The Wicklow Way - 7 Days & 6 Nights

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.4 Read 18 reviews

Exploring the amazing ruins of Glendalough’s 6th century Monastic City
Walking through the majestic Glenmalure Glacial Valley
Experiencing the famous Irish hospitality at friendly hand-picked B&B’s
Taking a rest to soak in some of the best views Ireland has to offer
Sipping a pint of the ‘black stuff’ to reward your achievement

The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest way-marked trail, pioneered by famous hill walker, J.B. Malone. This popular walk stretches from just south of Dublin, through the Wicklow Mountains and on to County Carlow, to reveal some of the most spectacular views in the Emerald Isle. Hike past Ireland’s highest waterfall and discover why the tranquil Lough Tay has gained the name ‘Guinness Lake’. The Wicklow Way combines easy accessibility with a wide variety of scenic experiences, some of them in truly remote upland areas. They include mountains, upland lakes, steep-sided glacial valleys, fast flowing mountain streams, forests and farmland. Also experience the lively city of Dublin, packed full of centuries-old monuments, including Trinity College and Dublin Castle. You will also pass 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 Glendalough being home to the 6th Century monastic city which was the seat of European learning for six centuries. With the magnificent Powerscourt and Guinness estates on route as well, the Wicklow Way will spoil you with sites of both natural and man-made beauty

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This is a delightful and easy-to-navigate walk suited for anyone with a good level of fitness. Several days involve ascent and descent, but the highest ascent is 630m and so manageable. Start in the vibrant capital of Dublin, walking through the Wicklow Mountains to enjoy stays with friendly and welcoming hosts - céad mile fáilte awaits you!

Tour 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&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails
National Parks

Activity Level & Terrain

This walk is graded moderate and includes daily of walks of between 12-21km following footpaths and some road walking and several ascents and descents along the way. You should have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this tour.

Navigation

The Wicklow Way is well waymarked and relatively easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple and you cannot get lost.

You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.

Accommodations

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.

Accommodation Location

We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in the itinerary, but because of limited availability, we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location. Alternative details will be noted in your accommodation details. Due to the route taken by the Wicklow Way, it is sometimes necessary to accommodate you up to a few kilometres walk away from the trail itself, as there is not always suitable accommodation close to the trail. Please take this into consideration when 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 (10-day itinerary) or day 5 (7-day itinerary) 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 (10-day itinerary) or day 6 (7-day itinerary) 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.

Single Rooms

We will be happy to accommodate your party with single rooms if requested, and a single supplement applies. This trip is also available to solo walkers, and a supplement is again payable (as some costs are not shared). Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins/doubles.

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.

Included

Accommodation in hand-picked B&B's, Guest Houses and small hotels
Breakfast
Door-to-door baggage transfers
Transfers as detailed in the standard itinerary
A detailed information pack and route notes
Access to the Macs Adventure smartphone app
24/7 Emergency telephone support

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, after or during your walk.
Transfer from Dublin city centre to Marlay Park.

When To Go

This walking tour is best enjoyed between April and October. You have the flexibility to start on any date, subject to availability. Both Dublin and the Wicklow Way are particularly busy over the summer months, so if you are planning on traveling between June and August, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment, especially when traveling in a group.

In our opinion, one of the best times to visit this region is in spring when colourful wildflowers are in bloom. This area is known as the Garden of Ireland for good reason and the Powerscourt Gardens look incredible at this time of year. July and August are the busiest months and accommodations tend to fill up fast, but you're also more likely to encounter a local festival in Dublin and you can appreciate long hours of daylight. For a quieter experience, September is an ideal month and it has the advantage of the crowds beginning to thin.

Weather and Climate

Irish weather is typically unpredictable year-round so be prepared for any conditions and you will be pleasantly surprised. No matter what month you choose to travel, being in the Wicklow Mountains means it can get wet and windy at any time of year. It is important that you check the local weather forecast before setting off each day. Wintry conditions may be experienced at the start and towards the end of the season.

Getting to the Start

Dublin Airport is easily accessible from the UK with several low-cost airlines covering the route as well as scheduled international carriers. Irish Ferries also operate from Holyhead to Dublin.

