The Wicklow Way
Ireland's first long-distance trail: 127km through granite mountains, glacial valleys and ancient monasteries, crossing one of Europe's largest upland national parks before finishing in Dublin.
About the Region
The Wicklow Way was Ireland's first long-distance walking trail and remains one of its finest. Running 127km from Clonegal in County Carlow north through the Wicklow Mountains to Marlay Park on Dublin's southern edge, the trail crosses granite ridges, glacial valleys, blanket bog and ancient monastic landscapes. The Wicklow Mountains are the backbone of this walk: Ireland's largest upland area, carved by ice into deep valleys and ribbon lakes that feel genuinely remote despite sitting less than an hour from Dublin. We walk this trail regularly and it never loses its hold on us.
Quick Facts
The Wicklow Way: South to North
We run the Wicklow Way from south to north, starting in Clonegal where the trail begins at the edge of County Carlow. This direction builds beautifully: early days wind through the gentle Carlow and south Wicklow foothills, open farmland and quiet lanes that ease you into the rhythm of multi-day walking.
As the trail moves north, the terrain changes decisively. You climb into the Wicklow Mountains proper, crossing blanket bog and exposed granite ridges that feel wild and elemental. The descent into Glenmalure, one of Ireland's deepest glacial valleys, is a powerful moment: a steep, wooded ravine where the 1798 rebels held out against British forces, and where the landscape still carries a sense of fierce independence.
From Glenmalure, the trail climbs again to Glendalough, the emotional and historical heart of the walk. The 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin sits in a steep-sided valley between two glacial lakes, ringed by granite peaks. We always recommend spending extra time here. The trail continues north over Djouce Mountain (725m) with views across the Irish Sea to Wales on clear days, then descends through Crone Wood and the Glencree Valley. The final stage drops through Enniskerry and suburban parkland to Marlay Park on Dublin's southern edge.
Most walkers complete the full trail in 6 to 8 days, covering 16 to 22km daily. We arrange accommodation in Tinahely, Glenmalure, Laragh, Roundwood and Enniskerry, with luggage transfers between each stop so you walk with just a daypack.
The Landscape
Granite mountains rise from deep glacial valleys carved over 10,000 years of ice retreat. Upper ridges above 600m open to blanket bog and exposed rock with views extending to Wales. Lower slopes are oak, beech and birch woodland that turns golden in autumn. Ribbon lakes fill the valley floors: dark, peat-stained water reflecting mountain walls. Sika deer cross the moorland at dawn, peregrine falcons hunt the cliff faces, and red squirrels are returning to the native woodlands.
Points of Interest
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Glendalough
6th-century monastic settlement with round tower, seven churches and two glacial lakes in a mountain valley
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Spinc Ridge
High-level loop trail above Glendalough's Upper Lake with views across the national park
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Lugnaquilla
Highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains at 925m, a full mountain day with panoramic summit views
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Lough Tay
The Guinness Lake, a dark glacial lake below Luggala Mountain with white sand beach
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Powerscourt Estate
National Geographic top-3 gardens and Ireland's highest waterfall near Enniskerry
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Glenmalure
Deep glacial valley and 1798 Rebellion stronghold, one of the wildest places in eastern Ireland
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Djouce Mountain
725m summit on the Wicklow Way with views across the Irish Sea to Wales
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South Leinster Way
Walking link from Clonegal to Borris connecting the Wicklow Way to the Barrow Way via the E8 route
Walking Difficulty
The Wicklow Way itself is moderate, well waymarked and achievable for any reasonably fit walker. Mountain day walks off the main trail range from moderate to challenging with significant ascent and exposed terrain.
Best Time to Visit
Choose your ideal season based on weather, crowds, and daylight hours.
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Culture & Heritage
Glendalough's 6th-century monastic settlement is one of Ireland's most important early Christian sites: a round tower, seven churches and two glacial lakes in a setting that explains why monks chose this valley. The 1798 Rebellion left its mark across these mountains, particularly in Glenmalure. For food, try Wicklow lamb from the mountain farms, artisan cheese from the Wicklow Way area, and visit Avoca Handweavers, Ireland's oldest working mill. Powerscourt Distillery near Enniskerry produces excellent Irish whiskey.
Getting Here
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the arrival point. Bus Éireann operates services to Kildavin and Clonegal for the southern trailhead. The trail finishes at Marlay Park, accessible by Dublin Bus. We provide full transfer and logistics guidance with every booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a self-guided walking holiday? expand_more
Our self-guided tours include: carefully selected family-run B&B accommodation, comfortable en-suite bedrooms (where available), a full Irish breakfast each morning, complimentary luggage transfers between accommodations, detailed maps and route notes, local advice on places to visit and eat, full pre-departure information, a waterproof map case, and 24/7 local emergency contact support. Extra nights and local transport information can be arranged on request.
What is NOT included in the tour price? expand_more
The tour price does not include flights, travel and baggage insurance, lunches, or evening meals.
Is a GPS app or digital navigation included? expand_more
Yes. Our tours include a digital route guide with GPS navigation, offline maps, and local insights via our mobile app, so you can navigate confidently even without mobile signal.
Is 24/7 emergency support really available? expand_more
Yes. Our team provides 24/7 local emergency contact support throughout your tour. If you encounter any difficulties on the trail or with your accommodation, you can reach us at any time.
Are evening meals included? expand_more
Evening meals are not included in the standard tour price. Your B&B hosts can usually recommend nearby restaurants, and many guesthouses can arrange an evening meal on request.
Are lunches included? expand_more
Lunches are not included. However, you will typically have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches, and we provide local advice on where to eat along the route.
What is the difference between a self-guided and a guided walking tour? expand_more
On a self-guided tour, you walk independently using our detailed maps, route notes, and GPS app, with your luggage transferred each day and 24/7 support available. A guided tour provides a local expert guide who walks with you, shares local knowledge, stories and history, and ensures you stay on track and safe. Guided tours also include built-in companionship with fellow walkers.
Which type of tour is best for first-time visitors to Ireland? expand_more
For first-time visitors, a guided tour is often recommended, as it provides expert support, helps you learn the trails, and offers the chance to meet other walkers. Experienced hikers frequently prefer the freedom and flexibility of self-guided tours at their own pace.
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