The Wicklow Way | Ireland

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9 Days From

~~$507~~

$491

The Wicklow Way | Ireland

9 Days Starting in Dublin and ending in Bunclody

Visiting: Coolakay, Marlay Park, the old bridge, Glendalough, Glenmalure, Iron Bridge, Tinahely, Shillelagh, Clonegall, Bunclody, Dublin

Tour operator:

Hilltoptreks

Tour code:

99142

Group Type:

Independent

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings, LGBT plus, Singles

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

From: $507 $491 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$16

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Self-Guided walk on the Wicklow Way in Ireland: The Wicklow Way is a Self Guided Long Distance trail in Ireland with a total distance of 128Km. The Wicklow Way travels south from Dublin and wanders into the Dublin hills on the first day. After you leave Marley Park you start going up towards the hills overlooking Dublin city and bay. Then once you start going over these hills and through Glencullen then the scenery changes completely and you are now in rural Ireland and County Wicklow. The trail keeps travelling south bringing you by Waterfalls, Lakes, the Mountain ranges of Wicklow and open Glens. Some highlights along the way are Lough Tay, Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough and Glenmalure to name a few. You will also pass through and stay in some villages such as Enniskerry, Roundwood, Glendalough, Tinahealy and Shillelagh, the walk then finishes in the small town of Clonegal.

Highlights

Dublin
Powerscourt Waterfall
Glendalough
Glenmalure
Tinahealy
Shillelagh
Clonegal

Places You'll See

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The Wicklow Way | Ireland

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Walk From Dublin To Enniskerry

Location: Coolakay, Marlay Park

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Walk from Marley Park (South Dublin) — Coolakay (Enniskerry) Distance 23.3Km — Height Gain 404m

Marlay Park is situated on the South side of Dublin in Rathfarnham approx 4km from the city centre. From Marlay Park you will follow the trail through the park and out the back of the park, taking a right up to a round about and under the M50 Motorway. Things should start getting a little quieter here as you enter a much smaller road passing an old roadside water pump heading towards Kilmashagogue Forest.

Day 2 : Walk From Coolakay(Enniskerry) To Roundwood

Location: the old bridge

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Knockree to Roundwood(Lough Dan) Distance: 18Km Ascent: 500m Time: 6.5hrs

From Knockree continue on the Wicklow way trail to Crone wood and follow the markings for the Wicklow way along a path through the forested area which will eventually bring you out along the edge of a cliff overlooking the Powerscourt Waterfall which is part of the Dargle river. You will then cross through a deforested area belonging to “Coillte”, the Irish forestry Board. To your right you will see Djouce and to your left Maulin. Follow the track left down towards the Dargle river and cross over a bridge following the side of an old stone wall. When you cross the river, you continue up and cross over the stone wall following the trail to the side of Djouce.

Day 3 : Walk From Round To Glendalough

Location: Glendalough

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk from Lough Dan (Roundwood) to Laragh (Glendalough) Distance: 12Km Ascent: 350m Time: 4hrs.

From Roundwood, rejoin the Wicklow Way back to the Pier gates using the road that brought you to Roundwood the previous day or just north of Oldbridge. Continue hiking on the public road crossing the Avonmore river at Oldbridge and keep on this road for a further 3km over Drumray, turning right onto a lane (keep a sharp eye out for this left turn of the road). This passes a farm house and leads to the north-eastern shoulder of Paddock Hill.

Day 4 : Walk From Glendalough To Glenmalure

Location: Glenmalure

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk from Glendalough to Glenmalure. Distance: 14Km Ascent: 400m Time: 4.5hrs.

The Wicklow way in Glendalough starts at the Glendalough Hotel, you can pass through the monastic site and cross the Avonbeg River by a small bridge and follow the trail to the right up along the edge of the lower lake. The trail brings you up to the Upper lake where it then takes a left turn passing the Poolanass Waterfall and into a deciduous forested area along the side of Derrybawn. You then follow the trail along the side of Mullacore and Lugduff over into the Glenmalure valley. From here you begin your descent into the valley along the side of Mullacor. As you descend there are incredible views along the valley and the surrounding mountains including Lugnaquillia (Wicklow’s highest mountain) to the far south. The trail goes in a zigzag direction through forested trails to the end of this stage at the Drumgoff cross roads.