From the airport there is a good bus service into Dublin city centre.

To get from Dublin city centre to the start of the walk at Marlay Park you take a 20-mins bus journey.

Getting from the End

Getting from Wicklow is relatively simple, taking either a bus or train to Dublin. A twice-daily Bus Eireann Expressway service runs from Bunclody to Dublin's city-centre bus station (Busáras) at Store Street.

A Wicklow Way Bus Service also operates along the route, transporting walkers from (amongst other locations) Tinahely to the nearest train station at Rathdrum, with Dublin then a 1h30 train ride away. See Irish Rail for timetables.

Luggage 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 15 kilograms per item, and just one item of luggage per person.

General Information

The distances and ascent / descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants) sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

What about navigation?

Are there facilities/places for eating in each village?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

Am I able to take my dog?

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Dublin and overnight Day 2 Bus to Marlay Park to Enniskerry (Knockree) 13 miles / 22 km Day 3 Enniskerry to Laragh/Glendalough 18 miles / 29 km Day 4 Glendalough/Laragh to Glenmalure 11 miles / 17.5 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.

Overnight Glenmalure

Accommodations

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

Maura and Mick Heffernan 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.

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.

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. There are a total of 14 Bedrooms in the Glenmalure Lodge, with 11 Double/Twin and 3 Family Rooms. All rooms have en suite facilities. Some rooms are from the original building and have recently been renovated yet retaining their traditional feel. The bedrooms to the front of the Lodge look out across the valley to Fananieren Mountain.

Day 5 Transfer to Iron Bridge. Walk to Glenmalure (in reverse) 8 miles / 13 km

Start the day with a private transfer from your overnight accommodation in Glenmalure to the beginning of your walk in Iron Bridge. Due to the remoteness of the trail and lack of accommodation in this location the transfers are provided to improve your experience, without missing out on walking the entire length of the trail.

Enjoy a varied walk through the valley, taking in views across the surrounding hills on your way back to Glenmalure.

Overnight Glenmalure

Accommodations

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

Birchdale House | Bed and breakfast

Glenmalure Lodge | Lodge

Day 6 Transfer to Iron Bridge. Walk to Tinahely 12 miles / 19.5 km

Begin the day with a private transfer from your overnight accommodation in Glenmalure back to Iron Bridge. Follow the predominantly grassy tracks and beech woodland as you head towards the Georgian village of Tinahely. Tinahely is known for its charming triangular market square and annual agricultural show.

Overnight Tinahely

Accommodations

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.

Madeline’s Guesthouse | Guest House

The house originates from the 1880s and has been a family home ever since. Madeline’s was originally known as Muskoka House, named after a lake in Canada. In 1969 Madeleine and her parents moved into Muskoka house and then in the year 2000, Madeline first opened the doors of her new B&B appropriately named Madeline’s. On arrival you will get the warmest welcome, instantly making you feel at home! Madeline’s B&B has five bedrooms, of which two are family rooms and three are double rooms. All bedrooms are en suite. There are parking facilities at the rear of the house and the house is also equipped with WiFi. There are numerous places to dine in Tinahely, including Madeline’s Restaurant (contact: +353 402 28592), O'Connor's Bar & Lounge (+353 402 38115) and Murphy’s Bar and Bistro (+353 402 38109). It is advisable to call up in advance to book a table as it can become busy.

Kyle Farm Guesthouse | Bed and breakfast

Kyle House is a 19th Century 4th generation farmhouse offering all the comforts of a splendid farmhouse, set in a beautiful location on the slopes of the Wicklow Mountains. Located South of Moyne. 1km from the Wicklow way, This well reviewed property offers ensuite accommodation, excellent breakfast with a great choice, and evening meals with a choice of main course and homemade desserts. Margaret and Hugh have been looking after guests on the Wicklow Way for 15 years and cater for all your needs with hot showers, good food friendly hospitality, packed lunches, drying facilities for wet clothes etc.

Murphy’s Hotel | Hotel

Murphys Hotel is family-run hotel located in the centre of the village of Tinahely. All rooms include free WiFi, heating, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Day 7 Onward Travel

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