& so much more….
The Wicklow Way was Irelands first national waymarked trail, and much is owed to the pioneering rambler, J.B Malone for its existence. Mountain Ways Ireland recommends walking the route from South to North, starting in Clonegal, Co. Carlow the route in its entirety runs for 132 km ( 83 miles) and ascends 3,500 metres. The first sections meander along country roads and gently rolling hills before giving way to the granite massif of the Wicklow Mountains. The way, for the most part takes you around and through these forests and hills, finding hidden glacial valleys with great historical significance.
The Garden of Ireland as county Wicklow is known hides in one of her hidden glens the superb monastic city of Glendalough.
Pass above Irelands highest waterfall before finally reaching the Dublin Mountains and dropping down through a beautiful old parkland to reach Irelands thriving capital city, Dublin.
Our Leisurely Hiking Tours are designed with the not so regular hiker in mind or for that matter the regular hiker who just wants to set an easy pace.
Average Daily Hike: 12 – 16 km (7 – 10 Miles)
Average Daily Hiking Time: 3 – 5 hours
Mountain Ways Ireland will provide all necessary public transport details so that you can easily travel to and from The Wicklow Way for your hiking tour.
If you’re one of those people who just can’t wait, then by all means you can start planning yourself now…Ireland as a small Island on the fringe of Europe is very well served by all major worldwide airlines. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair offer direct flights from many worldwide locations with new routes opening all of the time.
Dublin Airport
From Dublin Airport, take the Number 747 Dublin Bus service to Dublin Connolly Train Station or the Central Bus Station (Busàras) in Dublin City Centre.
Hiking Holidays starting in Bunclody, Tinahely or Rathdrum:
Bunclody: Take the public bus service
Tinahely: Take the train to rathdrum
Rathdrum: Take the train to rathdrum
Laragh: Take the private bus from Dublin Airport to Bray and then St Kevin’s Bus to Laragh
Enniskerry: Take a private bus from Dublin Airport to Bray and a public bus to Enniskerry
How to travel onwards at the end of your Hiking Tour:
Take the regular transport services from Enniskerry or South Dublin to either Dublin City or Dublin Airport.
Travelling by Car
Most B& B owners will facilitate you parking your car but please contact us beforehand to check.
We understand that a well selected Inn, B&B or guesthouse can make all the difference. Its one of the key ingredients that can make a good vacation into a great one.
A welcoming smile, a warm hello and a comfortable bed to take the weight off those feet is what you deserve.
Remember that we are hikers and we only want for you the same value for money standards that we would expect ourselves.
We expect somewhere to dry those boots and gear if they are wet.
Mountain Ways Ireland have carefully selected the accommodations for a range of reasons; it may be their location, their reviews and what other customers tell us, or the all-around local and authentic hospitality.
Wherever possible, rooms are generally en-suite, but if booked out already we will endeavour to have a private bathroom outside your own bedroom.
Just like us at Mountain Ways Ireland, The B&B owners have immense pride in their own businesses.
They love their own areas and will be more than happy to share a few stories or tips (good and bad!) of where to eat or drink. It’s hard to beat local, up to the minute knowledge.
It pays sometimes to just take a rest for a day, The Dingle way offers a wide range of ways to fill your day off.
Dublin: Irelands bustling, modern and vibrant capital where the old city is still just beneath the surface. The Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral, National museum, a stroll on Grafton Street, Kilmainham jail, The Guinness storehouse or maybe just find a quiet pub corner or bench on St Stephens green with a book to pass an hour …The list goes on, there’s so much to do.
Enniskerry: Why not spend an extra night here and visit the finely manicured lawns of what National Geographic described as The Third Top garden in the world! Powerscourt House and gardens are well worth a visit.
Glendalough: There is something truly timeless and mystical about this 6th Century monastic City set against the backdrop of the ‘Valley of the two lakes. Spend a few hours soaking up the atmosphere and maybe take a leisurely loop walk.
Glenmalure: A stunning Glacial U- Shaped valley, site of many rebellious tales. The largest English military defeat on Irish soil took place here in 1580.If you’re up for it, why not hire a mountain guide for the day to hike to the summit of Leinster’s highest mountain,Lugnaquilla at 925 m.
How to Book an Extra day or Activity
The price of an extra night on the Wicklow Way is € 45 pps with a € 15 single supplement.
The price of an extra night in Dublin City is € 85 pps with a € 60 single supplement.
At times, especially on popular routes like Wicklow, we may have to book an extra night at a different B&B close by.
As always transfers to and from the trail head will be arranged for you.
Please note that if you choose to book your own extra nights’ accommodation elsewhere and not listed as part of The Mountain Ways Ireland package then luggage and transfers must be arranged by yourself.
But please do remember we are here to help, just contact us and let us know what your plans are. If we can possibly help, make things happen then we will.
We’re here to help. You ask the questions and tell us what you want. Be sure that we’ll listen and one of the Mountain Ways Ireland team will be back to you as soon as possible.
Traditional Irish Music, Irish speaking ‘Gaeltacht’ areas., Star Wars movie location, National geographic traveller magazine most beautiful place on earth, Archaeological and historical points of interest, Inch Beach , Conor Pass , Annascaul Lake, Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, and so much more.
Glenariff forest park and the Glens of Antrim, Quaint villages, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , Dunseverick Castle ruin, Game of Thrones filming locations, Bushmills oldest distillery in the world, Rathlin Island, Giants Causeway UNESCO world heritage site, Relatively flat Coastal walk for much of the way, and so much more.
The camaraderie of sharing this experience with people from all over the world, all walks of life and everybody there for their own individual reasons., Quaint Spanish and Galician villages, Fantastic food and drink at very reasonable cost all along the way., History, Culture, pleasant climate, A life changing experience for some but definitely a bucket list walk for all., and so much more.