New Walk 
4 to 9 nights
26 to 81 mls (km)
South-East Ireland
Moderate 
Apr to Oct
£625
Ireland’s Oldest Waymarked Trail Through Stunning Natural Landscapes
- Dublin – Lively capital city and gateway to the Wicklow Way
- Powerscourt Waterfall – Ireland’s highest waterfall, near the trail
- Glendalough – 6th-century monastic site set in a dramatic glacial valley
- Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) – Iconic dark lake framed by pale sands and mountains
- Glenmalure – Ireland’s longest glacial valley, rich in natural beauty and history
Walking the Wicklow Way
The Wicklow Way offers a unique journey through some of Ireland’s most varied and accessible landscapes, including rugged uplands, shimmering loughs, wooded valleys and rolling farmland. As Ireland’s oldest waymarked trail, it was pioneered by hillwalker J.B. Malone to open up the wild beauty of the Wicklow Mountains to all.
The route begins just outside Dublin but quickly leaves the city behind, leading you through heather-covered hills, peaceful forests and open moorland filled with birdsong and far-reaching views. Along the way, you’ll pass glacial lakes, cross ancient mountain passes and explore valleys rich in natural beauty and folklore. None are more evocative than Glendalough, with its serene twin lakes and atmospheric 6th-century monastic ruins.
Although remote in places, the path is well marked and punctuated by warm, welcoming villages offering comfortable overnight stays and local hospitality. With its blend of scenery, history and charm, the Wicklow Way is ideal for walkers seeking a rewarding and varied trail within easy reach of Dublin.
Path Walkthrough
Your walk begins in Dublin’s Marlay Park, quickly climbing into the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. From here, the trail leads through quiet forests and heather-covered hills, with early views over the city and coast. The route skirts the boardwalked flanks of Djouce Mountain, offering sweeping views across the Wicklow hills, before descending to the J.B. Malone Memorial above the striking Lough Tay. It then winds through Ballinastoe Woods and continues toward Roundwood.
Descending into the dramatic Glendalough Valley, you’ll explore ancient monastic ruins beside twin lakes. From Glendalough, the trail climbs again into open moorland and into the expansive Glenmalure Valley, Ireland’s longest glacial valley.
Beyond Glenmalure, the Wicklow Way ascends through the forested slopes of Slieve Maan, then follows rolling hills and quiet uplands toward Moyne. Here, the landscape softens into peaceful farmland and country lanes. The final stages pass near Tinahely and Shillelagh, following green roads and leafy tracks to reach Clonegal.
A Walk Through Ireland’s Layered History
Few trails offer such a strong sense of walking through time as the Wicklow Way. The route threads through landscapes shaped by ice, myth and history: ancient glacial valleys, early Christian monastic sites, and centuries-old green roads once used by farmers and traders. Along the way, you’ll pass through land once controlled by Anglo-Norman lords, wooded estates, and quiet uplands that were for centuries the haunt of rebels and outlaws. One of the most striking sights is Lough Tay — known as the Guinness Lake for its dark waters and pale crescent of sand, said to resemble a pint of stout. Though remote in places, this accessible, well-marked trail invites walkers of all backgrounds to explore these storied landscapes at their own pace — a seamless blend of natural beauty, deep history and living culture.
Our Wicklow Way Holiday Itineraries
Marlay Park to Clonegal
Distance: 81 miles (130km)
IRE-WKW1
9 Nights
from £1165
A complete journey along the Wicklow Way, this route begins in Dublin’s leafy Marlay Park and leads deep into the serene heart of the Irish countryside. Over the days, the trail reveals the wild charm of the Wicklow Mountains, forested glens, and gentle farmland—finishing in the quiet village of Clonegal. It’s a path of changing landscapes and steady solitude, perfect for those seeking the full Wicklow experience.
Marlay Park to Tinahely
Distance: 60 miles (96.5km)
IRE-WKW3
7 Nights
from £930
Following much of the Wicklow Way, this route offers a richly varied walk through the hills and woodlands south of Dublin. You’ll explore the dramatic uplands of Wicklow, cross wide-open moors, and descend into peaceful, pastoral valleys. Ending in the welcoming village of Tinahely, it’s a rewarding option for those with a week to walk and a taste for wild beauty balanced with gentle comforts.
Enniskerry (Crone Woods) to Glenmalure
Distance: 26 miles (41.5km)
IRE-WKW4
4 Nights
from £625
This shorter section of the Wicklow Way captures some of its finest moments in just a few days. From the walk start at Crone Woods, the trail winds through wooded valleys and open hillsides to the shimmering Lough Tay, on to historic Glendalough, and finally to Glenmalure, nestled in one of Ireland’s longest glacial valleys. A perfect introduction to the Wicklow Way’s timeless scenery.
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
Dublin Airport
The trail begins just south of the city. A regular airport shuttle runs to the city centre (approx. 40 mins).
Visit Dublin Airport
Rail
Stations at Dublin (start) and Rathdrum (for Clonegal).
Visit Irish Rail
Bus
Start – Marlay Park:
Dublin Bus No. 16 runs from Santry via the city centre to Marlay Park (stop near entrance).
Visit Dublin Bus | Bus Éireann
End – Clonegal:
Bus Éireann Expressway from Bunclody to Dublin Busáras Station.
Visit Bus Éireann
