Have you ever wanted to test your stamina, take on a challenge, or push your body to its limits? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Our 4-day Wicklow Way Challenge is designed to do exactly that.
The Wicklow Way is 132 km (82 miles) long, and with determination and a good level of fitness, you can complete the entire trail in just four days. We organise the tour from Clonegal in the south to Marley Park in the north. If you would prefer to take on the challenge in the opposite direction, starting in Marley Park and finishing in Clonegal, that’s no problem at all. It is your self-guided walking holiday, and we will tailor it to suit your preferences.
Route
The Wicklow Way begins in Clonegal and leads you through Newry Forest, over Stookeen Hill, and through the rural hamlets of Kilquiggan and Mullanacuff before arriving in the village of Tinahely for your first overnight stay.
From Tinahely, the trail continues through Mangan’s Wood, passes the old village of Moyne, crosses the townland of Ballygobban and the River Ow, before finishing the day in the spectacular valley of Glenmalure.
The next section takes you over Mullacor Mountain and into the breathtaking valley of Glendalough. From here, the trail passes through the village of Laragh before continuing to Roundwood, the highest village in Ireland.
Leaving Roundwood, the Wicklow Way follows the edge of the Guinness Estate before crossing Djouce Mountain and descending to your accommodation just outside the picturesque village of Enniskerry.
Your final day on the Wicklow Way takes you through the beautiful Glencree Valley, past Glencullen, and across Three Rock Mountain before reaching your finish at Marley Park, located on the doorstep of Dublin City.
Prices / Dates
Price: €725 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€365
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€80
Tour Dates: 15 March to 31 October
Tour Grade: Strenuous
Accommodation: Guesthouse or B&B.
Included / Excluded
- 4 nights bed & breakfast
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved family-run guesthouses with all rooms en-suite.
- Wicklow Way walking map guide.
- GPX Tracking
- Details on restaurants and places of interest to visit along the way.
- Luggage transfers on day 2 to 5.
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation and back at the end of the tour.
- Full back up service, should you require it, while on our tour.
- Public transport to the beginning of the tour and back at the end
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Drinks and Snacks
- Personal Equipment
Travel to Clonegal by public transport. We will supply you with all the travel details required to get you to your first accommodation.
Your first day on the Wicklow Way takes you from Clonegal takes you along some country roads through Newry forest, over Moilishe and Stookeen Hill, and down into the townland of Mungaculin. You will pass St. Finian’s Church; St. Finian was a holy man from County Westmeath who is associated with Christianising the area. You will stay overnight in the village of Tinahealy.
Distance: 32 km / 20 miles, Ascent: 750 m / 2250 ft, Approximate travel time: 6 / 8 hours
Your adventure today takes you along quiet forest trails, open mountainsides, and quiet country roads. Passing the old village of Moyne, the birthplace of Edward C. Godwin, who founded the publication “New York Nation” in 1865.
You will have some fantastic views back over the area that you have passed through and the adjacent counties of Carlow and Wexford. You will travel through the spectacular Ow Valley and the Glenmalure Valley.
The Ow Valley lies at the base of Wicklow’s largest mountain, Lugnaquilla, standing at 925 m/1039 ft. The Glenmalure Valley is Ireland’s longest glacier valley that stretches for over 16 km/10 miles. This peaceful valley will be the perfect place for you to spend the night. Tonight you stay in Glenmalure.
Distance: 33 km / 20.7 miles, Ascent: 1100 m / 3,300 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 8 hours
Today’s the trail takes you steadily up out of the Glenmalure Valley. As you climb, the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the famous Glenmalure Waterfall will simply take your breath away.
The Wicklow Way crosses the side of Mullacor Mountain and into the valley of Glendalough or “Gleann Dá Loch”, the valley of two lakes. Glendalough is famous for its 6th-century monastic settlement. Glendalough is also one of the most visited sites in Ireland, and its beauty is simply mesmerising!
Complementry transfer from lough Tay to your accommodation.
Tonight you will stay in Roundwood.
Distance: 29 km / 18.2 miles, Ascent 1340 m / 4020 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 7 hrs
Complimentary transfer back to the Wicklow Way.
This is a classic walk taking in views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. It was in this area where many famous movies were filmed, including Braveheart, King Arthur, Dancing at Lughnasa, and many more.
This is also the original home of the Guinness Family, and their residence is still to be seen at the top of the valley.
You will cross over the side of Djouce Mountain and alongside the Powerscourt Estate. The last section of the Wicklow Way takes you over Prince William’s Seat where you will have stunning views over most of Dublin City, the Irish Sea, and your final views back into the Wicklow Hills. Your challenge ends on a beautiful trail that leads you into Marlay Park. Tonight you will stay in Dublin.
Distance: 34 km / 20 miles, Ascent: 1100 m / 3,300 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 8 hours
Depart from Marley Park
