The Wicklow Way Independent Walking Tour is a multi-centre, self guided walking trip in County Wicklow.
The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest way marked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago. And reveals some of Ireland’s finest views; Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of 127 kilometres (79 miles) in total. In this itinerary we offer the main highlights of this walking trail.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Tinahely for the Wicklow Way
Take the train or bus to Rathdrum. You will be picked up at the station and transported to your first accommodation, which is in the village of Tinahely. Transport time from Dublin to Rathdrum is approximately 1hr 30 minutes.
Day 2 – Tinahely to Iron Bridge
Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles, Ascent: 540 m/1620 ft
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.
Day 3 – Iron Bridge to Glenmalure
Distance: 14 km/8.7 miles, Ascent: 520 m/150 ft
This section is mainly on forest track and country road. Not a difficult walk with options to shorten or lengthen the walk. The Glenmalure Valley is the longest glacier valley in Ireland or England and your accommodation is in the middle.
Day 4 – Glenmalure to Glendalough/Laragh
Distance: 14Km, Height Gain: 450m
A superb walk with breathtaking views of the Glenmalure Valley, the Lakes of Glendalough and its 6th Century Monastic City. This monastic settlement was the hob of learning in Europe from the 6th until the 12th century.
Day 5 – Rest day with option to do a section off the trail or visit Glendalough
We have a beautiful optional walk for you today should you decide to take it and it will be included in your information pack.
Day 6 – Glendalough to Roundwood
Distance: 10 km/6 miles, Ascent: 250 m/750 ft
The walk today is easy with an option to extend it by an extra 7Km. Roundwood is the highest village in Ireland. We will also give you an option to take in a mountain called Scarr; this is beautiful and on a good day will give you some fantastic views.
Day 7 – Roundwood to Enniskerry
Distance: 18 km/1125 miles, Ascent: 600 m/1800 ft
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 tour ends in the picturesque village of Enniskerry which; is situated on the door-step of Dublin.
Day 8 – Departure
After a hearty breakfast you can take a bus from just outside of your accommodation for the 30minute journey back to Dublin City.