Escorted Walking Holidays / Wicklow Way
	Overview
Wicklow Way	8 Days / 7 Nights	Grade B/C: Hills / Mountain walking
With easy accessibility from Dublin, a walking holiday along the Wicklow Way provides the visitor the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains - without ever having to stray too far from civilization. The Wicklow Way is a trail that stretches for 132km from the County Carlow village of Clonegal, through the low hill country of southwest Wicklow before entering the wilder mountain regions. It is however a relatively easy walk along forest paths and well waymarked open hillside - and as such is a holiday suited to those of average fitness. The scenery is still superb. From the wilds of Glenmalure to the legendary beauty of Glendalough - the a holiday on the Wicklow Way rarely disappoints. In addition to mountain waterfalls, dark peaty rivers and beautiful mountain lakes, you also never seem to be far from the wildlife. The eagle-eyed hiker should keep their eyes open for the many Japanese sika deer and local red deer that inhabit these areas. The trail starts at Marlay Park in the suburb of Rathfarnham, heading up through Kilmashogue forest to Dublin mountains before heading into "Garden of Ireland" to leave the hustle and bustle behind. The Wicklow Way really does serve as the perfect introduction to the Irish countryside. Experience it for yourself and you won't be disappointed!

Day 1 (Arrival)
Arriving at Dublin Airport, there is a courtesy transfer at 4pm by our transport. You are then transported south to our first night’s accommodation in the town of Bray. We have an evening meal and a discussion about the week's walking ahead.

Day 2 (16km Rathfarnham to Enniskerry)
Our first day's walking brings us to Marlay Park where the Wicklow Way trail starts at Marlay House - a lovely 18th century georgian manor house. Rising up through Kilmashogue wood and into the Dublin mountains we head over via Tibradden and Two Rock mountains and continue on by Glencullen Mountain with spectacular views of the city of Dublin laid out below you and the Irish Sea stretching into the distance.

Our route then brings us via Prince William's Seat into Glencree Valley and County Wicklow to finish at the village of Enniskerry. Transfer back to Bray for dinner.

Day 3 (12km Kippure to Laragh)
Our transfer this morning brings us via the famous Sally Gap deep into the Wicklow Mountains where we walk today on Kippure Mountain and its environs before heading to the Liffey River Valley - taking in the picturesque Upper and Lower Lough Bray as we walk. We then head back to the Military Road to meet our transfer back to Laragh and our stay for the night.

Day 4 (16km Oldbridge to Laragh)
A classic walk today as we take a transfer after breakfast to the village of Oldbridge. Our walk starts on the shores of the lovely Lough Dan before continuing through the "lost village" on to the summits of Brown Mountain and Scarr Mountain before picking up the Wicklow Way again on Paddock Hill to return on foot to Laragh.

Day 5 (8km Glendalough)
We have the morning free to discover the Vale of Glendalough with its famous monastic village, seven Churches and the site of St Kevin's round tower. In the afternoon we head up via the Upper Lake and The Spink to the upper areas of this famous National Park. We have time to visit and explore the old lead works and disused mines before returning to overnight in Laragh.

Day 6 (12km Glendalough to Glenmalure)
Leaving the Glendalough Valley, we head south via the Giants Cut, Derrybawn and Cullentragh Mountains to enjoy wonderful views across to Lugnaquilla (at 925m/3035ft, Wicklow's highest mountain) before descending to the Glenmalure Valley and the hamlet of Drumgoff on the banks of the lovely Avonbeg River.

The views as we leave Glendalough help to give you an understanding of the plateau that is the Wicklow Mountains, and although this is not a long days walking you are rewarded by the quality of the trek. Overnight and evening dinner in Glenmalure.

Day 7 (12km Lugnaquillia)
On this our final day of walking we head up to Lugnaquilla and the Glen of Imaal. Lugnaquilla is the third highest mountain in Ireland and on a clear day from its summit you have views to the north towards Dublin City and to the south to the Saltee Islands off the coast of Wexford. All in all a wonderful finish to our week of walking in Northwest Europe's largest upland granite plateau.

We finish with a farewell meal back at our accommodation in Glenmalure.

Day 8 (Departure)
The tour is completed following breakfast and we transfer you back to Wicklow Bus/Rail station for approximately 09:30/10:00. From Wicklow where there is an excellent bus/rail service to Dublin or to Rosslare.

Prices and options

We offer a number of different start dates for our Beara Way escorted walking holiday throughout the year. To see the current available start dates please check out the latest schedule which also has our up-to-date prices.

Included in this guided walking holiday are:

• 7 nights' accommodation, based on two adults sharing, in Irish Tourist Board approved hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs (normally with en-suite facilities).
• Meals consisting of a full Irish breakfast each day, packed lunch on walking days, and an evening meal. Drinks are not included.
• 6 Days Walking with an expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday.
• Luggage transfer each day, route description and maps.
• Courtesy transfer (only on Saturdays) at 16:00 from Dublin Airport to your first accommodation. Transfers to Wicklow Bus/Rail Station at the end of holiday (within our timetable).

For more information on Ireland visit the Tourism Ireland website at Discover Ireland - www.discoverireland.ie.

Flight schedules and information on Dublin Airport.
For information on trains to and from Dublin, visit the Irish Rail site.

Back to top

Schedule and Prices

Photographs