A Guided Walking Holiday in Dublin City & Wicklow
Embark on an unforgettable walking tour that explores the vibrant culture of Dublin City and the breathtaking beauty of Wicklow!
Begin your adventure by discovering Dublin’s rich heritage before setting off to one of Ireland’s most picturesque locations—Howth Head on the East Coast.
Next, we’ll journey to County Wicklow, famously known as “The Garden of Ireland.” This stunning region is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and offers a paradise for hikers, featuring the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s oldest marked walking trail.
Join our popular guided walking holiday in the Wicklow Mountains, where you’ll explore Ireland’s largest national park, sprawling over 90,000 hectares in central Wicklow, nestled in the beautiful region of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Wicklow Mountains National Park boasts some of Europe’s oldest boglands, heather-clad summits, and diverse woodlands of broadleaf and coniferous trees. Hiking through these mountains reveals an impressive array of landscapes—from lush valleys and serene streams to tranquil lakes. You might even spot native wildlife such as sika and red hybrid deer, foxes, badgers, hares, and a variety of birds of prey.
At the heart of the Wicklow Mountains lies Glendalough, home to a historically significant monastic settlement. Here, we will follow in the footsteps of St. Kevin, who established this site in the 6th century. Glendalough became Ireland’s first proto-urban center and a key hub for education in Europe. The iconic round tower stands majestically, framed by the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Glendalough, steeped in spirituality and rich history, often referred to as the “Valley of Two Lakes” (Gleann Da Loch). Join us for an enriching experience in one of Ireland’s most spectacular regions!
If you’re still deciding on your next destination, explore our other guided walking tours of Ireland for inspiration. We also offer Wicklow Day Tours for those with limited time.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—we’re here to help you find the perfect route for your adventure! Let’s chat and discover the ideal experience for you!
If you’re still deciding where to go, take a look at our other guided walking tours of Ireland for inspiration. We also offer Wicklow Day Tours if your time is more limited.
Always feel free to get in touch if you’ve got any questions at all. We love helping folks find the best route for them, so let’s have a chat to find yours!
Our Guided Dublin & Wicklow Mountains Walk
Prices / Dates
Price: From €1,699 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€695
Tour Dates 2026:
Sunday, 21st June to Saturday, 27th June -This Tour Is Fully Booked.
Sunday, 9th to Saturday 15th August
Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel
Included / Excluded
- 6 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation
- Meals to include: 6 full Irish breakfasts & 1 Lunch (Day 2) & 1 Evening Meals ( Day 6)
- All transport to and from walks.
- Entry to Guinness Store House
- The National Botanic Gardens Kilmacurragh
- Dublin Hop-on Hop-off City Bus Ticket
- 5 Evening Meal
- Alcohol or soft drinks
- Entry fees to any attraction outside of the above
Meet your guide at the Castle Hotel in Dublin City at 1 PM to begin your adventure. After a short briefing on the week’s activities, we will set out on foot to visit the Guinness Storehouse, stopping at some iconic locations along the way.
In the late afternoon, you will have some free time to explore the city at your leisure on one of Dublin’s Hop-on Hop-off buses before relaxing for the evening. Overning in the Castle Hotel
As part of our sustainability efforts here at Footfalls, today we will travel by public transport from Dublin City to the Dublin suburb of Howth in north County Dublin.
Upon arriving by train into the charming harbor town of Howth, we will set off on a spectacular cliff-top loop of Howth Head, offering some of the most breathtaking sea views of Ireland’s capital coastline.
Our walk will conclude back at the harbor of Howth, where you will have the opportunity to sample some fish and chips (with other options available) before returning to the city in the mid-afternoon for some free time to explore Ireland’s capital. Overning in the Castle Hotel
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles. Ascent: 130 m / 430 ft
Today, we depart from Dublin for the Wicklow Mountains. En route, we will stop to meet Michael Crowe, a renowned sheepdog handler. Michael will offer you a memorable experience of seeing working border collies in action, and you will also have the opportunity to touch or even hold a lamb.
After our experience with Michael, we will continue further into the Wicklow countryside to the village of Lacken. This village overlooks the Blessington Lakes and retains an air of old-world remoteness, unique charm, and scenic beauty. Our day ends in the village of Laragh, where we will be based for the remainder of the tour.
Our walk begins in Lacken Village, following an old Mass Path that was used in bygone days by local churchgoers. The trail guides us up to Lugnagun, a small peak above Lacken, offering stunning views over the Blessington Lakes and the surrounding countryside.
Overnight: Lynhams Hotel.
Distance: 8 km / 5 Miles. Ascent 300 m 900 ft.
Our day begins with a visit and a guided tour with one of the expert guides at Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens. Kilmacurragh offers a unique and historic garden that showcases a diverse collection of plant species. Established in the 18th century, it was originally part of a grand estate and has evolved into a significant site for botany and conservation.
In recent years, the gardens have undergone restoration efforts to preserve their historical significance and enhance their ecological value. They are a wonderful destination for anyone interested in horticulture, landscape design, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Ireland.
After a short drive from Kilmacurragh, we will arrive at Avondale Estate, a beautiful destination for walking enthusiasts. This expansive estate was once the home of the renowned Irish statesman Charles Stuart Parnell.
One of the highlights of walking in Avondale Estate is the stunning Arboretum, which boasts a diverse collection of trees from around the world. As you stroll along the paths, you’ll encounter towering conifers, vibrant foliage, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and relaxation.
It is difficult to determine the total distance that we will walk today, but between the gardens in Kilmacurragh and Avondale Estate, we estimate that we will cover about 10 km (6 miles) with an ascent of 100 m (300 ft). Overnight Lynhams Hotel.
Today, our adventure takes us to one of Wicklow’s premier nature reserves, nestled in the picturesque Vale of Clara, home to Ireland’s smallest village. This nature reserve boasts the largest expanse of semi-natural woodland in County Wicklow and is potentially one of the most extensive areas of native hardwoods in the country. The woodlands have been part of this landscape since the Ice Age, featuring magnificent oak trees that add to the area’s scenic beauty.
We’ll pause for lunch by the tranquil banks of the Avonmore River, adjacent to the charming Clara Church, established in 1799. After lunch we will follow the Avonmore river that meanders its way into the town or Rathdrum.
Overnight, Lynhams Hotel.
Distance: 12 Km / 7.5 miles. Ascent: 120 m, / 360 ft
St. Kevin’s Way follows the path of pilgrims for over a millennium through the Wicklow Mountains to the ancient monastic settlement of Glendalough.
Our day begins with a short drive to our starting point at St. Kevin’s Pool, a historic site where pilgrims would cleanse themselves before continuing to the Monastic City of Glendalough.
We will gradually rise to the stunning heights of the Wicklow Gap, descending into the Glendasan Valley as we explore the rich mining history that surrounds these picturesque mountains. Following the Glendasan River, we journey into Glendalough, where St. Kevin founded his monastery in the 6th Century. This site served as a vibrant center of learning and pilgrimage, attracting visitors for centuries.
Today, Glendalough stands as a significant archaeological and spiritual location, offering profound insights into Ireland’s early Christian heritage and providing a serene environment for visitors to connect with nature. Join us on this remarkable journey where history, spirituality, and the beauty of nature intertwine. Overnight, Lynhams Hotel.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles. Ascent: 180 m / 540 ft.
Depart for Dublin Airport after our final hearty Irish breakfast, arriving at 12 noon. End of Tour.
