Trip created by Louise Kavanagh
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Region: East – Dublin & Wicklow
Trip Type: Hiking
Comfort: Classic
Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From €467.50
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryHiking the Wicklow Way, one of Ireland’s premier long distance hiking trails, weaves you through the heathery hills, enchanted lakes and historical sites in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Irish naturalist Robert L. Praeger noted, “You can set foot on the heather six miles from Dublin and not leave it until…30 miles to the south.” And thus from this inspiration, the trail hiking the Wicklow Way was born.
Over the course of 7 days, we’ll hike the very best portions of the Wicklow Way on this fully guided hiking adventure. The Wicklow Way meanders through forests and glaciated valleys, over hills and peaks and across the famous heathery hills of Wicklow.
We’ll visit historical sites like the ruins of the monastic city at Glendalough, the impressive gardens and waterfall at Powerscourt Estate, and historical downtown Dublin. Along the way, relax in a lavish deluxe-standard eco-lodge and cosy BnBs. And for the final night, you’re in for a treat – a stay at a historical Dublin hotel!
Our Wicklow Way adventure starts in the lively city of Dublin. Setting off hiking the Wicklow Way, meander through lush forests home to ravens, deer, red squirrels and more. The trail winds over colourful heathland blanketed with brilliant pink and purple heather for which the Wicklow Way is famous. In the evening, we’ll stop at the beautiful Powerscourt Estate for tea, originally a 13th century castle lavishly embellished in the 1730s, with a chance to admire the magnificent extensive gardens, rated among National Geographic’s Top 10 Gardens of the World. (L,D)
Hike details: 6 km/3.7 miles, approx. 3-4 hours*
Set in beautiful, verdant surroundings, marvel at the breathtaking Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest cascade in Ireland. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, enjoy an open mountain trek across emerald slopes, home to the site of a 70 year old plane crash, with occasional parts of the fuselage turning up in the heather. From the summit of the hill, savour the rich panorama of lakes and open country. Back on the Wicklow Way, enjoy expansive views of the heathery hills as we descend into a sweeping glacial valley and glittering Lough Tay, once inspiration to countless artists, writers and intelligentsia. (B,L,D)
Hike details: 9.5 km/6 miles, approx. 4-5 hours*
Luggala Valley’s name comes from the Gaelic meaning ‘hollow of the hill’ and it’s a perfect example of a glaciated valley, carved out during an ice age more than 10,000 years ago. Until the Irish Famine of the 1840s, this area was heavily farmed – the shadows of long-abandoned potato fields and shells of tumbledown cottages still dot the landscape. Our hike ambles past the picturesque Lough Dan before winding along an ancient pilgrimage path, once used by visitors to St Kevin’s Church and the monastic site of Glenalough in its idyllic lake-side setting. (B,L,D)
Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
When hiking the Wicklow Way, its crown jewel is the ancient monastic site of Glendalough – the Valley of the Saints. Once a great centre of learning, the monastic city has been a pilgrimage site for over a 1,000 years. Explore the ruins of this peaceful place as your guide brings the landscape alive. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, a spectacular hike sweeps us past the lakes of Glendalough. A gentle climb carries us out of the valley through the wooded monastic grounds back in windswept wilds of Wicklow’s heathland. Marvel at the quiet panoramas missed by Dublin day trippers before our gentle descent into the next enchanting valley. (B,L,D)
Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx. 6-7 hours*
Our last day hiking the Wicklow Way, we leave behind the high peaks of the Wicklow Mountains and descend into the rolling, green pastures and emerald landscapes of south Wicklow. Our path weaves leisurely in and out of luscious green forests on Wicklow’s road less travelled. This afternoon, we’re in for a well-earned treat: relaxation at a spa retreat where you can either book from the range of spa treatments or simply unwind in the relaxing pool and thermal suite. (B,L,D)
Hike details: 11 km / 7 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
In the morning, either enjoy a slow morning, or you could take advantage of the spectacular 9 hole golf course or even spa treatments at our accommodation. Our final stop hiking in Wicklow is Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, dominating the Wicklow Way skyline. Standing apart from Wicklow’s other peaks, Great Sugar Loaf’s conical shape makes it an easy climb. The rewarding views over the captivating countryside we’ve just conquered is a fitting end to a fantastic week on the trail! Tonight, we celebrate our hiking the Wicklow Way achievements with a final dinner celebration in the bustling downtown Dublin.(B,L,D)
Hike details: 2.5 km/1.5 miles, approx. 2 hours*
After a relaxing final morning, we’ll explore the lively, cosmopolitan city of Dublin on a historical walking tour led by local history enthusiasts. Learn about Irish history from the founding of Dublin, the Great Famine, world wars, and of course, the Easter Rising and War of Irish Independence. (B)
Walk details: Approx. 2 hours*
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this vacation, please complete the form below:
While Hiking the Wicklow Way, relax in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels nestled into the scenic Wicklow landscapes. This trip includes:
You will receive the name the names and locations of your hotels with your final info, a few weeks before your trip is due to start.
