The Wicklow Mountains
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 Wicklow Mountains
Your guide to walking in this stunning region
The Wicklow Way was Ireland's first long-distance walking trail and remains one of its finest. Running 127 kilometres 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 bogs, 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. It never loses its hold on us.
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.
Glenmalure and Glendalough
The descent into Glenmalure is a powerful moment. This steep, wooded ravine is one of Ireland's deepest glacial valleys, where the 1798 rebels held out against British forces. 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 Northern Wicklow Mountains
The trail continues north over Djouce Mountain at 725 metres, with views across the Irish Sea to Wales on clear days. It then descends through Crone Wood and the open Glencree Valley before dropping through Enniskerry and into the parkland approaches to Dublin.
The final stage arrives at Marlay Park on Dublin's southern edge, 127km from where you started in Clonegal.
Practicalities
Most walkers complete the full trail in 6 to 8 days, covering 16 to 22km daily. We book accommodation in Tinahely, Glenmalure, Laragh, Roundwood and Enniskerry, with luggage transfers between each stop so you walk with just a daypack.
info Walking Area Quick Facts
Difficulty
Duration
5–8 days
Season
From April to October
Accommodation
B&B & Guesthouses
Walking Tours
5 tours available
Included in Every Tour
- ✓Accommodation: Welcoming en-suite B&B rooms
- ✓Breakfast: Full Irish breakfast every morning
- ✓Luggage Transfer: Daily transfer of your main bag between accommodations
- ✓Personalised itinerary and route app for your smartphone
- ✓Support: 24/7 emergency support throughout your holiday
- ✓Pre-Departure Pack: Information pack sent before you travel
Not Included
- ✗Flights: Travel to Ireland is not included
- ✗Insurance: You'll need travel and walking holiday insurance
- ✗Meals: Lunches and dinners are not included
Walking Tours in The Wicklow Mountains
Self-guided walking holidays with accommodation and luggage transfers included
The Landscape
Granite mountains rise from deep glacial valleys carved over 10,000 years of ice retreat. Upper ridges above 600 meters are open to blanket bogs and exposed rock, with views on clear days stretching east across the Irish Sea to Wales.
Lower slopes are covered in oak, beech, and birch woodlands that turn golden in autumn. Ribbon lakes fill the valley floors, their dark, peat-stained water reflecting the mountain walls above.
Sika deer cross the moorland at dawn. Peregrine falcons hunt the cliff faces. Red squirrels are returning to the native woodlands.
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 sit together in a valley setting; that explains why St. Kevin chose this place above all others.
The 1798 Rebellion left its mark across these mountains, particularly in Glenmalure, where the landscape itself feels like a last stand.
For food, look out for Wicklow lamb from the mountain farms and artisan cheese produced in the hills along the route. Avoca Handweavers, Ireland's oldest working mill, sits just off the trail and is worth the short detour. Powerscourt Distillery near Enniskerry produces excellent Irish whisky, a fine way to end a long day on the hills.
Points of Interest
Key highlights you'll discover in The Wicklow Mountains
Glendalough
A 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin, set in a steep-sided glacial valley between two ribbon lakes and ringed by granite peaks. One of Ireland's most significant early Christian sites and one of the most atmospheric places on the entire trail.
Glenmalure
Ireland's longest glacial valley, deep, wooded and genuinely remote despite its proximity to Dublin. This is where 1798 rebels held out against British forces, and the landscape still carries a sense of fierce independence.
Djouce Mountain
At 725 metres, one of the high points of the trail in every sense. On clear days the views stretch across the Irish Sea to the mountains of Wales.
Marlay Park
The northern terminus of the Wicklow Way, on Dublin's southern edge. Reaching it after 127km of granite ridges, bog and glacial valleys is a moment worth savouring.
Things to Do in The Wicklow Mountains
Top activities and experiences in the area
Walking the full 127km Wicklow Way
South to north from Clonegal to Marlay Park over 6 to 8 days, crossing blanket bog, granite ridges and glacial valleys. Ireland's first long-distance trail and still one of its best.
