The Wicklow Way - 10 Days & 9 Nights
- 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
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Dublin and overnightBegin 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.
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.
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 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.
The Wicklow Way officially starts at Marlay Park, on the southern edge of the city. This is an easy bus ride away on the no. 16 bus. Take your luggage with you on the bus so that these can be transferred from Marlay Park to your accommodation in Enniskerry.
Walk through the park’s pleasant wooded paths to the open hillsides of the mountains and glens south of Dublin. Pass Glencullen Forest and continue on down towards Glencree. Picturesque Enniskerry is 4 km off the official trail (distance included in mileage) and a good overnight option with its beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens.
This is a popular walking route and although we always try to accommodate you in Enniskerry 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 just outside of Enniskerry and we will offer return transfers from the path at Curtlestown Wood (resulting in a shorter day).
Marlay Park to Enniskerry (Knockree): 22km, Ascent/Descent: +629m/-632m
Marlay Park to Curtlestown Wood: 17.5km, Ascent/Descent: +616m/-454m
The Enniskerry Inn has the charm of staying timeless, and that’s the way we like it. This old established Inn is famed for its amazing food, fine wine and great atmosphere. All the bedrooms are newly renovated to the highest standard to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing stay. Breakfast is served from 08:30am each morning.
Coolakay House is a 19th Century Farmhouse B&B with all the luxuries you would expect of a modern home in Ireland. Its location boasts breath-taking views overlooking the Wicklow hills and mountains of Enniskerry and Glencree.
Summerhill House Hotel Wicklow a beautiful country house hotel located right at the gateway to Wicklow the Garden county of Ireland. With a fantastic range of facilities including 2 restaurants and full spa facilities this makes the perfect stopover in Enniskerry.
Start the day with a spectacular view over the Powerscourt waterfall (Ireland’s highest at 121m) and Deer Park. Soon you’ll embark on a steady ascent across the exposed shoulder of Djouce Mountain and across the saddle onto White Hill.
In good weather, you may wish to summit Djouce (725m) and you’ll see great views of Dublin Harbour, the Howth Peninsula in the north, Great Sugarloaf to the east and rolling hills to the south. Follow a raised walkway (to protect the fragile blanket bog) with more fantastic views to brooding Lough Tay as you descend into the Luggala Valley, home to the ‘Guinness’ estate.
This is a popular walking route and although we always try to accommodate you in Enniskerry 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 just outside of Enniskerry and we will offer return transfers from the path at Curtlestown Wood (resulting in a shorter day to Roundwood).
Enniskerry to Roundwood: 26.50km, Ascent/Descent: +864m/-634m
Curtlestown Wood to Roundwood: 21.5km, Ascent/Descent: +691m/-645m
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 Roundwood is in a perfect location for a stop off while walking the Wicklow Way, a fantastic B&B offering live music and always a warm fire burning in the lounge to welcome you in. Food is served from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week and a wide and varied choice is available at a reasonable price. Music is available at weekends where you can relax and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of this ancient, friendly establishment.
This section is characterized by easy walking with moderate gradients (up to 350m) 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. The path to Laragh (close to Glendalough) runs along part of an old mass path, heavily used by churchgoers and schoolchildren before the advent of motor vehicles. Your friendly B&B or Guest House awaits at Laragh, with the 6th century the Monastic City of Glendalough close by (if you’ve time, it’s well worth adding an extra day at this point, as the area has so much to offer scenically and historically).
Ascent/Descent: +215m/-354m
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.
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.
All rooms are en-suite and include tea & coffee facilities, hairdryer, TV, and free Wi-Fi.
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/Descent:+562m/-562m
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ascent/Descent:+499m/-528m
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ascent/Descent:+455m/-564m
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 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.
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.
Walk from Tinahely around the lower slopes of Muskeagh Hill to Mullinacuff, before continuing onto Shillelagh. Take a break for a refreshing pint of ‘the black stuff’ as you pass Tallon’s Pub, also known as ‘The Dying Cow’ in local folklore tales. Shillelagh is famed for giving its name to the quintessential Irish stick hewn from an ash tree or hawthorn bush, and this craft is still practised in the village.
Due to the remote setting of Shillelagh and the lack of suitable accommodations in the area you will be transferred back to Tinahely for a second night.
Ascent/Descent: +574m/-607m
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!
The Old Shillelagh Guesthouse is the ideal way to experience first-hand how the shillelagh sticks are still made! Bed and Breakfast accommodation is based around the converted stone out buildings which are tastefully decorated, en suite, centrally heated and comfortable, and have their own separate entrance from the Main Street of the village. The rooms have TV, WiFi, fridge, kettle, toaster and are ideal as a base for exploring the area as they are quite private from the main house.
Pubs, shops and restaurants are close by and the B&B is close to the Wicklow Way hill walking route and can provide a collect and return service for walkers.
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.
An included taxi transfer (10 min) will return you to Shillelagh where you left off the day before. Pass through farmland, around Moylisha and Urelands Hills and cultivated forests on this final stage of the Way.
Pass over Wicklow Bridge (the Wicklow/Carlow boundary), with just a further 3km to the one-street village Clonegal, where you’ll find the terminus of the Way opposite the green. In addition to 400-year old Huntington Castle, Osbourne’s pub is a local attraction, with its bar counter made from old coffin lids (completion certificates for the walk may also be offered).
It is a further 5.5km (a short taxi transfer - included) onwards to the largest of the Wicklow Way’s towns, Bunclody (just inside the northern border of County Wexford), with its welcoming bed and breakfast properties. From Bunclody you can depart with the twice-daily bus via Kildavn back to Dublin.
Ascent/Descent: +423m/-422m
Millview House has been home to the Breen family for three generations. The current owners, James and Liz Breen, have restored the house to offer brightly decorated double and family rooms with relaxing views of the gardens and surrounding countryside.
Meadowside B&B is an elegant stone Georgian townhouse approximately 200 years old located in the picturesque town of Bunclody in Wexford, Ireland. The B&B has four comfortable, spacious and well-appointed bedrooms complete with: Ensuite bathroom facilities.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 17kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 17kg is equivalent to 100 cans of coke. 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 about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?A 10-day walking itinerary covering the full Way from Marlay Park to Clonegal, including a stay in Dublin before the start of the walk
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!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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.
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.
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.
- 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, guidebook, and route notes
- Access to the GPS tracks via the Macs Adventure smartphone app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support
- 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.
- Extra nights before, after or during your walk.
- Transfer from Dublin city centre to Marlay Park.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
Our itineraries are graded moderate and are suitable for regular walkers but you must be in good physical health. Most days offer between 6—8 hours of walking on good terrain which may include forest tracks, boardwalks and minor roads. 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%.
This route is well way-marked, and much of it does follow a path. It is always advisable that you are know how to navigate with a map and compass although the Way is largely very straightforward to follow, especially with the map book and guidebook we provide. Our guidebook follows the path in a north-south direction.
There will be facilities in each village on the Wicklow Way, with some local dining options for each evening including pubs, lodges and small restaurants! You will also find local shops and cafes in each location and your accommodation may also have a restaurant/ dining options on site.
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.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
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.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.
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