Walking the Wicklow Way

For a small country, Ireland's countryside has many facets. The western part of Ireland has most generally received the greatest acclaim but just to the south of Dublin lie the Wicklow Mountains, a range of heather-clad hills and lush, green vegetation that has provided the county of Wicklow with the nickname of the Garden of Ireland. They form the largest upland area in the country, an area of wonderfully rocky foothills, switching from glen to glen through dramatic mountain scenery. Rounded domes of granite are incised by steep lake-filled valleys such as Glendalough and Luggala. It is also an area of charming villages - Enniskerry is generally considered to be one of the prettiest in Ireland. Nearby are the world renowned gardens of Powerscourt and the highest waterfall in the land. Glendalough is noted for the extensive ruins of the 6th century Irish monastery of St. Kevin.

This walk follows the best parts of the Wicklow Way. The walking is not difficult and some of the walks can be lengthened or shortened according to your wishes.

Itinerary

Day 1:
The tours starts in the village of Tinahely. From Dublin you are recommended to take the scenic train route to Arklow. From Arklow it is a short transfer to your first accommodation, which is in the village of Tinahely.

Day 2:
Tinahely to Metal Bridge. 15 kms/9.4 miles. Height Gain: 540m
This section of the Wicklow Way takes in some fantastic views of the adjoining counties like Carlow and Wexford it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort. The walk finishes in the Ow Valley where you will be picked up and transported to your accommodation.

Day 3:
The Ow Valley to Glenmalure. 14 kms/10 miles. Height Gain: 520m
This section is mainly on forest track and country road. Not a difficult walk with options to shorten or lengthen the walk.

Day 4:
Glenmalure to Glendalough.14 kms./10 miles. Height Gain: 450m
A superb walk with breathtaking views of the Glenmalure Valley, the Lakes of Glendalough and its 6th Century Monastic City.

Day 5: :
Rest day with options to do a section off the trail or visit Glendalough.

Day 6:
Glendalough to Roundwood. 10 kms/6.25 miles. Height gain: 250m
The walk today is easy with an option to extend it by an extra 7Km. Roundwood is the highest village in Ireland.

Day 7:
Roundwood to Enniskerry. 18 kms/11.25 miles. Height Gain: 600m
A classic walk, which takes in views of Guinness Estate, Lough Dan and Lough Tay, crosses over Djouce Mountain and alongside the Powerscourt Estate.

Day 8:
Depart.

Details

Price

£495 per person based on two people sharing. Single supplement on request

Included

All accommodation in B & Bs with private facilities is pre-booked, breakfast is supplied each day, maps and route details, luggage transfers daily while you walk.

We will supply you with all details of train/bus timetables to help you reach your starting point at Tinahely (train fare and transfer not included).

Not Included

transport to Tinahely, transport from Enniskerry, all meals except breakfast.

Difficulty Of The Walk

Moderately difficult - however this walk can be adapted with transfers to shorten the walk - please ask

Additional Information

Accommodation

B+B accommodation in guesthouses in rooms with ensuite facilities.

Getting There

Dublin is the nearest airport - scenic train journey from Dublin (about an hour).  Good local bus from Enniskerry back to Dublin.

What To Take

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

When To Go

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

Insurance

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.