Exploring Glendalough Monastic Site
The 6th-century settlement founded by St Kevin includes a round tower, stone churches and two glacial lakes within easy walking distance of each other. We always recommend building extra time into your stay here.
Descent into Glenmalure
One of the trail's most dramatic moments, a steep wooded descent into Ireland's deepest glacial valley. The history, the silence and the scale of it stay with you long after you leave.
Crone Wood and Glencree Valley
A beautiful stretch of ancient oak woodland and open valley in the northern Wicklow Mountains. A welcome contrast to the exposed ridges and a fine way to ease into the final stages of the trail.
Best Time to Visit
The walking season runs April to October. May and June are our top picks, long evenings, wildflowers on the moorland and lighter trail traffic make these months hard to beat.
September brings golden light, quieter trails and easier accommodation booking. July and August are the warmest months, but Glendalough gets busy. Book accommodation well ahead if you are travelling in peak summer.
Time your visit with a festival. Many trails host walking festivals throughout the season — see our complete 2026 walking festivals calendar to plan around one.
Who Is It For?
The Wicklow Way suits first-time long-distance walkers as much as experienced trekkers. The main trail is moderate and well waymarked, while side routes offer serious mountain days for those who want more.
Couples and small groups with mixed abilities do well here. There is always an option to match the day with the walk.
Literary and history enthusiasts will find plenty of depth, at Glendalough, in the 1798 Rebellion landscapes of Glenmalure, and in the quiet monastic ruins scattered across the hills. Dublin sits on the doorstep, making logistics straightforward and the journey home easy.
Where You'll Stay
We book quality guesthouses and B&Bs at each stop along the route, in Tinahely, Glenmalure, Laragh, Roundwood and Enniskerry. These are family-run properties where hosts understand what walkers need at the end of a long day.
Breakfast is included at every stop. Your bags are transferred ahead each day, so you only carry a light daypack on the trail.
Getting Here
By Air
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main arrival point, with flights from across Europe and North America
By Bus
Bus Éireann operates services to Kildavin and Clonegal for the southern trailhead
The trail finishes at Marlay Park on Dublin's southern edge, served by Dublin Bus
Plan your full journey at Transport for Ireland
We Handle the Details Full transfer and logistics details are included in your pre-departure pack. You arrive knowing exactly where to go and how to get there.
Travel Tips
lightbulb Respect the bog sections expand_more
Blanket bog looks firm but can be wet and soft underfoot, particularly after rain. Waterproof boots that cover the ankle are essential, and gaiters are worth packing for the higher sections in wet conditions. The exposed ridges between Lugnaquilla and Glendalough can be boggy for long stretches even after dry spells.
backpack Build extra time into Glendalough expand_more
Most walkers wish they had stayed longer. The 6th-century monastic site, the two glacial lakes and the surrounding peaks reward an unhurried morning. If your itinerary allows, an extra half day here is never wasted — Glendalough is one of the most atmospheric places on any Irish trail, particularly in early morning before the day visitors arrive.
checkroom The weather changes fast on the ridges expand_more
The Wicklow Mountains sit directly in the path of Atlantic fronts and conditions on the exposed granite ridges can shift quickly. Carry full waterproofs and a warm layer regardless of the forecast when you set out. The ridge between Djouce and Scarr is particularly exposed and can feel very different in cloud from the clear-day walk you planned.
Local Food & Drink
Taste the flavours of The Wicklow Mountains
Wicklow mountain lamb
Slow-reared on the upland farms along the route, with a distinctive flavour from heather and wild grasses — look for it on pub menus in Laragh and Roundwood
Artisan Wicklow cheese
Small-batch farmhouse cheeses from the hills along the trail — often served with homemade chutney at your B&B breakfast
Avoca Handweavers café
Ireland's oldest working mill sits just off the trail near Rathdrum, with a café serving excellent homemade soups, bakes and locally sourced lunches
Powerscourt Distillery whiskey
Premium Irish whiskey distilled near Enniskerry — a fine way to end the final walking day before Dublin, with tastings available at the distillery
What Our Walkers Say
Based on 69 verified reviews
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