The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest marked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone, over 40 years ago. It reveals some of Ireland’s finest views: Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure and historic Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow, covering a distance of 127 kilometres (79 miles).
We have broken down the Wicklow Way into a variation of different walks and durations which stretches from Enniskerry to Tinakely. We pre-book your accommodation and take care of your luggage. We supply you with maps and route details and also provide you with a full back up service, leaving you to simply enjoy the scenery, splendour and solitude of the Wicklow landscape.
Arrive at Dublin Airport and take a bus to the city centre. From there you can get the number 44 bus from D'Olier Street which will take you to Enniskerry. This is a cute little village which was built for the workers from the world famous Powerscourt Estate which is about a 15 minute walk from the village. If you have time to spare, you should certainly take a trip to the estate. You can take a tour of the house which was damaged by fire in the 1970's, however it is still an impressive sight. You can also visit the estate gardens which are a must see. Certainly the best garden exhibition in the country. Enniskerry village has a few friendly pubs and restaurants to keep you entertained in the evening before you get ready for the start of your adventure tomorrow morning.
Don't be afraid today as we start you on one of the longest walks. It is a spectacular walk - a favourite for us and previous guests. You will be picked up outside your accommodation and taken to the begining of the walk at Cronswood. Today's walk takes you along the impressive Powerscourt Estate and over Djouce Mountain with views of the Guinness Estate. You will also pass the picturesque lakes of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. Your tour ends in the village of Roundwood. Settle in at your accommodation and relax as you reminisce about the first day's adventure. Put your feet up or explore the little village of Roundwood.
A welcome downhill start to the day which will bring you to the village of Oldbridge. You'll cross the Avonmore River once you're in the village. A short steep walk along a country road and you'll reach the mountain section as you take a farmers lane to Paddock Hill. There are great vistas of Glendalough Valley as you decend into the Glenmacnass Valley. When you come to the road, turn left to reach Laragh village which will be your home for the next two nights. Laragh is a wonderful mountain village busy with walkers, climbers and cyclists during the weekends and summer months. You'll have a few options to visit some of the delightful village pubs and restaurants during your stay here.
Today will be an experience! Firstly, enjoy your breakfast and then prepare for today's walk. From the village of Laragh you walk to the Glendalough monastic site. This spectacular and mostly intact 6th century site features a round tower and several churches. It really is a step back in time. From the monastic site you will walk to the upper lake and onward to the miners village which once was a centre for excavating lead and tin. The walk will take you along a mountain ridge which will give you fantastic views of the glaciated valley and monastic site. You will then enter a wood which brings you steadily back down to the Glendalough Hotel, a fantastic place to rest and rehcharge. Today's walk affords spectacular views and will both calm and invigorate you as you take in the scenery and stillness of the environment. Your accommodation will be the same, about 20 minutes walk from Glendalough.
Welcome to the 5th day of this exciting Wicklow adventure! From Laragh you will walk to the Glendalough Visitors Centre and cross the bridge to take the marked green road into the valley. When you pass the information centre, the ancient ruins of the monastic site will be on your right. You will continue along the forest path, following the Wicklow Way markers which will take you higher up the mountain until you reach a boggy saddle between Mullacor and Lugduff. Ireland's longest valley lies below you looking as picturesque as a postcard, as you meander your way to the valley floor and the welcome fireplace and bar at Glenmalure Lodge.
You will notice very quickly that you are now in a much quieter part of the Wicklow Uplands. This area is a hidden gem, which makes it a special location. Untouched by tourism and yours to enjoy. Today's route is a tough one with two steep climbs. Fortunately you will have had the opportunity of a hearty breakfast beforehand to give you energy. The first ascent to the top of Slieve Maan is the hardest. Pace yourself and remember to enjoy the vistas! You will pass Iron Bridge before the last big climb to Ballyteigh. After the hard climbs, have a rest and enjoy the stunning scenery before descending to Moyne.
The last day of your Wicklow Way self guided tour is a moderate 4 hour walking route over 13km. There are easy paths from Moyne to Tinahely on the lower slopes of Ballycumber Hill and Coolafunshoge Mountain. Once you get to your final destination in the town of Tinahealy you will truly see what an old Irish country village looks like. The very friendly people here will make you feel at home and there are lovely traditional pubs to visit to celebrate your final days walk! What an achievement, you have discovered some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and immersed yourself in nature.
End of Services: Next morning after a hearty breakfast, you can take a bus from Tinahely back to Dublin. The bus runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday you can take a taxi to Gorey which has a regular bus and train service to Dublin daily.
We require a 20% deposit to start booking all the individual elements of your trip, which is payable over the phone or online (the full balance is due 6 weeks prior to departure, so if you book less than 6 weeks in advance your deposit will be the full tour cost). Every trip is tailor made just for you, so we confirm availability individually and book all your accommodation and options, then send you final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (usually max 5 working days).
It really depends on the trip. We offer quite a variety of holiday grades to help you select the right level of activity. Always be honest with yourself about your abilities, and always do some training in the run up to your trip. You'd be surprised at what you can achieve, especially going at your own pace on one of our independent adventures. Your specialist is the best person to ask for advice on a specific trip. The active kind of holiday offers rewards like no other.
Many of our trips come with baggage transfer included (some have optional baggage transfer, and on very few remote trips baggage transfer is unavailable, but do check the exact tour inclusions). You will drop overnight bags (one per person) by an allotted time each morning in a designated area in your hotel or B&B. This leaves you free to walk unencumbered, with only your day pack of essentials. Your baggage will be transferred to your next night's accommodation, and will usually arrive before you do!