On Day 5, we’ll have the chance to relax in a luxuriant thermal suite and pool. Some of your lodgings also include a spa centre as well as a golf course. These experiences are not included in the trip price – if you would like to partake, please book them in advance.
All accommodations offer a complete breakfast. Most accommodations will also include comfy sitting rooms, libraries, roaring fires, charming grounds and garden paths and possibly even a small bar or pub.
We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own. However, you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you specifically require a single room you will have to pay the single supplement charge of €250 but this is subject to availability.
Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night except on Day 5 when you have a free evening and can dine where you choose.
All meals are included in the price of this trip, with the exception of dinner on one night. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so.
Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.
You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide in Dublin Heuston Railway Station at 11 am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Dublin city centre by 12pm on Day 7.
| Trip Dates for 2021 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22nd May - 28th May 2021 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | €1,870 | |
| 14th Aug - 20th Aug 2021 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | €1,870 | Book Now |
| 2nd Oct - 8th Oct 2021 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | €1,870 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
From scuba diving to motorbikes to hiking, Louise is no stranger to adventure! Born and raised in County Sligo, Louise has a love for Ireland’s West Coast u2013 particularly the northwest. Joining the Wilderness Ireland team in 2017 as an Adventure Consultant, Louise is one of the team’s expert trip designers u2013 ready to help you explore Ireland’s wild places! When not at work, Louise can usually be found underwater exploring Ireland’s unique coastlines or else zipping through the countryside on her motorbike!
- Louise Kavanagh
Ask Louise a QuestionGreen Grades 1-3
Our hiking trips range from very straightforward low-level hikes to trips that include more challenging itineraries which will take you to a new mountain top each day.
Our green graded trips include shorter hikes, with few ascents, and are generally over smoother (but usually not paved) terrain. We include more cultural stops along the way and walk at a leisurely pace.
Often our green graded trips include hikes in flatter coastal areas or in valleys, and will last around 2-4 hours each day. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:
Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascents, over generally good terrain?
Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 3 review(s) of Hiking the Wicklow Way
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made vacation with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your vacations truly memorable.
Mary Kay Thomas
Reviewed on 27/07/2019
Age: 60 - 70
Country: United States
Trip Date: 06/07/2019
Trips Taken: 3
The Bottom Line
Excellent..start to finish!
Dan Wherley
Reviewed on 19/07/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Country: United States
Trip Date: 06/07/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
The difficulty rating that Wilderness Ireland gives to its tours maybe slightly lower than the trip may really be. This was based upon our experience with day 2 of the Wiklow Way tour.
John Barrett
Reviewed on 18/07/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Country: England
Trip Date: 06/07/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
Wilderness Ireland staff were so helpful from the minute that I enquire do about the trip and throughout the booking process. Nothing too much trouble! The trip was so memorable in many ways. Lovely walks,food, accommodation and company.
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