8-Day / 7-Night Challenging (Wicklow Way) 🥾

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Bunclody.

After a transfer to Clonegal, you set out from a small park, marking the start of the Wicklow Way. Relax into the walk with some easy kilometres on quiet country roads, soon crossing the border from County Carlow into Wicklow. Then, some nice steady climbs and descents through woodland and forestry, including a good climb over the shoulder of Agawhole Upper and down to Raheenakit crossroads. The rest of the day follows meandering country lanes surrounded by pastures and rolling countryside, with a final descent to Tallon’s ‘Dying Cow’ Pub, for well-earned refreshments.

Your day starts with a transfer to Tallon’s Pub. From there an old boreen leads you to a bridge over the Derry River. The grassy Coolafunshoge Lane brings you from there through woodlands around Ballycumber Hill before you skirt the tiny village of Moyne. The trail leads through forestry around Ballygobban Mountain and then down to the Ow River Valley and Iron Bridge, from where you will be transferred to your B&B.

There is plenty of climbing today, but as you are up at a height for most of the day, you are rewarded with stunning views of the area. A long gradual climb up from Iron Bridge, through forestry and passing Mucklagh Hut, until you reach the lower slopes of Slieve Maan. Then a long descent through forestry all the way down into Glenmalure. Then, a gradual climb up the northern slopes of Glenmalure, offering excellent views of Lugnaquilla, the tallest mountain in Wicklow. After passing through Lugduff Gap, the path follows the Wicklow Way and descends past Poulanass Waterfall before arriving at to the Monastic ‘City’ of Glendalough.

Today’s hike is arguably one of the most well-known walks in Ireland and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Wicklow. After a visit to the peaceful valley of Glendasan, you follow the Miners Road in Glendalough to the old ‘miner’s village.’ An invigorating long climb brings you to a bridge at the top of the valley, a picturesque area that is home to deer and wild goats. From here, hundreds of wooden steps lead to a ridge above the lake with stunning views back towards Glendalough. Descend via the pretty Poulanass Waterfall to the Upper Lake and then return on a wide forest trail (‘Green Road’) along the lower lake to the monastic village and the visitor centre.

If you would like more of a challenge you can combine this hike with a loop walk over Trooperstown Hill which will add 10km and 390m of ascent (+3-5hrs).

Leaving the ancient Monastic City behind, you ascend through dense forestry before crossing the Glenmacnass River. From here, you make your way up Paddock Hill and then down into Oldbridge. If the weather is clear, you can follow an optional detour over Scarr Mountain (641m). Viewpoints on both sides of the trail showcase panoramic views and allow appreciation for how far you have come.

The route passes above iconic Lough Tay, the famous Guinness Lake and the setting for many movies and TV series. From there you climb up to White Hill and around the bulk of Djouce mountain (or visit the summit) before descending into Crone Woods, with spectacular views of Powerscourt Waterfall. You may wish to detour at the end of the walk to visit the famous waterfall up close. A short transfer will bring you to your B&B.

Today starts with a walk through the woods and along a peaceful riverside. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way! As you ascend Prince William’s Seat, you will be rewarded with panoramic views across Dublin City and the Bay. Follow the trail as you cross into County Dublin. An optional detour will bring you to the infamous Johnnie Fox’s pub for refreshments with a stunning view, at ‘Ireland’s highest pub’.

Continue towards the Dublin Mountains, with a longer road section near Glencullen. An optional climb of Fairy Castle Mountain will offer views as far as Holyhead in Wales on a clear day. The transition from mountains to city is surprisingly quick, and you will soon be at the Wicklow Way finishing point after a peaceful stroll through Marlay Park, from where you can get a taxi transfer to your accommodation.

There are regular bus and train services to Dublin City Centre and to Dublin Airport. Your hosts can usually provide the most accurate local details, but if you need additional guidance, our team is happy to help.