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Map of Walk the Wicklow Way including Ireland

Up incredible peaks and down to quintessential small-town Ireland

Enjoy the best of Ireland’s oldest long distance trail on a six-day Wicklow Way hiking adventure from Dublin. Covering reasonable distances daily, pass through open moorland and forested heaths, and stop by small towns along the way for a welcome dose of Irish hospitality. Explore a monastic settlement full of folklore in Glendalough, peer over the Lough Tay as you stop by Luggala, and consider some summit treks for some extraordinary vistas. Joined by a group of likeminded active adventurers and a certified mountain hiking guide, this is the ideal way to actively explore Irish countryside.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Dublin, Ireland
Finish
Dublin, Ireland
Destination
Ireland
Style
Original
Theme
Intrepid Retreats, Walking & Trekking
Code
BWXW
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 10

Why you'll love this trip

  • Hike through the hills and valleys of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, discovering fields that once housed potato farms, and emerge from lush green forests to peer towards deep coloured lakes.

  • Descend into Glendalough and visit a monastery, where a local folklorist will explain some of the histories and mysteries of the trails. Ireland is much more than leprechauns and four leaf clovers!

  • If you ask us, some of the best views are a little off the main trail. Take a rest stop on top of Luggala, overlooking the Guinness-coloured Lough Tay, and consider summiting Derrybawn and Mullcor peaks.

  • The small sleepy towns in the Wicklow Mountains are arguably as charming as the countryside itself. Rest and recoup in comfort as you stay in handpicked bed and breakfasts along your journey.

  • Did you really head to Ireland if you didn’t try some of the local drop? Stop by the Powerscourt Distillery one afternoon for a group whiskey tasting of some of the best Irish tipples on offer.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This walking trip is a point-to-point walking itinerary. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • Your luggage will be transported for you, but it would be wise to bring a daypack to carry your essentials.

  • The diversity of the seasons in Ireland makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be cold. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. Please be equally prepared to walk in sunshine and rain.

BWXW - County Galway Hike
BWXW - Woman Hiking the Wicklow Way trail
BWXW - Wicklow Way - Uphill Hike Scenic View
BWXW - Scenic View of Hiking Trail - Valley of Glendalough
BWSW - Lough Tay - Guiness Lake - Aerial View
BWXW - Wicklow Way - Hikers Taking Pictures

Itinerary
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Welcome to Dublin! Meet your group leader and fellow travel crew at the city’s Connolly Station, where you’ll hop on a train bound for the southern foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. Further details and exact times can be found in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information. This train takes the coastal route, so you’ll start the scenic discovery from the very first moment. On arrival, take part in an all-important welcome briefing, then taxi to a remote valley ¬– colloquially known as the ‘Iron Bridge’ – where you’ll join the trail. Have your daypack ready today, as your main luggage will be transferred direct to tonight’s accommodation. All that aside – the trek starts now! You’ll begin winding through tall pine forests and along undulating tracks, giving you a taste of what’s to come along the way.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 11 kilometres, with an overall ascent of 300 metres.

As your trip begins this morning, you may wish to spend the previous night in Dublin to ensure you are ready and on time to join your group. Plus, with so much to see and do in this Irish hub, a day or two extra is definitely recommended! If this sounds like a plan, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

After breakfast, you and your group are off to head deep into the Wicklow Mountains. The foothills give way to mountainous terrain, and while your trail will keep mainly to the valleys, you’ll begin to feel the changing elevations as the day progresses. One of the best things along the way is when the trail opens up to sweeping mountain vistas, so be sure to have a camera ready. Pass by the serene Poulanass Waterfall as the trail descends into the Glendalough Valley towards the village of Laragh. Here, meet a local folklorist who will fill you in on the history and mythology of the Glendalough region. You’ll learn of how this monastery was one of the largest and busiest scholarly centres of Ireland in the Middle Ages. Fascinating! Afterwards, spend the night in Laragh, perhaps cosy-ing up at a local pub.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Glendalough entrance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 14 kilometres, with an overall ascent of 400 metres.

