3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in guesthouses
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

7 Days£1140GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: JI7

Trip highlights

  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Lough Tay & Powerscourt Waterfall
  • 6th century Monastic City
  • Beautiful Glenmalure
  • City sights of Dublin
  • Start in the historic village of Tinahely
  • Walk South to North For A Finish in Dublin
  • Week-long walk near Dublin

The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago and reveals some of Irelands finest views; Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of 127 kilometres (79 miles). The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular upland areas. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin. This is a shortened version of the walk with a start in Tinahely. If you want to complete the full Wicklow Way walk, please refer to the 9-day option with trip code JIW.

The Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. Hiking near Dublin means a straightforward connection to the start of your trip, which is the beautiful village of Tinahely. Take a look at the historic market building, courthouse and shops as well as getting a flavour of the local hospitality in the pub and restaurant. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquilla (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley.

This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up Glenmalure hamlet. If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mullacor Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets us underway on the road to Old Bridge near Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village and then we head off across the moors and mountains to our accommodation near the village of Enniskerry. this walk is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guinness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country.

The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.

Countries:

Ireland

Starting Point:

Rathdrum

Finishing Point:

Marlay Park

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

From Dublin, take the train to Rathdrum. You will be picked up at the station and transported to Tinahely. Transport time from Dublin to Rathdrum is approx 1.5 hours

Meals:  B

This section of the Wicklow Way undulates around Ballycumber Hill taking in some fantastic views of the adjoining counties like Carlow and Wexford; it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort. The walk finishes in the upper Derry Valley at Sandyford Bridge from where there are different accommodations in the Moyne area. Ascent: 500m Descent: 370m (to Kyle)

Meals:  B

An ethereal section of the Wicklow Way, that winds you through forest trails and into two spectacular vales; the Ow and the Glenmalure Valleys. The day is hilly and there are lots of forests, but there is also a high level moorland alternative for good weather only. The first part of the The Ow Valley lies at the base of Wicklow's largest Mountain; Lugnaquilla standing at 925m. Eventually you wind down into The beautiful Glenmalure Valley which is Ireland's longest glacier valley, stretching for over 16km, at the bottom there is the village of Drumgoff, with a famous Inn recalling the life and times of Michael Dwyer, who hid in the valley and fought the crown in 1798 to get an assisted place to Australia. You will spend the night in this valley, either at the Inn or B&Bs nearby. Ascent from Moyne: 1040m Descent via the Wicklow Way: 1121m

Meals:  B

Probably the most spectacular day. The trail takes you steadily up out of the valley and as you climb, the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the famous Glenmalure Waterfall will simply take your breath away. The trail crosses the side of Mullacor Mountain and then there are 3 possible routes down into the valley of Glendalough which has lakes. Two of the options take you away from the Wicklow Way to discover the valley edge views from an area called The Spinc. From here there are wooden walkways down to the old miner's village at the Upper Lake. Whichever route you take, eventually you reach Glendalough famous for its 6th century Monastic Settlement with pencil like Roundtowers, which you will be able to visit on your way. You will stay near Glendalough, usually in the village of Laragh. Basic Ascent: 450m If you do the full mines walk. Ascent: 1150m Descent: 1100m

Meals:  B

The beauty of the walk does not let up. From Glendalough/Laragh you can either walk direct (note that the distance in this case is 28.6km /17.7miles) or there is a short optional transfer to Oldbridge for a short cut from where you head up around two more lakes, Loughs Dan and Tay, gradually climbing out of forest with potentially good views as you come over White Hill 635m. Then there is the option to climb Djouce Hill (733m). The trail then descends off the high moors passing the Powerscourt waterfall and into the attractive Crone Woods. From here walk towards Enniskerry, our B&Bs are scattered in this rural area. *Please note that our normal accommodation near Enniskerry is 3km off route, this is reflected in the distances quoted. One of the longest walks but a classic. Enniskerry is situated on the doorstep of Dublin.

Meals:  B

(*Note that it is 3km from the the usual accommodation back to the trail making today around 23km /14.3miles). This last section takes you round through the forests of Glencullen Mountain, dropping down steeply to cross the Clencullen River before a steep final ascent over Prince William's Seat where you will have stunning views over most of Dublin City, the Irish Sea and your final views back into the Wicklow Hills. Your trip finishes on a splendid trail that leads you into Marlay Park, from where buses or taxis can take you into central Dublin for an evening of celebration having completed the route Ascent: 960m Descent: 1046ft

Meals:  B

After a hearty breakfast you can take a bus or taxi into Dublin City or on towards the airport.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts
  • 6 nights accommodation in guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer
  • Information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • Arrival transfer from Rathdrum to Tinahely.

  • Dinner, lunch & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the Rathdrum on arrival day and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Excess Luggage
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Suitability

moderate

3

This tour is suitable for those who have had some experience of walking and are in good general physical condition. There are ascents and descents on stepped trails, although most days are not too long, some people will find this tiring in warm weather (grade 3).

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 20 Oct

Notes

NB:
9-day version available (code JIW).
Note:
Staying in Dublin on a Friday & Saturday night in July & August will incur an extra upgrade charge.
DN3
Please note that minor changes to your 2024 itinerary may apply.

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • 2025 Single Room SupplementGBP£480
  • 2025 Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£610
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.