Day 5 : Walk From Glenmalure To Iron Bridge

Location: Iron Bridge

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walking from Glenmalure to Iron Bridge and transfer to Aughrim. Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs.

From Glenmalure you take the old Military road south crossing the Avonbeg river. The remains of the Drumgoff barracks are to your left which were built by the British in the early 1800s to try to curtail the activities of the rebels in this area and in particular Michael Dwyer (1772 – 1825) after the 1798 rising. Leaving the military road to your right you take a wonderful forested trail along the side of Slieve Maan (Middle mountain). Notice the Wicklow way sign to let you know that you are known at the halfway point of the Wicklow way 63.5Km as you enter this forest. Keep a sharp eye to follow the trail through these woods as the Wicklow way pointers may be hidden in places by overgrown trees or shrubs.

Pickup arranged from Iron Bridge.

Day 6 : Walk From Iron Bridge To Tinahealy

Location: Tinahely

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walking from Iron Bridge to Tinahealy — 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs.

From here the Wicklow way is on a lot of roads and small boreens which can make for very pleasant walks along pathways full of wild flowers during the summer months. Although these roads may be quite, remember to keep right when walking, facing on coming traffic. Keeping in a southerly direction from Moyne take a small lane way to descend and cross the river at Sandyford Bridge

Day 7 : Walk From Tinahealy To Shillelagh

Location: Shillelagh

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walking from Tinahealy to Shillelagh — Distance: 17.2Km — Height Gain 171m, approx 4hrs.

Taking a right and descend downhill to a minor road where you will turn left. Continue on this road to a T-junction take the right turn crossing a small bridge keep following this road towards the Stranakelly Cross roads and the “Dying Cow” Pub. This is a great spot to stop along your way for a bite to eat or a refreshing pint with a wonderful beer garden to relax in. From the junction take road uphill to your right or your left if leaving the pub. The road follows up around the north side of Cronelea hill to a T-junction, take your right passing a small school and a few houses crossing the R725. Cross this road at the staggered junction and continue uphill until you come to T-junction with another minor road and turn left. Following this road you will come to a right turn for the Wicklow way which brings you towards Raheenakit woods don’t take the right for the Wicklow way at these woods but continue straight towards the Ballard (Baile Ard) High town cross roads. At this cross roads take your left turn and follow this minor road for about 2Km into Shillelagh.

Day 8 : Walk From Shilleagh To Clonegal

Location: Clonegall, Bunclody

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk from Shillelagh to Clonegal(Finish)
Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs approx 4hrs.

The Wicklow way travels north up and around Moylisha and back in a southerly direction around Newry. Rejoining the road and crossing it towards Wicklow bridge, from which point you have entered County Carlow and from here take your left and follow for 3 Km to the Finish or start town of Clonegal. An information board and stone benchmark the terminus of the Wicklow Way. Well Done.

We arrange a pickup from here to bring you to Bunclody where you will be staying.

Day 9 : Transfer Back To Dublin

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Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will arrange a transfer for you back to Dublin by Public transport.

What's Included

Accommodation
Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Meals – Breakfast Only

There is a great selection of breakfast to choose from.
Luggage transferred between accommodations. Maps, Books and route details.

What's Not Included

All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

Details on how to get to the start will be supplied.
Drinks with Meals
Tipping and Gratuities
Train Tickets

Booking Notes

Newsletter: You can sign up to our Newsletter Here to receive details of our upcoming walks and Tours!

Social Media: Like us and share your pictures!

Check out our Q&As

Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes there is plenty of time to explore after each walk each day.
How long has the tour company been trading?

We have been operating tours now for over 10 years.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Yes and the single Room Option has an additional, which is specified in the tour rates.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We follow all the Irish Governments guidelines in regard to COVID19 and only use partners such as accommodation who also follow such guidelines.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Our company follows the guidelines of Leave No Trace to help preserve our counryside and it's natural beauty.

What documents will I receive before I travel?

