Our Wicklow short walking break is based 1 km outside Glendalough in the quiet and picturesque village of Laragh. The area is deeply wooded, with the hills and mountains rising from the village;
Footfalls Walking Holidays have been guiding people in these mountains for over two decades. You will be guaranteed to get a taste of Ireland’s history, geology, culture, flora and fauna on both of our walks.
Prices / Dates
Price: From €499 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€250
Tour Dates: February to November – any midweek on request.
Tour Grade: Easy
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel
Group Option:
Alternative dates can be arranged for a group of 6 or over, subject to availability. For further information, please get in touch with us.
Included / Excluded
- 3 nights bed & breakfast
- 2 evening meals
- 2 packed lunches
- 2 guided walks
- Transport to/from the start/end of tour.
Arrive at your accommodation and settle into your room. Rooms may not be available until early afternoon.
Our guided walking tour takes us out from your accommodation and back into the history of time with a visit to the 6th century Monastic City. Unfortunately, the Monastic City is now in ruins but was once the hub of learning in Europe. “Gleann Dá Locha” translates to “The valley of the two lakes” and is one of the most visited sites in Ireland. It was in this haven of peace and tranquillity that St. Kevin founded his monastery so many years ago. It retains that peace, tranquillity and outstanding natural beauty to this very day.
From here our walk takes us past the two lakes and up to the Miner’s Village, which is situated at the head of the valley. After a short talk on the history of mining in Glendalough, we will proceed up into an area known as Van Diemen’s Land, over the Glenealo River and onto the Spinc. From here the views back into the valley and surrounding countryside are simply breathtaking. Our walk continues through Lugduff Forest, past Pollanass Waterfall and back to the Glendalough Hotel for some well-earned refreshments beside the open fire in the bar.
Distance: 11.4 km/7 miles, Ascent: 410 m/1230 ft
This walk is one of Wicklow’s best-kept secrets. It offers you a stunning array of natural beauty, mixed woodlands, quiet country roads, open mountainside, rivers and streams. It is a walk to suit all tastes and abilities. From the hotel, the guided walk takes us through the grounds of the Visitor’s Centre and onto what is known locally as “the Green Road”. This very old road takes us to Ballard Forest and into the townland of Ballard (Baile-ard), translated into English as ‘High Town or Village’.
This area was densely populated prior to the Great Famine of 1845-1849 and clear evidence of the small fields and potato furrows can still be seen to this day. From here our walk takes us onto Trooperstown Hill where, on a clear day, it is possible to see almost all the peaks in the Wicklow Mountain range. And if luck is on our side, we can see the Snowdonia Mountains National Park in Wales. Our walk travels down through Trooperstown Forest, over the Avonmore River and onto the side of Paddock Hill, where we will join the Wicklow Way. This scenic trail will lead us to the valley of Glenmacnass and back into the valley of Glendalough.
Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles, Ascent: 430 m/1290 ft
After a hearty Irish breakfast, you will depart for home.
