The Wicklow Way on foot in 8 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Ireland
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AgeFrom 12 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions67.74 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 129km hiking journey along the legendary Wicklow Way , Ireland's first marked trail. From Dublin to the peaceful countryside of the south, this route crosses the Wicklow Mountains , a range shaped by glaciations where granite hills , deep valleys and silvery light on the schist follow one another.
Created in 1963, the trail benefits from clear waymarking and meticulous maintenance, ensuring a smooth journey through unspoiled nature. The central section explores Wicklow Mountains National Park , including a visit to Glendalough , an iconic site nestled between lakes and mountains. The route also intersects the Military Road , a 19th-century legacy, which winds its way through the highlands.
Mostly through open countryside, the route alternates between forest paths , open moors , and panoramic ridges, with approximately 20% on paved roads. Mountain variations allow for longer stages for hikers seeking a challenge.
An accessible and immersive trek, ideal for discovering Ireland on foot, between heritage, wide open spaces and spectacular panoramas .
The highlights
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Sixth-century monastic ruins at Glendalough and St. Kevin's cell
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Magnificent views of Lough Dan and the Luggala estate belonging to the Guinne family
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A 17th-century village, the birthplace of handcrafted walking sticks.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 524 m
Management
Program
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Trip to Enniskerry
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Travel by bus from Dublin to Enniskerry. The route will be provided.
Day 1 -
Enniskerry to Roundwood
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A magnificent hike today, with views of Lough Tay, Lough Dan, and the Guinness family's Luggala estate. An elevated path crosses a long stretch of open moorland to the pass between White Hill and Mount Djouce. From here, you can see the coastline as far as Howth Head, north of County Dublin. Today you'll pass Powerscourt Falls (120 m) and enjoy the tranquility of the Glencree Valley and a lovely walk along its banks.
Day 2 -
Roundwood in Laragh
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 290 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A short day trip allows you to visit the monastic ruins and visitor center at Glendalough. The valley also saw significant lead, copper, and zinc mining in the 19th century. This route climbs from Oldbridge and the River Avonmore, then descends the gentle slopes of Paddock Hill. An optional detour up Mount Scarr offers stunning views of the lake. The day's ride finishes in Roundwood, Ireland's highest village at 238 meters above sea level.
Alternative route: Via Mount Scarr, 15 km. Elevation gain: 520 m. Approximate walking time: 5 hours.
Day 3 -
Laragh at Glenmalure
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 530 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today is one of the highlights of the hike, with superb views, a beautiful walk, and the discovery of 6th-century monastic remains at Glendalough. Starting from the village of Laragh, you'll ascend the Glenmacnass valley and, after a short climb, reach the River Glenalo and the magnificent Glendalough. From there, you'll climb the slopes of Mount Derrybawn, traversing open moorland, before reaching the flat Mullacor pass at 550m altitude. The trail then descends through the forest from Mullacor, eventually arriving at Glenmalure.
Variant: 20 km. Elevation gain: 600 m. Approximate walking time: 7 hours.
Day 4 -
Glenmalure at Moyne
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting in the Glenmalure Valley, your hike begins with exceptional panoramic views. An optional route, via Croaghanmoira, reaches an altitude of 664m and offers breathtaking vistas over the Ow and Avonbeg valleys. The main route continues through a pine forest, where you might be lucky enough to spot a red deer as well as other species of Wicklow County wildlife.
Alternative route: Croaghanmoira Hill: 21 km. Elevation gain: 950 m. Approximate duration: 6 hours.
Day 5 -
Moyne at Shillelagh
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 513 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your hike to Moyne will take you along peaceful forest trails, open mountain slopes, and quiet country roads. Moyne is the birthplace of Edward C. Godwin, founder of the New York Nation newspaper in 1865. This section of the Wicklow Way offers exceptional views and will take you back through the region you have already traveled through, as well as the neighboring counties of Carlow and Wexford. You will also pass by an old circular fort (Fairy Fort).
Variant with Ballycumber Hill: 20 km. Elevation gain: 400 m. Approximate hiking time: 6 hours.
Day 6 -
Shillelagh at Bunclody
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your first day of walking will take you along country roads and through forests, starting with Raheenakit Forest, passing through Moilishe and Stookeen Hill, and through Newry Forest.
Day 7 -
Departure from Bunclody
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Bunclody for the next leg of your journey. Instructions for returning to Dublin will be provided.
Day 8
Note
Daily walking distances may vary depending on the type of accommodation, which is determined by availability.
Accommodation
Discover Enniskerry, a picturesque village nestled in a green valley at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains.
Tonight you will sleep in a comfortable B&B, with welcoming hosts and an ideal location for a hiking route.
Access
Directions will be provided for arrival and departure from Dublin Airport.
Go to the starting point
Express bus no. 2 from Dublin Airport (zone 13, stop no. 9) to Enniscorthy (2 hours 30 minutes), then
local bus no. 369 to Bunclody or taxi from Enniscorthy to Bunclody (45 minutes).
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights in a bed and breakfast (double room)
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Detailed itineraries
- Maps and GPX files
- 24/7 assistance, transport instructions
- Recommended restaurants
- List of items to pack and local travel tips
The price does not include
- Flights
- All services not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
