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    | Wicklow Way

    Self Guided Walking

    The Wicklow Way

    18 reviews


    Deposit From: €348€348
    Region: East – Dublin & Wicklow
    Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

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

      From: €1,350 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Louise Kavanagh


      It’s hard to believe that just a few miles from Dublin’s bustling city centre is one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks and most famous long distance trails. Ireland’s premier long distance trail, the Wicklow Way, tracks through glorious mountain valleys, lush forests and across heathery uplands as well as ancient monastic sites, crystal-clear lakes and historic estates.

      On this self guided trip, trek along the Wicklow Way’s most spectacular sections in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park before descending into green valleys and farmland.

      Relax in a perfect combination of cosy village B&Bs before finishing up with a night in a deluxe eco-lodge. Focus on the trail and its jaw-dropping beauty and leave the logistics to us, as transport to and from Dublin, luggage transfers and private transfers to the trailhead are all prearranged where required. By choosing a self guided trip, enjoy the flexibility of walking at your own pace, starting as early or late as you prefer, stopping for as many photos as you’d like or challenging yourself with additional walks.

      PLEASE NOTE: Total daily distances are given for each stage but will vary slightly as you also need to walk to your accommodation each day, which will usually add a short distance.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Glencullen to Enniskerry Read More

      Day 1

      Glencullen to Enniskerry

      You will be met in Dublin and transferred to Ireland’s highest pub, Johnny Fox’s, where you’ll have the chance to pick up some lunch before walking to the start point of your first day on the Wicklow Way. Tracking through woodlands before reaching open hillside blanketed in rich purple heather, today’s walk is a perfect introduction to things to come. Your first stunning views open out before you as you walk along the shoulder of the hill known as Prince William’s Seat. Cross the county boundary between Dublin and Wicklow somewhere along the way as you head further into the rich wilds of the Wicklow Mountains. After your first day’s walk, arrive back at your B&B where you’ll find your bags waiting for you.

      Meals Included: None
      Walk Details: 14 km / 9 miles | 300 m / 984 ft

      Day 2 – Enniskerrry to Roundwood Read More

      Day 2

      Enniskerrry to Roundwood

      Back on the trail, you’ll follow forest tracks until you reach the outskirts of the Powerscourt Estate. Drink in the stunning, panoramic views of Powerscourt’s famous waterfall, the tallest in Ireland. History buffs might like to learn about Powerscourt’s association with Charles Parnell, a vocal advocate for Irish home rule in the late 1800s. The official Wicklow Way trail itself winds below Djouce Hill, but if weather conditions and energy levels allow, a detour to the summit is well worth it. Enjoy expansive views of the heathery hills as you descend into the sweeping Luggala Valley towards glittering Lough Tay – nicknamed the “Guinness Lake.” Ancestral home of the Guinness family, this valley and the house on the shore of the lake have profound associations with many of Ireland’s literary and artistic greats. This evening you’ll leave the trail to spend the night in the wee traditional village of Roundwood.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 500 m / 1,640 ft

      Day 3 – Roundwood to Glendalough Read More

      Day 3

      Roundwood to Glendalough

      Until the terrible Great Famine of the 1840s, this part of Wicklow was heavily populated and farmed. As you walk keep an eye out for the remains of the tiny cottages and the ridges of long-abandoned potato fields dotting the green countryside. Upon approaching the village of Laragh, you will reach the junction with the final section of St Kevin’s Way, an ancient pilgrimage route or mass path that brought worshippers to the shrine of St Kevin at Glendalough. Your hotel is ideally situated a stone’s throw away from the jewel in the Wicklow Way’s crown: the ancient monastic site of Glendalough. Early medieval Ireland was Europe’s centre of culture with scholars travelling from all over to study at the country’s great monastic centres. Glendalough was one of the biggest and most famous of all.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 750 m / 2,461 ft

      Day 4 – Glendalough to Glenmalure Read More

      Day 4

      Glendalough to Glenmalure

      Today offers some of the best scenery on the trip as you crest the hills above Glendalough’s Upper and Lower lakes at the junction of four glaciated valleys. You’ll pass Poulanass Waterfall before joining the forest road which will weave its way higher and higher until you reach the boggy saddle between Mullacor and Lugduff. As you descend, Ireland’s longest valley lies below you. Take in the panoramic views as you make your way to the valley floor and the welcome fire at the local Lodge.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | 400 m / 1,312 ft

