Challenging 7 Days / 6 Nights Walking

Wicklow Way Full 7 Days

The complete end-to-end trek

Starting From €885 per person

Imagine walking into Dublin after seven days on the trail—your boots dusty, your legs strong, your heart full. That's what awaits you on the complete Wicklow Way. This is Ireland's original long-distance walking trail, and you're about to experience every single kilometre of it. From the quiet borderlands near Clonegal to the urban adventure of finishing in Dublin, you'll traverse 130 kilometres through valleys that have barely changed in a thousand years. Ancient monastic settlements, glacial landscapes that take your breath away, and remote mountain ridges where you'll feel genuinely wild—this is the full Wicklow experience, unedited and unforgettable.

This isn't a "best bits" tour. You're walking the entire Wicklow Way as it was meant to be walked, staying in comfortable country accommodation each night while we handle the logistics. Your luggage travels ahead, your breakfast fuels your day, and you simply walk. Some days push you—31 kilometres with 800 metres of climbing will test your fitness—but the reward is immense. You'll earn this one, and you'll remember it forever.

The Wicklow Way was Ireland's first waymarked walking trail, and it still sets the standard. It remains refreshingly unspoilt because most walkers attempt partial sections. But you're going all the way. You're joining a small, hardy group of walkers who want the genuine, complete experience. Over seven days, you'll accumulate over 3,500 metres of elevation gain, navigate ancient military roads, stand at the edge of Ireland's longest glacial valley, and finally emerge from mountains into the bustle of Dublin—a transition that feels almost like stepping between two worlds.

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Highlights

Glendalough's Monastic Magic

Walk into the heart of Ireland's most spiritually significant mountain valley. The round tower and ancient churches rise from mist and silence. You'll understand why monks chose this place to build their city of stone.

Glenmalure Valley — Europe's Gateway

Ireland's longest and deepest glacial valley. Walking here feels like stepping back into the Ice Age. Steep cliffs bracket rolling moorland, and the silence is profound. This is raw, ancient Ireland.

The Spinc Ridge

One of the most exhilarating stretches on the entire trail. Narrow, dramatic, with views that stretch across multiple counties. Your heart will race, and you won't want it to end.

Walking Into Dublin

Finish your Wicklow Way adventure by walking into Ireland's capital. The final sections bring you from wild mountains into Marlay Park and Dublin's urban landscape — a finale that's both triumphant and unexpectedly moving.

Who Is This For?

This is the tour for walkers who don't do "light" versions. You want the complete experience, the full distance, the real Wicklow Way. You're fit enough for daily walks of 22 to 31 kilometres, with days that regularly involve 800+ metres of climbing. This isn't casual countryside rambling—it's proper hill walking with serious distances and significant elevation. If you've completed other multi-day treks or regularly do long day hikes, you're ready.

You're the type who loves a challenge but doesn't need it to be extreme. You appreciate comfort at the end of the day—a hot shower, a warm bed, a full Irish breakfast—but you're absolutely happy to earn it through hours on the trail. You value the support of experienced guides, the security of knowing your luggage will be waiting, and the camaraderie of a small group (just 1-8 walkers) who are all committed to the same goal.

Most importantly, you want the *whole story*. You're not interested in highlights or shortcuts. You want to walk the complete Wicklow Way—all 130 kilometres, every valley, every ridge—and arrive in Dublin with the knowledge that you've done something genuinely significant. You want the satisfaction of saying, "I walked the entire Wicklow Way," and meaning it completely.

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Bunclody

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Arrive in the village of Bunclody and settle into your first night's accommodation. Bunclody sits on the edge of the Blackstairs Mountains and is a quiet, friendly base for your trip — a Georgian main street, a couple of good pubs, the river Slaney running through the centre, and Mount Leinster rising to the south.

We will provide you with information on how to get here using public transport in your pre-departure pack — or talk to us about private transfer options from Dublin Airport, the closest entry point. Bunclody is roughly 90 minutes by road south of Dublin.

Spend the evening getting ready for tomorrow — gentle terrain to start, a chance to find your rhythm before the bigger mountain days that follow.

Day 2

Clonegal to Tallon's Pub — 25 km | 540m Ascent | 6–8 Hours

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pin_drop Clonegal → Tallons Pubhiking 25.7 kmlandscape ↑708mlandscape ↓621m

Your Wicklow Way truly begins. Leave Clonegal behind and climb into moorland. The trail shows its character immediately—open ridges, ancient pathways, the sense of entering somewhere special. You'll walk the Carlow border country, pass through mixed woodland, and arrive at Tallon's Pub as the light softens. A proper first day: long enough to establish your pace, not so brutal that doubt creeps in. Your legs will feel it, but pleasantly.

Day 3

Tallon's Pub to Iron Bridge — 26 km | 580m Ascent | 7–9 Hours

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pin_drop Tallons Pub → Moynehiking 15.9 kmlandscape ↑480mlandscape ↓464mschedule 4h

Now the Wicklow Mountains proper begin their reveal. This stage takes you deeper into the uplands, past historic viewpoints and into increasingly dramatic terrain. The Shillelagh Hills open before you. You'll cross streams fed by mountain springs and navigate paths that locals have walked for centuries. Iron Bridge emerges as your reward—a small settlement with surprising warmth and character. Your accommodation awaits; so does a sense that you're truly committed now.

