Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

The total route is 132km and was the brainchild of a Dublin hill walker JB Malone, as early as 1966. The Way opened in 1981 and is one of the better-managed routes in the country, thanks to the Wicklow Uplands Council and local landowners. It is a pleasure to walk, well signposted, with rougher sections of the track graded to prevent erosion. The central section is covered by the Wicklow Mountains National Park - its headquarters are in Glendalough and worth a visit. The route follows on occasion the Military Road, constructed by the British in the early 19 th century to gain access to the lower regions of the county and the Irish rebels hiding within! The main downfall, as with many of the Irish Waymarked Ways, is the use of forest paths and minor roads to avoid walking on private land. While walking in pine forest maybe a relief initially, it does become monotonous. However, it is little enough not to detract from the superb scenery, rugged narrow valleys and spectacular mountains. The route doesn't pass through many towns or villages, so most of the day to day walking is remote. Approximately 20% of the route is on tarred roads.

8-Day Itinerary - Tinahely to Enniskerry

Day 1:  Arrival to Tinahely.
From Dublin Airport, AirLink bus to Connolly Train Station in Dublin city and Irish Rail scheduled service to Rathdrum. Tinahely is a 30 minute transfer from Rathdrum.
Overnight accommodation in Tinahely.

Day 2: Circular Route from Tinahely                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Distance 16km, ascents 270m, approx. walking time 4 hours.
Walk from Tinahely along the old railway track by the Derry River. Follow the Wicklow Way from Stranakelly back to Tinahely.  The route follows tracks and minor roads through gentle farmland as an easy introduction to the Wicklow Way. It is pleasant countryside and a good way to loosen up for the tougher days ahead.
Second night at Tinahely.     

Day 3: Walk Tinahely to Moyne with optional climb of Ballycumber Hill
Distance 14km, ascents 190m, approx. walking time 4 hours with Ballycumber Hill 19km, ascents 400m, approx. walking time 6 hours
Follow Coolafunshogue lane around hills and through the Ballinglen river valley. The Ballincumber route offers excellent views and a challenging climb. Evening meals will be available in your guesthouse tonight.
Overnight Moyne        

Day 5: Walk Drumgoff to Laragh with optional descent via the Spink
Distance 18km, ascents 530m, approx. walking time 6 hours, optional climb 20km, ascents 600m, approx. walking time 7 hours.
Superb views, superb walking, superb 6th century monastic remains at Glendalough; today is one of the tour's highlights. Climbing through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dha Locha, the glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village.
Overnight accommodation in Laragh Village   

Day 6: Walk Laragh to Roundwood with optional Route via Scarr Mountain
Distance 11km, ascents 290m, approx. walking time 3 hours. Via Scarr Mountain 15km, ascents 520m, approx. walking time 5 hours.
A short day allows time to visit the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake. Today's section finishes in Roundwood, Ireland's highest village at 238m.
Accommodation in Roundwood       

Day 7: Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry
Distance 18km, ascents 250m, approx. walking time 5 hours
Wonderful walking, overlooking Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin. Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River Valley and a wonderful riverbank walk.
Overnight Enniskerry    

Day 8: Departure from Enniskerry by public transport to Dublin Airport.
Public transport from Enniskerry to Dublin. AirLink coach to Dublin airport is available from various points in Dublin City Centre.

-- subject to change --

Six Day Itinerary  Glemalure to Enniskerry and Dublin
The trip starts with Day 4 of the 8 day itinerary in Drumgoff  with overnight and then follows the same route. The last day is set aside for exploring Dublin before departure.

10-Day Itinerary:  Bunclody to Enniskerry

Day 1: Dublin to Bunclody. Arrival to Dublin airport. AirLink bus to Busarus, central bus station in Dublin city. Bus Eireann regional service to Bunclody in north Co. Wexford. Bunclody is a pretty town on the banks of the river Slaney.
 
Day 2: Walk Clonegal to Shillelagh 23 km. Ascents 120 m, approx walking time 6 hours
Your host will transfer you to Clonegal, the start of the Wicklow Way; walking is on country roads through Newry forest, Moilishe and Stookeen Hill, into the town land of Mungaculin. Your accommodation for the night will be in the 17th century village of Shillelagh origin of the Irish walking stick cut from the blackthorn tree, "The Shillelagh". Overnight at Strankelly on the Way, near Shillelagh village.