      Day 5 – Glenmalure to Iron Bridge Read More

      Day 5

      Glenmalure to Iron Bridge

      Leaving behind the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains, the Wicklow Way meanders through lush forest tracks in the rolling landscape of south Wicklow. Offering views over the emerald farmlands of Ireland’s Ancient East, this is the quietest part of the trail, and chances are you’ll have it to yourself. The first 14 km brings you to the Iron Bridge, one of the Wicklow Way’s most remote spots. The next 7km winds along quiet country lanes to your eco-lodge, where you can relax in luxury. Alternatively, you can pre-arrange a taxi to meet you at the Iron Bridge and take you the rest of the way to your accommodation. Access to the geo-thermally-powered thermal suite is included – soak your tired legs at the trail’s end.* There are a few dining options on-site, including Ireland’s finest organic-certified restaurant. Feast on ingredients foraged in the hills that you’ve just hiked.
      *Please note that spa treatments are not included and should be booked in advance

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 19 km / 12 miles | 200 m / 656 ft
      Shorter Alternative: 14 km / 9 miles

      Day 6 – Dublin & Departure Read More

      Day 6

      Dublin & Departure

      This morning, you will be transferred back to Dublin (city or airport) after check out. You may choose to return home, or carry on your stay.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      X
      Self Guided
      The Wicklow Way

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

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      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 your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      We don’t offer self-guided trips for solo travellers. However, our small group trips are very popular for those travelling independently. If you would like to join one, don’t hesitate to have a browse of all our adventures here.

      All payments taken in local currency EUR

      Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityPriceBook
      12th May - 17th May 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      19th May - 24th May 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      26th May - 31st May 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      9th Jun - 14th Jun 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      23rd Jun - 28th Jun 2024Trip Full €1,490 PP
      30th Jun - 5th Jul 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      7th Jul - 12th Jul 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      14th Jul - 19th Jul 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      28th Jul - 2nd Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      4th Aug - 9th Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      11th Aug - 16th Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      15th Aug - 20th Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      18th Aug - 23rd Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      22nd Aug - 27th Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      25th Aug - 30th Aug 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      29th Aug - 3rd Sep 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      1st Sep - 6th Sep 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      6th Oct - 11th Oct 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      13th Oct - 18th Oct 20242 places availabile €1,350 PPBook Now
      X
      Self Guided
      The Wicklow Way

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This self guided hiking trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort along or near the Wicklow Way. On some days you will walk directly to your accommodation (this may add additional distance to the hike lengths above) and on others you will be met at the trailhead and transferred to your accommodation.

      This trip also includes a stay at a Deluxe-grade eco lodge, in addition to classic-grade comfortable and characterful lodging in B&Bs, family-run hotels or guesthouses, both in towns as well as in rural communities.

      Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms, which are en-suite with a shower. Single rooms may be available at additional cost.

      Meals Read More

      Each morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. You will be able to order a packed lunch for each day on the trail at your accommodation each evening or pick it up at recommended local cafes.

      Inclusions Read More

      This self guided trip includes the following:

      • 5 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs, and boutique hotels
      • Breakfast each morning (barring Day 1) in your accommodation or a local cafes
      • All luggage transfers
      • Transfer to and from Dublin city / airport at the start and end of the trip
      • Access to the pool at the thermal suite at the final hotel*
      • Route notes, OS maps and trail guides
      • 24/7 phone support
      Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well-maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

      More challenging days are interspersed with lower-level valleys, bogs, coastal and/or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way. Though the ascents are between 300m – 800m on this trip, the mileage on this trip is longer, with most days between 18-26 km (11-16 miles).

      Can you comfortably hike for around 14 miles (20 km) with the occasional longer day? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      Arrival Info

      • You will be met at your chosen location in Dublin City or at Dublin Airport on the morning of your first day, and transferred to Johnny Fox’s pub, a short walk from Wicklow Way trailhead.

      Departure Info

      • You will be collected and transferred to Dublin City or Dublin Airport before 12.00pm on the final day of your trip. Extended stays at the eco-lodge or in Dublin City can be arranged.

      Speak to an Expert

      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, particularly the northwest corner. Louise is one of the team’s expert trip designers – 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

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well-maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

      More challenging days are interspersed with lower-level valleys, bogs, coastal and/or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way. Though the ascents are between 300m – 800m on this trip, the mileage on this trip is longer, with most days between 18-26 km (11-16 miles).

      Can you comfortably hike for around 14 miles (20 km) with the occasional longer day? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 18 review(s) of Self Guided – The Wicklow Way

       

      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.

      GH

      George Hymas

      Reviewed on 19/10/2023

      Age: 80 - 90
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 05/10/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I would happily do it again, I really enjoyed myself even through the difficult weather day. At 80 years old I still enjoy traveling on foot and the Wicklow Way gave me the opportunity to continue my hiking with fellow travelers. I would urge caution when using sections off trail, the roads are very narrow in some areas and vehicles sometimes do not expect pedestrians to be on the roads. I had several close calls with lorries. If you are considering an Ireland vacation contact Wilderness Ireland, you won't be disappointed.

      LS

      Lisa Samson

      Reviewed on 17/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: USA
      Trip Date: 03/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      PL

      Paul Lusmore

      Reviewed on 10/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Trip Date: 03/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

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