The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest waymarked trail for walking and hiking. Pioneered by J.B. Malone over 40 years ago, this cherished route spans 127 km (79 miles) and offers breathtaking views of some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes, such as the Powerscourt Waterfall (the highest in Ireland), Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure, and the stunning Glendalough.
Trail Overview
Day packages along the Wicklow Way, tailored to suit all types of outdoor and fitness enthusiasts—venture off the usual path and discover the hidden gems of Ireland.
Duration
This eight-day walking holiday will cover over 70 km through the spectacular landscapes of Wicklow, known as “The Garden of Ireland.” Each self-guided walking tour can be adapted to meet your preferences. Our sample itinerary follows a south-to-north route (towards Dublin), so once you complete your trek, you’ll be just about an hour away from Dublin city centre. Alternatively, you can choose to start your journey in Dublin and conclude in Tinahely.
Prices / Dates
Price: €852 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€435
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€105
Tour Dates: 15 March to 31 October
Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Included / Excluded
- 7 nights bed & breakfast
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved family-run guesthouses with all rooms en-suite.
- Wicklow Way Maps map guide.
- GPX Files for each walking day
- Details on restaurants and places of interest to visit along the way.
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk with a small day pack.
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation, during the tour and back at the end of the tour.
- 24-7 Emergency Telephone support
- Public transport to the beginning of the tour and back at the end
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Drinks and Snacks
- Personal Equipment
Arrive at Dublin Airport and take the train or bus to Rathdrum. You will be picked up at the train station and transported to your first accommodation in the village of Tinahely. Transport time from Dublin to Rathdrum is approximately one and a half hours.
Your self-guided walk from Tinahely to Moyne takes you along peaceful forest trails, open mountainside, and quiet country roads. Moyne was the birthplace of Edward C. Godwin, who founded the publication “New York Nation” 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 (otherwise known as a fairy fort).
Distance: 17.5 km/10.7 miles, Ascent: 500 m/1500 ft, Approximate walking time: 4/6 hours
The Moyne to Glenmalure walk is a long but very beautiful section of the Wicklow Way. The winding trail leads you through forest and into two spectacular valleys, the Ow Valley and the Glenmalure Valley. The Ow Valley lies at the base of Wicklow’s largest mountain, Lugnaquillia, which stands at 925 m/1039 ft. The Glenmalure Valley is Ireland’s longest glacial valley that stretches for over 16 km/10 miles. This peaceful valley will be the perfect place for you to spend the night.
Distance: 19 km/12 miles, Ascent: 690 m/2070 ft, Approximate walking time: 6/8 hours
The walking 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 trail crosses the side of Mullacor Mountain and into the valley of Glendalough (Gleann Dá Locha – the valley of two lakes). Glendalough is famous for its 6th-century monastic settlement, which you can explore. Glendalough has long remained one of the most visited sites in Ireland, its beauty is simply enchanting! Tonight you will stay in Glendalough or Laragh Village. Distance: 17 km/10.6 miles, Ascent: 520 m/1560 ft, Approximate walking time: 4/5 hours
Today you have the option to enjoy a well-earned rest day. You can take a short walk off the Wicklow Way walking trail (details will be included in your tour pack) or visit the 6th-century Glendalough Monastic City’s dedicated visitor centre. You will have an opportunity to learn about Glendalough with an audiovisual display in the centre’s exhibition space followed by a tour of the monastic settlement itself.
Today's walk is short but deeply rewarding, taking in some fantastic scenery and finishing in one of the highest villages in Ireland, Roundwood which sits about 238 m above sea level. You will also pass very close to our Footfalls office, just outside the village of Laragh. We will give you the choice to extend your walk by taking in the challenging Scarr Mountain. Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely walk around one of the Roundwood reservoirs which supplies water to part of Dublin city. Tonight you will stay in Roundwood. Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles, Ascent: 250 m/750 ft, Approximate walking time: 3.5/4 hours
Your last walking day on the Wicklow Way is one of the longest but is a classic walk taking in views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. This area has been used as a filming location for an aray of famous movies, including Brave Heart, King Arthur, Dancing at Lughnasa, and much 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, where you will have some fantastic views of Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s longest waterfall. Your second last night is spent in one of Wicklow’s most charming villages, Enniskerry. Distance: 22 km/13.7 miles, Ascent: 600 m/1800 ft, Approximate walking time: 5/6 hours
After a hearty breakfast, you can take a (one hour) bus journey from Enniskerry village back to Dublin City.
