The Wicklow Way

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: 11km / 7 miles | 300m ascent

Day 2 - Knockree 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 Glenmalure via Glendalough Monastery

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. Though slightly off the trail, we recommended allowing the time to explore 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. Today offers the best scenery of the trip as you crest the hills above Gledalough’s Upper and Lower lakes at the junction of four glaciated valleys. (B)

It is possible to split today into 2 days, spending the night near Glendalough.

Hike details: 26 km / 16 miles | 750m ascent

Day 4 - The Iron Bridge

Leaving behind the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains, today you will meander through brilliant forest tracks criss crossing 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 will have it to yourself. Finish up at the Iron Bridge, one of the Wicklow Way’s most remote sports. You will be met here at Iron Bridge on the River Ow and transferred to the eco-lodge where you can relax in luxury. Access to the geo-thermally-powered thermal suite is included – a perfect opportunity to soak your tired legs at the end of the trail. There are also a few dining options on site including Ireland’s finest organic certified restaurant where you will feast on ingredients foraged in the hills through which you hiked. (B)

Hike details: 14km/ 8.5 miles | 200 m ascent

*Please note that spa treatments are not included and should be booked in advance

Day 5 - 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)