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      Hiking the Wicklow Way

      6 review(s)

      Next Trip(s): 28th May | 13th Aug Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €1,870 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
      Accommodation: Classic
      Max Group Size: 8
      Confirmed: When 3 Traveller(s) Book
      Deposit From €467.50 €467.50

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 144kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      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. Your trip ends with a treat – once you finish your Wicklow Way walking trip, relax in a lavish deluxe-standard eco-lodge in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains.

      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
      • Relaxing stay at a deluxe eco-lodge in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains

      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 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 hours*

      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 hours*

      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 hours*

      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 hours*

      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 hours*

      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 golf, spa treatments and any other additional activities are payable locally

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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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      Trip Dates & Prices

      Trip Dates for 2022 Availability Status Price Book
      28th May - 3rd Jun 2022 8 place(s) left UNCONFIRMED €1,870 Book Now
      13th Aug - 19th Aug 2022 8 place(s) left UNCONFIRMED €1,870 Book Now
      Trip Dates for 2023 Availability Status Price Book
      27th May - 2nd Jun 2023 8 place(s) left UNCONFIRMED €1,870 Book Now
      12th Aug - 18th Aug 2023 8 place(s) left UNCONFIRMED €1,870 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
      • Complimentary access to the pool and thermal suite at a spa retreat

      You’ll get a 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 lunches and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on the first and final evening 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 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 the first and final nights. (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.
      • Complimentary access to the pool and thermal suite at a spa retreat (please note that spa treatments and golfing are not included & should be booked in advance).
      • A selection of local daily snacks.
      • 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

      Tom Meehan
      28th May - 3rd Jun 2022

      Guide Required
      13th Aug - 19th Aug 2022

      Guide Required
      27th May - 2nd Jun 2023

      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 6 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.

      ES

      Elizabeth Snee

      Reviewed on 17/10/2021

      Age: 50 - 60
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 02/10/2021
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I will cherish the memories of this trip - from the beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, the kindness of my fellow hikers I had the pleasure of getting to know, and the informative and entertaining guide. If you are on the fence about going, I recommend you just do it!

      Show More
      LS

      Lizette Sutherland

      Reviewed on 12/10/2021

      Age: 40 - 50
      Country: South Africa
      Trip Date: 02/10/2021
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      It was a wonderful, fun trip with easy hikes and good accommodation and meals. I would definitely recommend it and will be booking another trip in future.

      Show More
      CC

      Carolyn Cunniff-Corcoran

      Reviewed on 11/10/2021

      Age: 50 - 60
      Trip Date: 02/10/2021
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Go - trip of a lifetime!

      Show More
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