Before you travel. You will have a full list of your accommodation, travel documents if required your Itinerary. Other documents will be waiting for you when you arrive.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If you let us know in time, then we can arrange an updated travel date to suit you.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes, we have checked all the accommodations we use and they follow all the Irish Healthe service guidelines.

Reviews of this operator

Jaime Jimenez (Google Reviewer)

We had a great time...

29-Mar-2024

We had a great time on our tour to New Grange, the Boyne Valley and Monasterboice. Our guide, Matt was very knowledgeable and entertaining as well

Patrick McCusker (Google Reviewer)

St. Kevin was an excellent...

30-Mar-2024

St. Kevin was an excellent driver on all the narrow and winding roads. He was informative and his song playlist was outstanding. We very much enjoyed the horseback riding, as well as our time in Enniskerry and the old monastery. One suggestion: Have copies of the monastery trail maps available rather than having us take pictures of the lone laminated one.

John Catchpole (Google Reviewer)

An excellent tour to Glendalough...

18-Sep-2023

An excellent tour to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. Matt was a brilliant tour guide with many fascinating stories and infomation about the area and the history. He is clearly very passionate about the history of this beautiful part of the world and I learnt so much. The minibus was comfortable and it's much better to do a tour with a small group. The lunch stop at Poppies was also delicious.

Debbie Berg (Google Reviewer)

Gorgeous views of Powerscourt Gardens,...

09-Apr-2024

Gorgeous views of Powerscourt Gardens, Wicklow Mountains and Gleandalough. Our driver/guide Linda us very knowledgeable and delightful. The lunch at Poppies in Enniskerry was so yummy and hit the spot. Rain didn’t slow us down. Great tour for those interested in getting outta of Dublin.

Denise Null (Google Reviewer)

I truly enjoyed my trip!...

21-Sep-2023

I truly enjoyed my trip! The Tour Guide was knowledgeable and humorous! And the scenery absolutely beautiful!

Shannon Fracchia (Google Reviewer)

Fantastic day with hilltoptreks! Terry...

02-Oct-2023

Fantastic day with hilltoptreks! Terry was an absolute legend. He showed up the most beautiful spots and entertained us with Irish stories, songs and even Irish bag pipes! We had a gorgeous lunch in Wicklow and had the most magical day in Ireland. Thank you Terry and Hilltoptrek for the most memorable journey!

Natalie Derks (Google Reviewer)

Best day tour we’ve ever...

13-Apr-2024

Best day tour we’ve ever been on! Highly recommend for anyone visiting Dublin. Beautiful scenery and Kevin was a wonderful guide with great insight.

Joshua Cooper (Google Reviewer)

I took a trip to...

01-Jun-2024

I took a trip to Ireland solo for my birthday and booked tours in advance. Matt was a fantastic tour guide and his knowledge of the history of Ireland was amazing. I did three tours with different companies, however, this one was by far the best. It’s not necessarily the locations that made everything better, that was a huge bonus, but having someone passionate about what they do made it worth every penny. I will be back in Ireland, hopefully soon, and will definitely book this tour again. Thanks Matt and Hilltop Treks!

Sofi Grüneisen (Google Reviewer)

We actually prefer exploring national...

01-Jun-2023

We actually prefer exploring national parks by ourselves, but we were glad we didn't this time because it's huge and then we would have missed on a lot of information about Ireland, the Irish language and specifically the Wicklow area from our wonderful guide. Gillian. We were lucky with the weather. It was a sunny day and not very cloudy. We chose the "Day Tour from Dublin of Wicklow, Glendalough" with a guided walk. (Be mindful of what you book, because there are different options and it's best to book on their website) The guided walk isn't that far +/- 3,5km. But it is absolutely worth it if the weather is great. No need to bring food, because we stopped at Poppies and the food was delicious.

Sue Sweet (Google Reviewer)

Loved this outing. He was...

16-May-2024

Loved this outing. He was on time, had good stories, kept us informed and did a great job driving. The day itself had a visit to a beautiful park, old Abby and a cute village to stop in for lunch. Our driver was Kevin and would hope that others got as much enjoyment out of the day that we did.

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Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024

~~$507~~ $491