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      Hiking the Wicklow Way

      3 review(s)

      Next Trip(s): 2nd Oct | 21st May Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €1,770 View Prices & Dates

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      Travel Planning and Advice

      Trip created by Louise Kavanagh
      View Louise's Profile

      Region: East – Dublin & Wicklow
      Trip Type: Hiking
      Comfort: Classic
      Max Group Size: 8
      Confirmed: When 3 Traveller(s) Book
      Deposit From €442.50 €442.50

      Difficulty:

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      Hiking 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! 

      Trip Highlights

      • Hike the best of the famous Wicklow Way in Ireland's Ancient East
      • Discover the magic of the ancient valley and monastic city of Glendalough
      • Visit Powerscourt Estate & Waterfall, rated among Top 10 Gardens of the World
      • One night's stay a deluxe eco-lodge & walking tour of Dublin

      Did you know?


      This trip can be booked as a private departure


      Learn more

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 – Dublin to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens 

      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*

      Day 2 – Crone Woods to Lough Tay

      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)

      Hike details: 9.5 km/6 miles, approx. 4-5 hours*

      Day 3 – Lough Tay to Glendalough

      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)

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

      Day 4 – Glendalough Monastic Site to Glenmalure

      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)

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

      Day 5 – Glenmalure to the Iron Bridge

      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. 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. 5-6 hours*

      Day 6 – Great Sugarloaf Mountain to Dublin

      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!
      Making our way to the city for our final night of our trip and a chance to check out some of Dublin’s famed restaurant and live music scene. (B,L)

      Hike details: 2.5 km/1.5 miles, approx. 2 hours*

      Day 7 – Dublin Walking Tour & Depart

      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*

      Download Itinerary

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      Hiking the Wicklow Way

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter the best number to call you on.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      Trip Dates for 2021 Availability Status Price Book
      2nd Oct - 8th Oct 2021 2 place(s) left CONFIRMED €1,770 Book Now
      Trip Dates for 2022 Availability Status Price Book
      21st May - 27th May 2022 8 place(s) left UNCONFIRMED €1,770 Book Now
      13th Aug - 19th Aug 2022 8 place(s) left UNCONFIRMED €1,770 Book Now

      What's Included

      Expand All
      Accommodation Read More

      While Hiking the Wicklow Way, relax in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels nestled into the scenic Wicklow landscapes. This trip includes:

      • A stay in a luxurious Deluxe grade eco-lodge,
      • Cosy lodges, guesthouses & BnBs
      • The final night in historical hotel in downtown Dublin.

      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.

      Meals Read More

      Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch’s and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on evenings 1 and 5 and your guide will assist with restaurant recommendations and bookings for the other nights.

      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.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels including 1 night in Dublin, and a stay in a Deluxe-grade eco-lodge.
      • Meals as indicated in the itinerary incl, Breakfast each morning, cafe or picnic lunches days 1 to 6 and dinner on evening 1 and 5. (Meals included are indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout.
      • Pickup and transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Dublin.
      • 7 days of guided hiking along the famous Wicklow Way through the Wicklow Mountains at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
      • Access to the pool and thermal suite at a spa retreat on Day 5 (please note that spa treatments and golfing are not included & should be booked in advance).
      • A selection of local daily snacks.
      • A historical Dublin walking tour on the final day.
      • Entrance, activity and admission fees as stated in the itinerary.
      Travel Read More

      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.

      Photo Gallery

      Make This Trip Private

      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.

      Speak to an Expert

      View Profile
      Louise Kavanagh

      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!

      Ask Louise a Question

      Meet Your Guide

      Calliam Johnson
      2nd Oct - 8th Oct 2021

      Guide Required
      21st May - 27th May 2022

      Guide Required
      13th Aug - 19th Aug 2022

      View guides for all departures

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green 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?

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 3 review(s) of Hiking the Wicklow Way

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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday 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 holidays truly memorable.

      MT

      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

      The Bottom Line

      Excellent..start to finish!

      Show More
      DW

      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 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.

      Show More
      JB

      John Barrett

      Reviewed on 18/07/2019

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: England
      Trip Date: 06/07/2019
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      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.

      Show More

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