The Wicklow Way is Ireland's classic walk, crossing the Wicklow Mountains and ending in Dublin. Starting in the picturesque village of Tinahely, the walk takes you through beautiful countryside, passing through a series of quaint villages along the way - and discovering authentic Irish hospitality.
You'll walk along small paths that take you through ancient forests and up into the highlands to Glenmalure - Ireland's longest glacial valley, from where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. In Glendalough, you can experience a journey back in time by the beautiful lakes and the ancient monastic ruins. Glendalough Valley is in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is one of the highlights of the tour. This is due to both the cultural significance of the sites and the natural beauty. Along the route you will see the lakes of Lough Dan and Lough Tay, where the popular TV series "Vikings" was filmed. The Wicklow Way ends in the Victorian Gardens at Marlay Park, five kilometres from Dublin city centre. In Dublin you'll find something for everyone - like Temple Bar, the city's tourist and nightlife hotspot, or Trinity College, which showcases The Book of Kells - Ireland's oldest book.
The Wicklow Way takes you through a varied landscape from quiet country lanes (the boreen) to forests, mountain paths and marshes. The terrain can be demanding on some stretches, but is possible for walkers with a normal fitness level. For those who rise to the challenge, there are very tangible rewards in the form of stunning views, plenty of culture and history, and friendly Irish hospitality. The Wicklow Way is the first waymarked walking trail in Ireland. It was officially opened in 1980 and remains one of the most popular routes. It is also part of the international "E8" route, which is 4700km long and runs from Cork through Europe and all the way to Turkey.
You arrive in Tinahely, where you stay in the first hotel of the tour.
This is a shorter day to allow your legs to recover. Again you will follow small winding country roads (boreens), mountain paths with stunning views and forest trails. The mountain path along Muskeagh Hill offers particularly magnificent views over the lush countryside. On the left-hand side of the path between Ballybeg and Ballycumber is the remains of an ancient ring fortress. It's a good idea to see the trail on Google Maps before you set off, so you have an idea of what you're looking for.
Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Distance: 17km
+470m / -395m
Today the terrain changes and you walk mainly on forest paths. The trails can be a bit more challenging - especially if it has been raining. However, this also helps to make this day a special experience. As you leave the Moyne you will slowly start to walk uphill while enjoying the sight of the Wicklow Mountains.
As you walk through the Ballyteige Forest, you'll get your first glimpse of Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in Leinster. You continue along the path which leads you to Carrickashane Woods, where you find a clearing with the absolute best view of Lungaquilla from the south side. This is a popular area for climbers in the winter months because the damp ground is typically frozen to ice, allowing them to climb up as one would on, say, a frozen waterfall in Scotland or the Alps). You follow the path to the Aghavannagh valley and into the forest at Slieve Mann. You then descend into the Glenmalure valley where you will spend the night.
Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours
Distance: 25km
+810m / -880m
You wake up in the un-shaped glacial valley of Glenmalura, which at 16km is the UK's longest. Today is a short day and it's all on purpose. You're going to altitude now and as today's walk isn't quite as long as usual, it means you can go at your own pace while enjoying the views of the Wicklow mountains. You'll also have time to explore Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park before heading on to the town of Laragh, where you'll spend the night.
Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Distance: 17km
+600m / -600m
This is a short and lovely day. You leave the Glendalough valley along forest tracks and pass the village of Laragh. You can take a detour here and explore the lively town, which offers shops, restaurants and bars. From Laragh to Roundwood you walk on a mixture of forest tracks, mountain paths and boreal paths.
Walking time: approx. 3-6 hours
Distance: 12-20km
+425m / -470m
This is a lovely stretch of the Wicklow Way, which takes you over mountain tops with magnificent views of mountains and coast. Leaving Old Bridge, you walk uphill along the ridge of the Lough Dan lake. From here you can once again see the site where the TV series 'Vikings' was filmed. You continue until you have a perfect view of Lough Tay, which is a brownish lake flanked by a chalky white sand beach - it actually looks like a pint of Guinness with the dark colour and white foam. It makes sense that this particular area is owned by the Guinness family.
From here you head north again through the woods, over White Hill and onto the plains of Djouce Mountain (one of the most famous mountains in the Wicklow Mountains). As you walk down Djouce you can see the Powerscourt Estate and its waterfall before arriving at your overnight accommodation in Glencree Valley.
Walking time: approx. 5-6 hours
Distance: 19km
+620m / -690m
Another nice day of hiking over mountain peaks and forest trails. From now on you start to see Dublin and the goal is reached. When you arrive at "The Cairn at Two Rock" (a rock formation on top of a mountain) you have a fantastic panoramic view over Dublin and the bay. From here it's downhill until you reach beautiful Marlay Park, where the Wicklow Way ends. Originally, Marlay Park was a large "manor house" with more than 300 acres of land attached. It is a very idyllic place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before heading into Dublin city centre.
Walking time: approx. 6 hours
Distance: 22km
+650m / -720m
The tour is now over. Depending on when you fly home (or onwards), you'll have time to see more of Dublin.
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. If you travel alone a single room is necessary.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
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The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Dublin are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
From Dublin to Tinahely
It is possible to take the bus from Dublin to Tinahely. Get an overview of the trip via this link:
You will stay in carefully selected tourist class hotels or boutique hotels.
Breakfast is included in all hotels. Dinner can be bought close to the hotels in the accommodation towns, and lunch can either be brought and enjoyed as a picnic, or you can stop at one of the bars and cafés you pass.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
You will recieve the following documentation
Upon booking
You recieve practical information about the tour in a digital format
One month before arrival
You recieve your hotel list and your voucher (hotel list is often supplied upon booking)
Upon arrival
You recieve the welcome package which contains the printed version of the road book, luggage tags, local specific vouchers and if you have rented bikes then they will also be delivered and fitted at the first hotel.
This tour has difficulty grade 2-3
Grade 2
Easier walking at reasonable good paths. The walking time will be 4-6 hours usually in hilly terrain. Every one in good health and a normal physical fitness can participate. Luggage is mostly transported and you only go with a lighter backpack. Requires good footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Grade 3
Walking in hilly or mountainous terrain, with longer ascents and descents. You will walk 5-7 hours a day. Requires good fitness and good health, but no technical experience. Requires good footwear such as trekking or hiking boots.
Read more about our Grading System
Travel Insurance In general we recommend that you are covered by a good travel insurance covering at least Medical Expenses, Illness, Personal Accident, Baggage and Repatriation. The customer is responsible to take the necessary travel insurance that covers these costs. Bering Travel, or our local partners, do not have any responsibility for our customers not being covered by a necessary travel insurance. You have to arrange your insurance in your home country.
It can be hard to plan your trip according to the weather, but to give an idea of the local climate, you can see the data below:
We are members of the Travel Guarantee Fund (nr. 2529) and have all available insurances. This covers you regardless of your nationality. Read more about that here.
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