated amid the hills and farmlands of Glenmalure. The name Coolalingo originates from the "Coolalingo Bridge" which is situated along the Wicklow Way.

Glenmalure Lodge | Lodge

The Glenmalure Lodge is a friendly, family run business with a cosy pub atmosphere and has lots of old memorabilia, paying homage to the area's rich and colourful history. Open fires and great food with plenty of good comfortable seating, add to its interesting character and olde world charm. Some rooms are from the original building and have recently been renovated yet retaining their traditional feel.

Birchdale House | Bed and breakfast

Situated in Greenane Village, Birchdale House is a spacious modern, warm and friendly home in a beautiful rural setting, with scenic views of the Wicklow Mountains. There are pubs, restaurants and a variety of outdoor activities close by.

Day 5 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This is an accessible and easy-to-navigate walking trip suited to anyone with a good level of fitness. Explore Dublin, Ireland's capital and "UNESCO City of Literature" before striding out into the wild Wicklow Mountains. Several days involve ascent and descent with the first walk to Roundwood being more challenging and leaning towards moderate grading. The terrain and scenery are varied, the paths are mostly well-maintained and waymarked, making this trip ideal for regular walkers or beginners looking for a challenge.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Short Break

National Parks

Grade & Terrain

This walk is graded easy to moderate and includes daily walks of between 10 and 21km with several ascents and descents along the way. The Wicklow Way trail uses forest paths and sometimes minor roads to avoid walking on private land, this is inevitable because rights of way are non-existent in Ireland. The terrain is mixed with some rocky areas and mixed surfaces underfoot. This itinerary is suitable for regular walkers who are generally fit. Extra nights can be added upon request.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnight in hand-picked B&B’s, small hotels & guesthouses
Breakfast at each accommodation
Door-to-door baggage transfers
Transfers to your accommodation (if included as part of your itinerary)
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
Travel Insurance
Personal Equipment
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.

Extras

Extra nights before, during or after your walk

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Dublin Airport is easily accessible with both international carriers and several low-cost airlines covering the route. From the airport there is a great bus service to Dublin City Centre, departing frequently and taking roughly 20 minutes.

Irish Ferries also operate from Holyhead to Dublin across the Irish Sea (3 hrs, 15 min) there are usually 4 crossings per day.

You will be transferred from your overnight accommodation in Dublin to the start of your walk at Curtlestown Wood on Day 2 of your itinerary (included).

Getting from the End

The nearest railway station to the end of the walk at Glenmalure is Rathdrum (7 miles). The journey from Rathdrum to Dublin Pearse Train Station takes just over an hour (1 hrs, 10 min). There are usually 4 train services per day, it is important to keep this in mind when planning your onward journey. It might be most convenient to get a taxi from your B&B in Glenmalure to Rathdrum Train Station (15 min), phone numbers for local taxi providers will be provided in your trip information pack. A taxi transfer back to Dublin would take roughly 55 minutes. From Dublin, regular buses connect to Dublin Airport for onward travel.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door-to-door luggage transfers are included in the price of your trip, allowing you to set off on each walk carrying a light backpack.

At Macs Adventure we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Ninety-nine percent of the time they will only transfer one bag per person, but the allowed weight ranges from anything between 15 and 20kg per bag, depending on the tour you are taking. We do not have control over the limits that these providers set. Therefore, it is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags (including shopping bags or boots) and if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees) which we must respect.

On this trip, we ask you to keep your luggage to a maximum weight of 20 kilograms per item, and just one item of luggage per person.

Info & FAQ

Equipment

You will need good walking shoes (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. This route involves a few climbs where you may find it useful to have your walking poles.