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    Self Guided Walking

    The Wicklow Way

    18 review(s)

    Next Trip: 5th - 10th May 2024 Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

    From: £1,350 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Louise Kavanagh
    View Louise's Profile

    Region: East – Dublin & Wicklow
    Trip Type: Self Guided
    Accommodation: Classic
    Min Group Size: 2 ? Solo Travellers
    We don’t offer self-guided trips for solo travellers. However, our small group trips are perfect for those travelling independently.

    Deposit From: £348

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 65kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    It’s hard to believe that just a few miles from Dublin’s bustling city centre is one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks and most famous long distance trails. Ireland’s premier long distance trail, the Wicklow Way, tracks through glorious mountain valleys, lush forests and across heathery uplands as well as ancient monastic sites, crystal-clear lakes and historic estates.

    On this self guided trip, trek along the Wicklow Way’s most spectacular sections in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park before descending into green valleys and farmland.

    Relax in a perfect combination of cosy village B&Bs before finishing up with a night in a deluxe eco-lodge. Focus on the trail and its jaw-dropping beauty and leave the logistics to us, as transport to and from Dublin, luggage transfers and private transfers to the trailhead are all prearranged where required. By choosing a self guided trip, enjoy the flexibility of walking at your own pace, starting as early or late as you prefer, stopping for as many photos as you’d like or challenging yourself with additional walks.

    PLEASE NOTE: Total daily distances are given for each stage but will vary slightly as you also need to walk to your accommodation each day which will usually add a short distance.

    Trip Highlights

    • Trek 70 km on the Wicklow Way through glacial valleys, heather-clad mountain sides and green forest paths.
    • All accommodation, luggage transfers, maps, route notes and transfers to Dublin are included.
    • Spend your final night at a deluxe eco-lodge and enjoy the geothermal spa.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 - Glencullen to Enniskerry

    You will be met in Dublin and transferred to Ireland’s highest pub, Johnny Fox’s, where you’ll have the chance to pick up some lunch before walking to the start point of your first day on the Wicklow Way. Tracking through woodlands before reaching open hillside blanketed in rich purple heather, today’s walk is a perfect introduction to things to come. Your first stunning views open out before you as you walk along the shoulder of the hill known as Prince William’s Seat. Cross the county boundary between Dublin and Wicklow somewhere along the way as you head further into the rich wilds of the Wicklow Mountains. After your first day’s walk, arrive back at your B&B where you’ll find your bags waiting for you. 

    Hike details: 14km / 9 miles | 300m ascent

    Day 2 - Enniskerrry to Roundwood

    Back on the trail, you’ll follow forest tracks until you reach the outskirts of the Powerscourt Estate. Drink in the stunning, panoramic views of Powerscourt’s famous waterfall, the tallest in Ireland. History buffs might like to learn about Powerscourt’s association with Charles Parnell, a vocal advocate for Irish home rule in the late 1800s. The official Wicklow Way trail itself winds below Djouce Hill, but if weather conditions and energy levels allow, a detour to the summit is well worth it. Enjoy expansive views of the heathery hills as you descend into the sweeping Luggala Valley towards glittering Lough Tay – nicknamed the “Guinness Lake.” Ancestral home of the Guinness family, this valley and the house on the shore of the lake have profound associations with many of Ireland’s literary and artistic greats. This evening you’ll leave the trail to spend the night in the wee traditional village of Roundwood. (B)

    Hike details: 18km / 11 miles | 500m ascent

    Day 3 - Roundwood to Glendalough

    Until the terrible Great Famine of the 1840s, this part of Wicklow was heavily populated and farmed. As you walk keep an eye out for the remains of the tiny cottages and the ridges of long-abandoned potato fields dotting the green countryside. Upon approaching the village of Laragh, you will reach the junction with the final section of St Kevin’s Way, an ancient pilgrimage route or mass path that brought worshippers to the shrine of St Kevin at Glendalough. Your hotel is ideally situated a stone’s throw away from the jewel in the Wicklow Way’s crown: the ancient monastic site of Glendalough. Early medieval Ireland was Europe’s centre of culture with scholars travelling from all over to study at the country’s great monastic centres. Glendalough was one of the biggest and most famous of all. (B)

    Hike details: 12 km / 7 miles | 750m ascent

    Day 4 - Glendalough to Glenmalure

    Today offers some of the best scenery on the trip as you crest the hills above Glendalough’s Upper and Lower lakes at the junction of four glaciated valleys. You’ll pass Poulanass Waterfall before joining the forest road which will weave its way higher and higher until you reach the boggy saddle between Mullacor and Lugduff. As you descend, Ireland’s longest valley lies below you. Take in the panoramic views as you make your way to the valley floor and the welcome fire at the local Lodge. (B)

