The Wicklow Way Walk

For a small country, Ireland's countryside has many facets. The western part of Ireland generally receives the greatest acclaim but just to the south of Dublin, lie the Wicklow Mountains. These mountains are a range of heather-clad hills and lush, green vegetation that has provided the county of Wicklow with the nickname the 'Garden of Ireland'. They form the largest upland area in the country, an area of wonderfully rocky foothills, switching from glen to glen through dramatic mountain scenery. Rounded domes of granite are incised by steep lake-filled valleys such as Glendalough and Luggala. It is also an area of charming villages - Enniskerry is generally considered to be one of the prettiest in Ireland. Nearby are the world renowned gardens of Powerscourt and the highest waterfall in the land. Glendalough is noted for the extensive ruins of the 6th century Irish monastery of St. Kevin. This walk follows the best parts of the Wicklow Way. The walking is not difficult and some of the walks can be lengthened or shortened according to your wishes.

Itinerary

Day 1:  The tour starts in Bunclody. Coaches run from Dublin Airport to Enniscorthy, from where it is a short taxi to Bunclody.

Day 2: Clonegal to Shillelagh. 20kms/12 miles. Height gain 500m

Transfer to Clonegal and the official start of the Wicklow Way. Then walk to Shillelagh. Your first day of walking takes you along country roads through Newry forest, over Moilishe and Stookeen Hill down into the forest of Raheenakit.

Day 3: Shillelagh to Moyne. Distance 24km (15mi). Ascents 513m (1,683ft). Approximate walking time 5 hours. With Ballycumber Hill: 20km (12mi). Ascents 400m (1,312ft). Approximate walking time 6 hours.

From Stranakelly, return to country roads past the market town of Tinahely on the banks of the river Derry which 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.

Overnight accommodation in farm guesthouse in Moyne townland. Dinner tonight s in your guesthouse.

Day 4:  Moyne to Drumgoff (Glenmalure). Distance 21km. Ascents 500m. Approximate walking time 6 hours. Optional route, 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. An optional route over Croaghanmoira climbs to 664m and affords glorious views of the Ow and Avonbeg river valleys.

Overnight accommodation in Drumgoff townland.

Day 5: :  Drumgoff to Laragh. Distance 18km. Ascents 530m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
With optional climb 20km. Ascents 600m. Approximate 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: Laragh to Roundwood. Distance 11km. Ascents 290m. Approximate walking time 3 hours. Via Scarr Mountain 15km. Ascents 520m. Approximate 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.

Overnight accommodation in Roundwood village.

Day 7: Roundwood to Enniskerry. Distance 22km (14mi). Ascents 510m (1,673ft). Approximate 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 accommodation near Enniskerry village.

Day 8:  Depart.

Details

Price

£785 per person based on two people sharing

Single supplement £185

Solo Supplement £230

5 night and 9 night version also possible; please ask for details.

Included

All accommodation in B & Bs with private facilities is pre-booked, breakfast is supplied each day, maps and route details, luggage transfers daily while you walk.

We will supply you with all details of train/bus timetables to help you reach your starting point at Tinahely (train fare and transfer not included).

Not Included

Transport to Tinahely, transport from Enniskerry, all meals except breakfast.

Difficulty Of The Walk

Moderately difficult - however this walk can be adapted with transfers to shorten the walk - please ask.

Additional Information

Accommodation

B+B accommodation in guesthouses in rooms with ensuite facilities.

Getting There

Dublin is the nearest airport - scenic train journey from Dublin (about an hour). Good local bus from Enniskerry back to Dublin.

What To Take

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

When To Go

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

Insurance

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.