Day 4

Iron Bridge to Glendalough — 31 km | 800m Ascent | 7–10 Hours

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pin_drop Iron Bridge, Ballyteige → Glendaloughhiking 26.4 kmlandscape ↑1134mlandscape ↓1177mschedule 7h 12m

This is your big day, and it's glorious. This stage takes you through some of the Wicklow Way's most iconic landscapes. You'll climb to dramatic ridges, traverse the edge of deep valleys, and finally descend into Glendalough—Ireland's most sacred mountain valley. The ancient monastic city rises before you: a round tower, stone churches, the weight of 1,500 years of history. Walking this final descent into Glendalough is one of the great moments of the Wicklow Way. Your legs will ache beautifully. Rest well; you've earned it.

Day 5

Glendalough to Enniskerry — 26–29 km | 950–1,250m Ascent | 7–10 Hours

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pin_drop Laragh Village → Roundwoodhiking 16.2 kmlandscape ↑576mlandscape ↓494m

The most elevated day, both literally and emotionally. You're leaving Glendalough's spiritual calm and climbing into raw mountain wilderness. This is where you'll encounter Glenmalure Valley—Ireland's longest and deepest glacial valley. The cliffs are sudden and dramatic. The silence is profound. You'll traverse the Spinc Ridge, a narrow, thrilling section that feels like walking the spine of the earth. The ascent is significant—nearly a vertical kilometre—but the views and sense of achievement make it unforgettable. Enniskerry, a charming village on Dublin's edge, marks your arrival back toward civilization.

Day 6

Enniskerry to Marlay Park — 22 km | 520m Ascent | 6–8 Hours

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pin_drop Glencree Road → Marlay Parkhiking 17.2 kmlandscape ↑517mlandscape ↓680m

The final day of walking feels different—knowing the trail ends, you'll absorb everything more intensely. This stage descends from mountain terrain into the foothills, and gradually, Dublin's presence increases. You'll pass through forests, walk along streams, and finally enter Marlay Park. This is your finish line: a beautiful green space on Dublin's southern edge, where urban and wild meet. Walk through those gates knowing you've done something remarkable.

Day 7

Departure from Dublin

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Your walking is complete. Depart from Dublin with memories, tired legs, and the quiet satisfaction of having walked every kilometre of Ireland's most iconic trail. Share contact details with your group—many walkers stay in touch, bonded by the week's shared challenge.

Accommodation

Every night, you'll stay in carefully selected 3-star minimum en-suite accommodation. These aren't corporate hotels—they're country houses, village hotels, and family-run inns where you're welcomed as a guest, not a booking reference. Each place has been chosen because the owners understand walkers: hearty breakfasts, hot water that works properly, beds that feel genuinely comfortable after a long day.

Your room is yours alone—you'll have privacy and the luxury of a hot shower. We handle all luggage transfers, so your pack contains only what you need for the day. Breakfast is full Irish every morning: eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, tomatoes, toast, and unlimited tea or coffee. It's the fuel that powers your next stage. Dinners and lunches are yours to discover—part of the adventure is exploring village restaurants and local pubs. Your guides have recommendations, but the choice is yours.

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What's Included

check_circle What's Included

doneAccommodation: Seven nights in 3-star minimum en-suite rooms
doneBreakfast: Full Irish breakfast daily
doneLogistics: Complete luggage transfer service between each night's accommodation
doneNavigation: Detailed route notes and waterproof walking maps for each stage
doneSafety: 24/7 emergency contact number and guide support
donePre-Departure: Comprehensive information pack with packing advice, trail details, and accommodation information
doneGroup Size: Maximum 8 walkers, ensuring personal attention and a genuine group experience

block Not Included

closeFlights to and from Ireland
closeTravel Insurance (essential—we strongly recommend comprehensive cover)
closeLunches: You'll pack a picnic or stop at village shops during walking days
closeEvening Meals: Dinners are yours to choose—your guides recommend local restaurants
closePersonal Items: Anything not explicitly listed above

Best Time to Visit

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

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.

From

€885 per person

Based on 2 sharing

Preferred Start Date

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Book at least 20 days in advance

Number of Walkers

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Cliff & Louise

Your Personal Hosts

Have a question about this tour? We've walked it dozens of times and love helping you plan your trip.

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What Our Walkers Say

★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 verified reviews

Read all 3 reviews arrow_forward

★★★★★

"Excellent organisation on the Wicklow Way. Great B&Bs and clear daily routes."

Sophie Laurent

France

★★★★★

"The Wicklow Way was very well organised. Clear communication, smooth luggage transfers, and great places to stay each night."

David Thompson

Canada

★★★★★

"The Wicklow Way is a perfect introduction to walking in Ireland. Cliff organised a smooth itinerary with manageable daily distances. The route moved through forests, hills, and quiet countryside. Each evening we stayed in friendly B&Bs with great food nearby. The app provided..."

James Walker

USA

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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