8 Day Wicklow Way Walking Tour

Welcome to Tinahely, a picturesque village nestled in the rolling hills of South Wicklow and your gateway to Ireland's oldest long-distance trail. With its traditional shops, peaceful setting, and warm rural welcome, "The Garden of Ireland" is the perfect introduction.

We will provide you with all the transport information to get there or can book you a transfer from the airport.

After settling into your accommodation in Tinahely or nearby Aughrim, stretch your legs on one of the gentle Tinahely Loop Walks — short trails through farmland and forest that ease you into the landscape ahead. In the evening, head to Murphy's Hotel & Pub for hearty Irish fare and lively chat, or enjoy a quieter pint at O'Connor's Bar & Lounge in Dwyer Square.

Rest well; your Wicklow Way adventure begins tomorrow!

Your Wicklow Way journey begins with a short morning transfer to Tallons Pub in Shillelagh. From here, the trail offers a gentle introduction to the Wicklow Way, winding through mature woodlands, across rolling farmland, and over open hillsides scattered with grazing sheep and old stone walls.

Shaded forest tracks alternate with breezy ridges and expansive views over Wicklow's southern foothills, giving you a real taste of the variety to come. The stage finishes near Moyne, a peaceful rural area where your accommodation awaits for the night.

Highlights: the iconic start at Tallons Pub; ancient woodland trails; sweeping foothill views; and the rural charm of Moyne.

Today, you move from the gentle countryside into the dramatic heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Starting in the tranquil Ow River Valley, you climb steadily on forests and open tracks toward Carrickashane Mountain, where sweeping views unfold.

On clear days, Lugnaquilla, Wicklow's highest peak (925 m), reveals itself on the horizon. The route then descends into Glenmalure, Ireland's longest glacial valley, carved over millennia and once a stronghold of Irish rebels.

The steep valley walls and meandering Avonbeg River make for a memorable finale. Prefer a shorter day? A transfer to Iron Bridge can be arranged with Margaret at Kyle Farm for a small fee, leaving you a more relaxed walk into Glenmalure, where comfort and quiet await.

Today's walk leads from wild Glenmalure into the historic Glendalough Valley. A steady climb on forest tracks takes you past the impressive Glenmalure Waterfall before rising to the uplands of Mullacor Mountain, with sweeping views across Wicklow's rugged peaks and, on clear days, a glimpse of the Irish Sea.

The trail then descends into the peaceful Valley of the Two Lakes, where the sixth-century monastic ruins of St Kevin's Settlement—round towers, churches, and lakeside paths—offer a moving blend of history and landscape. Tonight you stay in Laragh, where warm hospitality awaits.

Note: your accommodation may be up to 2.5 km from the trailhead; we can arrange transfers if needed.

Leaving Glendalough behind, you climb into the heart of the Wicklow highlands. The path rises beside the still waters of the Upper Lake, through native forest and onto open mountain slopes, where a wooden boardwalk carries you safely across upland blanket bogs.

A panoramic ridgeline walk follows, threading some of Ireland's most stunning mountain scenery and culminating in the iconic view of Lough Tay — the dark "Guinness Lake" — framed by steep granite cliffs and a pale sandy shore.

The day finishes in Laragh or near Lough Dan, with a warm meal and a cosy bed waiting after your highland adventure. Highlights: Upper Lake Start, a boardwalk over a blanket bog, wide Wicklow vistas, and the unmistakable Lough Tay viewpoint.

Today's walk crosses cinematic mountain country made famous by films such as Braveheart and King Arthur. Starting high above Lough Tay, with views also reaching Lough Dan, the trail winds along the slopes of Djouce Mountain, one of Wicklow's most recognisable peaks.

Pause at the J.B. Malone memorial, dedicated to the founder of the Wicklow Way, before the path opens to views over the Powerscourt Estate and a distant glimpse of Ireland's highest waterfall, plunging 121 metres down a rugged cliff.

The day comes to a close with a descent through the towering pines of Crone Wood, offering wide outlooks over the Glencree Valley. Alpine Taxi will collect you at Crone Wood car park and transfer you to your accommodation near Enniskerry.

Your final day on the Wicklow Way delivers a triumphant finish. After a short morning transfer back to Crone Wood, you climb to Prince William's Seat for sweeping panoramas spanning Dublin City, Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea.

As you cross the northern Wicklow hills, turn back one last time to admire the valleys and peaks you've conquered over the past week. The trail then descends gradually from wild hillsides into the green calm of Marlay Park — a 300-acre parkland of woodland paths and open lawns that marks the official northern terminus of the Wicklow Way.

A celebratory finish to an unforgettable journey. You'll be collected at Marlay Park and transferred to your final accommodation in Dublin.

After a hearty Dublin breakfast, it's time to say farewell. Take a moment to reflect on the landscapes you've covered, the villages you've passed through and the friends you've met along the way.

If your schedule allows, take an extra day or two to enjoy Dublin's vibrant mix of Georgian streets, literary landmarks, galleries, cosy pubs, and lively markets, a perfect counterpoint to your week in the hills.

Need help with an extra night? Just let us know — we're always delighted to help.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Ireland's trails soon.