Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1 Arrival

Pick-up at Dublin Airport at 1.00pm and transfer to your accommodation, which is in the pictures village of Laragh, nestling in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. It takes us approximately one-hour drive from Dublin Airport to your accommodation.

After settling in and getting some light refreshments, we will do a nice walk in the afternoon, just to get the legs in shape for the week ahead! Our stroll brings us around the Reservoir in Roundwood, which is the highest village in Ireland.

Distance: 5km/3 miles, Ascent: little to none

Day 2 Spinc and St. Kevin's Monastic Site

Our first walk starts from the village of Laragh and follows an old Green Road that takes us along the lower slopes of Derrybawn Mountain, through a forest of Oak and Beach and onto part of Wicklow Way, Ireland's oldest way marked trail. The trail takes us above the monastic settlement of Glendalough and St. Kevin's round tower. We continue on forest tracks before ascending The Spinc and onto the side of Lugduff Mountain, where we will have breathtaking views of the lakes and surrounding countryside. We then descend to the Glenealo Valley following an old minor's track to the deserted Miners Village and back to the lakes.

Distance: 11.5km/7 miles, Ascent: 410 m/1230 ft



Day 3 Trooperstown and Paddock Hill

Today's walk takes you south through an area known as Ballard (where you will have clear evidence of a forgotten farming community that once lived and toiled this land) and to the town land of Trooperstown. The trail takes us gently down into Trooperstown Forest, to the charming village of Annamoe, over the Avonmore River and up onto Paddock Hill to join the Wicklow Way. From Paddock Hill we will have magnificent views back over the walk that we have already completed and for the remaining section back to Laragh Village.

Distance: 14 km/9 miles, Ascent: 350 m/1050 ft



Day 4 The Vale of Clara and Avoca

Today our walk takes us to one of the finest nature reserves in Wicklow, situated in the Vale of Clara, home to the smallest village in Ireland.

The natural reserve contains the largest area of semi-natural woodland in Co. Wicklow and is potentially one of the largest stands of native hardwoods in the country. The area has been at least partially under woodland since the Ice Age. The oak-woods are also of high scenic value. We will have lunch on the banks of the Avonmore River beside the romantic church of Clara (1799) before we visit the Woollen Mills in Avoca, which are the oldest working woollen mills in the country. We will spend some time exploring the village, which was the setting for the series "Ballykisangel", and of course drop into Fitzgerald's Pub for a pint!

Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles, Ascent: 220 m/660 ft



Day 5 The Cliff Walk and Powerscourt Estate

Our walk takes us along the coast from Greystones to Bray. Passing Cable Rock and a disused tunnel we will reach the remains of a cottage whose residents used to collect a toll from users of the Cliff Walk on behalf of the Brabazon family who owned the land. The rocky crags of Bray Head are home of millions of birds and the inaccessible coves along the coast are breeding site for grey seals. On a clear day you might spot pods of dolphin and even whales. There is also a huge variety of flora along the trail including species of orchid found in the dry grass.

In the afternoon we bring you to Powerscourt Estate. Powerscourt is one of Europe's great treasures and Ireland's most famous House and Gardens.

Distance: 8 km/5 miles, Ascent: 80 m/240 ft

• Comfortable waterproof walking woots

• Waterproof jacket & over trousers

• Backpack, lined with plastic bag

• Gaiters & walking poles

• Thick socks / hat / gloves

• Water bottle & lunch box

• First aid

• Sunscreen / Insect repellent

and for that special moment, your camera.

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