Trek Notes - Ireland

The Wicklow Way 8 nights/9 Days or 6 nights 7 Days

A Hike on the Emerald Isle

This walking holiday in Ireland winds its way through the Wicklow Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular upland areas. Stretching some 130km south of Dublin the Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. 

The small typical 'one street' village of Clonegal is an apt starting place for this walk into the remote and beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It is a route that remains mainly in the countryside making the short detours necessary to find a comfortable bed for the night. A couple of fairly long but gentle days introduce the walker to the Newry Forest and over high points of Moilishe and Stookeen Hill to the 17th century village of Shillelagh and then on to the beautiful village of Tinahely. Take a look at the historic market building, courthouse and shops as well as getting a flavour of the local hospitality in the pub and restaurant. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow Valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquillia (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley. This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up the hamlet of Glenmalure.

If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mallacour Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets us underway on the road to Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village. The penultimate day's walk to the charming village of Enniskerry is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guiness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country. The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.

Inn to Inn 7 or 9 days

Duration: 8 nights/9 Days or 6 nights 7 Days

Grade: Moderate

Day Stages: Min 14km, max 23km

Accommodation

8 nights/9 days -The accommodation on this tour is based on approved family-run guesthouses, with en-suite rooms. We stay for one night in Clonegal, Shillelagh, Tinahely, Moyne, Glenmalure, Laragh, Enniskerry and the final night on the edge of Dublin. The rooms are booked on a bed and breakfast basis. Evening meals are not included but there are always local pubs or restaurants to hand. 

6 nights/7 days The 7 day trip starts in Tinahely, thereafter the itinerary is the same as the 9 day trip.

The 7-day tour misses the first two walking days of the 9 day tour but thereafter follows the same route.

     Day 1 (9 day tour): Arrive at Dublin Airport and take the train or bus to Rathdrum or Bunclody (not included 10-15 Euros) followed by a private shuttle provided.

      Day 2: Clonegal to Shillelagh. Distance: 23 km, height gain: 122m. Your first walk takes you along some country roads through Newry forest, over Moylisha and Stookeen Hill down into the town land of Mungaculin. Your accommodation for the night will be in the 17th century village of Shillelagh.

     Day 3/1: Shillelagh to Tinahely. Distance: 16 km, height gain: 90m. Your journey from Shillelagh is on some quiet country roads. On your way you will pass St. Finian's Church. Tinahely is a little village on the banks of the river Derry and was destroyed in the 1798 rebellion. It was subsequently rebuilt and found a new lease of life with the coming of the railway in 1865, it is now a very beautiful village.

Or on the 7-day tour arrive at Dublin Airport and take the train or bus to Wicklow. You will be picked up at the station and transported to Tinahely. Transport time from Dublin to Wicklow is approximately 1hr 30 minutes

     Day 4/2: Tinahely to Moyne. Distance: 12km, height gain: 540m. This section of the Wicklow Way takes in some fantastic views of the adjoining counties like Carlow and Wexford; it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort. The walk finishes in the Ow Valley where you will be picked up and transported to your accommodation in Moyne.

     Day 5/3: The Iron Bridge to Glenmalure. Distance: 21km, height gain: 230m. A very beautiful section of the Wicklow Way, that winds you through forest trails and into two spectacular valleys, the Ow Valley and the Glenmalure Valley. The Ow Valley lies at the base of Wicklow's largest Mountain; Lugnaquilla standing at 925m. The Glenmalure Valley is Ireland's longest glacier valley that stretches for over 16km, this peaceful valley will be the perfect place for you to spend the night.

      Day 6/4: Glenmalure to Glendalough/Laragh. Distance: 14km, height gain: 450m. The trail takes you steadily up out of the valley and 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 the valley of two lakes. Glendalough is famous for its 6th Century Monastic Settlement, which you will be able to visit on your way.

    Day 7/5: Glendalough/Laragh, short transfer to Roundwood (the highest village in Ireland) and walk to Enniskerry. Distance: 18km, height gain: 600m. One of the longest walks but a classic, it takes in views of Guinness Estate, Lough Dan and Lough Tay, crosses over Djouce Mountain and alongside the Powerscourt Estate. Your day ends in the picturesque village of Enniskerry, which is situated on the doorstep of Dublin.

    Day 8/6: Enniskerry to Marlay Park Dublin: Distance: 17km, height gain: 150m. The last section 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 trip finishes on a splendid trail that leads you into Marlay Park    

Day 9/7: Depart. After a hearty breakfast you can take a bus from just outside of your accommodation for the 45-minute journey back to Dublin City or the airport.