The Wicklow Way

The Wicklow Way

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The Wicklow Way

9 Days Starting in Dublin and ending in Clonegal

Visiting: Marlay Park House, Coolakay, Glendalough, Glenmalure, Iron Bridge, Tinahely, Shillelagh, Clonegall, Bunclody

Tour operator:

Hilltoptreks

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

21-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wellness Tours

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

Tour Overview

The Wicklow Way is a Self Guided Long Distance trail in Ireland with a total distance of 128Km. We have broken this walk up into manageable walking days of approx 15 -25Km per day. The trail is made up of forest trails, open mountain tracks and roads but don’t worry the trail is very well-marked and you will also have the maps and trail notes that we provide. Wicklow is known for its scenery and is also known as “The Garden of Ireland” for its natural beauty. It’s a wonderful place for walking with its low-lying mountains, small colourful towns and incredible vistas. We organise everything else for you, so you can just relax enjoy the walk and incredible scenery you pass through. Knowing your luggage is going ahead of you to your next accommodation.

Highlights

  • Dublin

  • Enniskerry

  • Roundwood

  • Glendalough

Places You'll See

Glendalough Upper Lake

Glendalough Upper Lake

St Kevin's Kitchen, Glendalough

St Kevin's Kitchen, Glendalough

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Marlay Park to Enniskerry

Marlay Park Trailhead

Location: Marlay Park House

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Today is the start of your walk and you will travel over the Dublin hills and into county Wicklow.

Starting from Marlay Park and walking to Enniskerry in County Wicklow.

Walking Distance: 23.3Km — Height Gain 404m

Day 2 : Walking Enniskerry to Roundwood

Lough Tay

Location: Coolakay

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's walk bring you from Coolakay to Old Bridge near Roundwood. You will pass by the famous Powerscourt waterfall and into Luggala Valley towards Lough Dan where you be stying.

Walking Distance: 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m

Day 3 : Walking from Roundwood to Glendalough

Glendalough

Location: Glendalough

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will be walking further south into the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Todays walk is very short but also very scenic so you can take your time.
You be entering into Glendalough today and will have plenty of time here to visit the monastic site of St Kevin.

Walking from Old Bridge to Laragh (Glendalough)

Walking Distance: 7.2Km — Height Gain 240m

Day 4 : Walking from Glendalough to Glenmalure

Wicklow Way Sign Post

Location: Glenmalure

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you be walking from Glendalough to Glenmalure. These two beautiful valleys are the Gems of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

You can decide to leave the Wicklow Way trail for a section and walk up along what is called the “Spinc” and meet it back further along.

Walking Distance: 15.6Km — Height Gain 432m

Day 5 : Walking from Glenmalure to Aughrim

Iron Bridge

Location: Iron Bridge

Accommodation: Hotel, Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

You leave Glenmalure and walk into a forest to the side of Carrowstick hill. This is the half-way point on the whole Wicklow Way. This is another relatively short walking day. You walk as far as Iron bridge. We will have arranged a pickup for you to bring you to Aughrim.

Walking Distance: 11.9Km — Height Gain 398m

Day 6 : Walking from Iron Bridge to Tinahealy

Location: Tinahely

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

You will be dropped back to Iron bridge in the morning to continue on your walk to Tinahealy. There are not so many mountains in south Wicklow and more small rolling hills. There are also more little road ways and trails to walk along.

Walking Distance: 21.9Km — Height Gain 303m

Day 7 : Walking from Tinahealy to Shillelagh.

Location: Shillelagh

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walking further south this morning towards Shillelagh you can enjoy the small roads and hills of this stretch. There is a unique pub along the way called the “Dying Cow” which I would recommend you take a break, just to view this pub.

Walking Distance: 17.2Km — Height Gain 171m

Day 8 : Last Day, Walking from Shillelagh to Clonegal.

Hunington Castle -Clonegal

Location: Clonegall

Accommodation: Irish Tourism Board approved accommodation Guesthouse or B+B

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is the last day of your walk.

Shillelagh to Clonegal — 20.9Km — Height Gain 317m — Pick from Clonegal to accommodation in Bunclody.

There are great views along this trail across counties Carlow and Wexford. Following this track be careful not to miss out for a stile down a grassy lane along your way as you are coming of Aghowie Upper. You will then come out onto another path take your right and follow this as it joins a minor road. The Wicklow way travels north up and around Moylisha and back in a southerly direction around Newry.

Now make your way to Osborne's Pub with its coffin lids counter and old style feel that makes for the perfect venue to enjoy a pint and wait for your pickup.

Day 9 : Bunclody, Return to Dublin by Public transport.

Bunclody Town

Location: Bunclody

Meals Included: Breakfast

After you stay the night in Bunclody, you can get public transport back to Dublin.

All Public transport timetables and arrangements are given to you in your notes.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    The accommodation is in Irish Tourism board approved Guesthouses with en-suite bathrooms.

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

    There is a wide selection of breakfast to choose from.

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

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Check out our Q&As

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

    Yes, you will some free time in teh evening after your walks.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No but they can arranged at an additional cost.

  • 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

Karmen Bankin (Google Reviewer)  

It was a really fantastic...

21-Jul-2024

It was a really fantastic and unforgettable nine days round trip from Dublin to Galway including celebrating even two birthdays! Terry was amazing and legendary, he showed us the most beautiful places and entertained us with Irish stories, music and songs. So, we will be back definitely! BIG THANKS to Hilltoptrek and Terry from the Croatian hiking group! 🤗

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.

Marcia Wright (Google Reviewer)  

Johnnie was a great guide....

23-Sep-2024

Johnnie was a great guide. He did his very best to make our excursion both pleasant and informative.

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!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Hilltoptreks requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of hilltoptreks charges.

    Up to 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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