Day 3: Shillelagh to Moyne 18 km.  Ascents 100 m, approx walking time, 5 hours
From Stranakelly, return to country roads past the market town of Tinahely. The Christianising of the area is associated with St. Finian from Co. Westmeath and you will pass his church. Tinahely on the banks of the river Derry was destroyed in the 1798 rebellion, subsequently rebuilt and found a new lease of life with the coming of the railway in 1865. This section of the Wicklow Way takes in some fantastic views back over the area that you have passed through, and the adjacent counties of Carlow and Wexford; it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort.

Day 4: Walk Moyne to Drumgoff (Glenmalure)  21km. Ascents 500m, approx. walking time 6 hours
Optional route over Croaghanmoira Hill Ascents 850m, approx. walking time 6 hours
Good climbing today through the pine forests of the Ow Valley. Drumgoff at the head of the picturesque Glenmalure Valley, provides a refreshing end to the day at the old coaching inn, Glenmalure Lodge. The area is renowned for its rebels and heroes during the 16th and 18th century Irish uprisings. The optional route over Croaghanmoira climbs to 664m and affords glorious views of the Ow and Avonbeg river valleys.

Day 5: Free Day in Drumgoff to explore the Glenmalure Valley
Carriglineen Mountain         8.5km  Ascents 330m, approx. walking time 3 hours
Glenmalure Valley        12km return  Ascents 600m, approx. walking time 5 hours
The valley route takes you through pine forest initially for wonderful views of the deep gorge of the Avonbeg river on the eastern flank of Lugnaquilla, the highest point in the area. The descent follows Carrawaystick Brook as it drains the lough into the Avonbeg 450m below. Carriglineen is an easier route for a good walk coupled with some relaxation at the Lodge!
Ascents of Lugnaquilla are for the experienced hiker and would also start from Glenmalure.

Day 6: Walk Drumgoff to Laragh 18km. Ascents 530m, approx. walking time 6 hours
Optional climb of Mullacor and Derrybawn Mountain 18km Ascents 660m, Approx. walking time 7 hours
Superb views, superb walking, superb 6th century monastic remains at Glendalough; today is one of the tour's highlights. Climbing through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dhá Locha, the glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village.

Day 7: Free day in Laragh / Glendalough
Camaderry Hill 18km Ascents 580m Approx. walking time 7 hours
Upper Lake and Mines 16km Ascents 540m Approx. walking time 6 hours
There are plenty of options today; exploration of the monastic settlement in the valley, including seven churches, a gatehouse, a round tower and the St. Kevin's cell. Hiking options include the two suggested as well as a number of accessible routes, Derrybawn Mountain, Brockagh, the Glendassan Valley or Trooperstown Hill. The area is rich in heritage and history both ecclesiastical and political.

Day 8: Walk Laragh to Roundwood 11km Ascents 290m, approx. walking time 3 hours
Optional Route via Scarr Mountain  15km Ascents 520m, approx. walking time 5 hours
A short day allows time to visit the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake. Today's section finishes in Roundwood, supposedly Ireland's highest village at 238m.

Day 9: Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry 18km. Ascents 510m, approx. walking time 5 hours
Wonderful walking, overlooking Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin. Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River Valley and a lovely riverbank walk.

Day 10: Departure from Enniskerry


It is possible to extend this itinerary to complete the Wicklow Way at Marlay Park in south Co. Dublin. Please do enquire if you are interested!

Always keep in mind that the Irish climate is mild and damp...

Accommodations:

On self-guided walking trails, accommodation is usually in small villages or towns and may be off the beaten track. There is usually a post office, shops, pubs etc. but there may not be a Bank.

You will be staying in comfortable guesthouses and farmhouses. Rooms booked are en-suite as often as is possible. However some B&B’s do still have rooms that are not en-suite, but should have a bathroom adjacent to the room. We will book these rooms when there are no en-suites available. This happens regularly in the high season.

We do try to make your accommodation convenient to each day’s walk. The walking distances for each day as specified in your tour itinerary may vary, depending where you are staying, as your B&B may not be in the centre of the village. This will be referred to in your route notes and may add 2-3 km to your walk. Please check this before you walk!

Meals:

Breakfast

Breakfast is included in you B&B accommodations as is the standard.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements