The Wicklow Way

Day 1 – Dublin to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens 

Our adventure starts in multicultural Dublin. After a hearty lunch at Ireland’s self-proclaimed highest pub, we set off on the Wicklow Way, weaving through lush woods home to raven, deer, red squirrels and more. Follow the shoulder of the royal hill Prince William’s Seat before wandering hills blanketed with rich purple heather for which the Wicklow Way is famous. For a bit of an indulgence, we’ll stop at the beautiful Powerscourt Estate for tea and a chance to wander the magnificent extensive gardens of this 13th-century castle which was lavishly embellished in the 1730’s. (L, D)

Hike details: 6 km/3.7 miles | approx. 3-4 hrs.

Day 2 – Crone Woods to Lough Tay

Set in beautiful, verdant surroundings, we’ll start our day by admiring the breathtaking Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest in Ireland. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, enjoy an open mountain trek below the emerald slopes of Djouce Hill, the site of a 70-year-old plane crash where parts of the fuselage occasionally still turn up in the heather. If conditions permit, summit the hill to savour the rich panorama of Wicklow’s peaks and lakes. Back on the Wicklow Way, enjoy expansive views of the heathery hills as we descend into the sweeping Luggala Valley by the glittering Lough Tay. Inspiration to countless artists, writers and intelligentsia, drink in views of the enchanted valley once gifted as a wedding present to a Guinness heiress. (B, L)

Hike details: 9.5 km/6 miles | approx. 4-5 hrs.

Day 3 – Lough Tay to Glendalough

Luggala comes from Gaelic, meaning ‘hollow of the hill,’ and it’s a perfect example of a glaciated valley, dramatically carved out during an ice age some 10,000 years ago. Until the Irish famine of the 1840’s, this area was heavily farmed and we will see the shadows of long-abandoned potato fields and the shells of tumbledown cottages. Our hike ambles past the picturesque Lough Dan before winding along an ancient mass path, once used by visitors to St Kevin’s Church and the village of Laragh, nestled near the monastic site of Glendalough and its idyllic lake-side setting. (B, L)

Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx.  5-6 hours*

Day 4 – Glendalough Monastic Site and the Spinc

Now for the Wicklow Way’s crown jewel: the ancient monastic site of Glendalough. As you explore the ruins of this peaceful place, your guide will recount the legends of Glendalough and St. Kevin. Once a great centre of learning, this monastic city has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. Your afternoon goal is to summit the Spinc. The name Spinc comes from the Irish ‘An Spinc’ and means ‘pointed hill’ There are two route options open to you and your guide today both bringing you past Poulanass Waterfall to views overlooking the Upper Lake. Joining a boardwalk you skirt the Spinc before descending through blanket bog and heath, returning to Glendalough Valley once more. (B, L)

Hike details: 6-10 km/3-6 miles | approx. 2-3 hrs.

Day 5 – Glendalough to Glenmalure

Setting off from Glendalough once again and rejoining the Wicklow Way, we’ll feast our senses on a beautiful hike through the wooded monastic grounds that pass between Glendalough’s upper and lower lakes. This section of the trail is a good place to spot deer and birds such as ravens and kestrels. After a gentle descent into the next enchanting valley, we once again have the chance to marvel at the quiet panoramas missed by Dublin day-trippers. (B, L)

Hike details: 13 km /8 miles | approx. 5-6 hrs.

Day 6 – Glenmalure to the Iron Bridge

On our last day of hiking the Wicklow Way, we leave behind the high peaks of the Wicklow Mountains and descend into the rolling, emerald pastures of south Wicklow. Our path weaves leisurely in and out of luscious green forests on Wicklow’s roads less travelled. After 5 days of walking the Wicklow Way, we’re in for a well-earned treat: the chance to unwind at a spa retreat where we can choose from a range of spa treatments,** or simply enjoy the complimentary refreshing pool and thermal suite. Tonight, we celebrate our week’s hiking achievements with a celebration dinner in the unique surroundings of our eco-lodge. (B, L, D)

Hike details: 11 km/7 miles | approx. 4-5 hrs.

Day 7 – Depart to Dublin

Enjoy a relaxing morning at your accommodation, or take advantage of some of the onsite activities and facilities on offer. Perhaps a round of golf on the 9 hole golf course** or a morning indulging in some spa treatments** in the luxurious surrounds of the onsite spa before departing for Dublin City later this morning. (B)

**Please note that golf, spa treatments and any other additional activities are payable locally. 

This itinerary is subject to changes and improvements. All hiking times are approximate.