    Hike details: 13km/ 8 miles | 400m ascent

    Day 5 – Glenmalure to Iron Bridge

    Leaving behind the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains, the Wicklow Way meanders through lush forest tracks in the rolling landscape of south Wicklow. Offering views over the emerald farmlands of Ireland’s Ancient East, this is the quietest part of the trail, and chances are you’ll have it to yourself. The first 14 km brings you to the Iron Bridge, one of the Wicklow Way’s most remote spots. The next 7km winds along quiet country lanes to your eco-lodge, where you can relax in luxury. Alternatively, you can pre-arrange a taxi to meet you at the Iron Bridge and take you the rest of the way to your accommodation.
    Access to the geo-thermally-powered thermal suite is included – soak your tired legs at the trail’s end.* There are a few dining options on-site, including Ireland’s finest organic-certified restaurant. Feast on ingredients foraged in the hills that you’ve just hiked. (B)

    Hike details: 19km/12 miles or 14km/ 8.5 miles with taxi transfer | 200 m ascent
    *Please note that spa treatments are not included and should be booked in advance

    Day 6 - Dublin & Departure

    This morning, you will be transferred back to Dublin (city or airport) after check out. You may choose to return home, or carry on your stay. (B)

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    Self Guided
    The Wicklow Way

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    We don’t offer self-guided trips for solo travellers. However, our small group trips are very popular for those travelling independently. If you would like to join one, don’t hesitate to have a browse of all our adventures here.

    All payments taken in local currency EUR

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityPriceBook
    5th May - 10th May 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    12th May - 17th May 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    19th May - 24th May 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    26th May - 31st May 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    9th Jun - 14th Jun 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    30th Jun - 5th Jul 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    7th Jul - 12th Jul 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    14th Jul - 19th Jul 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    28th Jul - 2nd Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    4th Aug - 9th Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    11th Aug - 16th Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    15th Aug - 20th Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    18th Aug - 23rd Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    22nd Aug - 27th Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    25th Aug - 30th Aug 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    29th Aug - 3rd Sep 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    1st Sep - 6th Sep 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    6th Oct - 11th Oct 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now
    13th Oct - 18th Oct 20242 places availabile £1,350 PPBook Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This self guided hiking trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort along or near the Wicklow Way. On some days you will walk directly to your accommodation (this may add additional distance to the hike lengths above) and on others you will be met at the trailhead and transferred to your accommodation.

    This trip also includes a stay at a Deluxe-grade eco lodge, in addition to classic-grade comfortable and characterful lodging in B&Bs, family-run hotels or guesthouses, both in towns as well as in rural communities.

    Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms, which are en-suite with a shower. Single rooms may be available at additional cost.

    Meals Read More

    Each morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. You will be able to order a packed lunch for each day on the trail at your accommodation each evening or pick it up at recommended local cafes.

    Inclusions Read More

    This self guided trip includes the following:

    • 5 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs, and boutique hotels
    • Breakfast each morning (barring Day 1) in your accommodation or a local cafes
    • All luggage transfers
    • Transfer to and from Dublin city / airport at the start and end of the trip
    • Access to the pool at thermal suite at final hotel*
    • Route notes, OS maps and trail guides
    • 24/7 phone support
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well-maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

    More challenging days are interspersed with lower-level valleys, bogs, coastal and/or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way. Though the ascents are between 300m – 800m on this trip, the mileage on this trip is longer, with most days between 18-26 km (11-16 miles).

    Can you comfortably hike for around 14 miles (20 km) with the occasional longer day? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    Arrival Info

    • You will be met at your chosen location in Dublin City or at Dublin Airport on the morning of your first day, and transferred to Johnny Fox’s pub, a short walk from Wicklow Way trailhead.

    Departure Info

    • You will be collected and transferred to Dublin City or Dublin Airport before 12.00pm on the final day of your trip. Extended stays at the eco-lodge or in Dublin City can be arranged.

    Photo Gallery

    Speak to an Expert

    Louise Kavanagh

    From scuba diving to motorbikes to hiking, Louise is no stranger to adventure! Born and raised in County Sligo, Louise has a love for Ireland’s West Coast, particularly the northwest corner. Louise is one of the team’s expert trip designers – ready to help you explore Ireland’s wild places. When not at work, Louise can usually be found underwater exploring Ireland’s unique coastlines or else zipping through the countryside on her motorbike.

    Ask Louise a Question

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 18 review(s) of Self Guided Walking – The Wicklow Way

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    GH

    George Hymas

    Reviewed on 19/10/2023

    Age: 80 - 90
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 05/10/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    I would happily do it again, I really enjoyed myself even through the difficult weather day. At 80 years old I still enjoy traveling on foot and the Wicklow Way gave me the opportunity to continue my hiking with fellow travelers. I would urge caution when using sections off trail, the roads are very narrow in some areas and vehicles sometimes do not expect pedestrians to be on the roads. I had several close calls with lorries. If you are considering an Ireland vacation contact Wilderness Ireland, you won't be disappointed.

    LS

    Lisa Samson

    Reviewed on 17/09/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 03/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    PL

    Paul Lusmore

    Reviewed on 10/09/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Trip Date: 03/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

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