Insider tip on the Wicklow route – you’ll want to spend some extra time in Glendalough to take advantage of the incredible walking loops in this part of the valley. Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered. Without the need to pack up this morning, get back on the trail and understand why Glendalough means the ‘valley of two lakes’ on a guided hike. You’ll also step away from the trail at some point in the day for a challenging loop, taking in the Derrybawn and Mullcor summits. The incredible scenery at the top makes the difficulty of today’s hike totally worth it. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, not to worry – you are more than welcome to continue your explorations in town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Glendalough loop walk with additional mountain guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 14 kilometres, with an overall ascent of 740 metres. There are some challenging and mountainous sections of terrain today, so if you wish to sit the hike out, let your group leader know.

After an included breakfast, jump back on the Way for your hike to Roundwood. Until the Great Famine swept the region and most of Ireland in the 1840s, this part of Wicklow was a heavily populated farming area. Along the trail today, keep an eye out for the remains of cottages and ridges of potato fields once dotted along the verdant countryside. Today sees the group hike through the heart of the Wicklow uplands region, passing by the junction of four glacial valleys. Your knowledgeable guide may opt to detour along a more scenic route today so you maximise your time up high on the peaks, taking in the panoramic landscapes below. Keep the trek going on a section of road as you journey into the rural village of Roundwood. After a few solid days of hiking, a welcome pint of Guinness won’t go astray this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 14 kilometres, with an overall ascent of 350 metres.

Open up the hike today as your guide takes the group into open country on undulating terrain, through lush green valleys that give way to incredible mountainside. Take a mid-morning rest stop at Luggala Peak, overlooking the rolling green countryside down to Lough Tay – known as the ‘Guinness Lake’ for its deep brown colour. Continue to hike the shoulder of Djouce Mountain, and if the group is feeling up to it, head to its summit. Your leader will bring you up to speed with the modern folklore of Djouce, stemming from a plane crash in the area in the 1940s. You'll also have a chance to stop at a local farm on the hike today, talking to a local farmer and getting the opportunity to see his dog at work herding his sheep. On your way into town this evening, stop by the Powerscourt Distillery for a group tasting of the local Irish whiskeys available. It’s well deserved after a steady day trekking! Afterwards, either choose to explore the Estate further, or join the group and transfer into town for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Powerscourt Distillery visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 18 kilometres, with an overall ascent of 500 metres.

Today sees you bound for Ireland’s bustling capital, but the forested scenery definitely has not passed you yet! This morning, continue through forests and open moorland towards Dublin county. The countryside blends seamlessly into the city’s edge as you approach and descend into suburban Dublin at Marley Park around 3-4 pm and toast your Wicklow Mountains adventure with your leader and hiking crew. With no activities planned after this, you are free to leave the group and continue your own adventure in Dublin and beyond.
Included Activities
  • End of trek celebratory drink
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hiking distance is approximately 21 kilometres, with an overall ascent of 600 metres.

Depending on the group’s pace, you will arrive at Marley Park in Dublin around 3 or 4 pm. If wanting to organise onward connections this evening, be sure to check with your booking agent on a suitable time to book, in order to allow for any delays and transfers. Otherwise, if you wish to spend some more time in Dublin, we’ll be happy to organise additional post-tour accommodation (subject to availability).
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Glendalough entrance
  • Glendalough loop walk with additional mountain guide
  • Powerscourt Distillery visit
  • End of trek celebratory drink

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the Wicklow Way trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip starts with a group meeting at 9.45 am on day 1 at Dublin-Connolly Station and ends after Walking on day 6 after walking to Dublin, Marlay Park. Expected arrival at the final destination is between 3 pm and 4 pm. Please plan your arrival and departure accordingly. We are happy to book additional accommodation before or after the trip for you, subject to availability.
3. If you plan to arrive by car, please search for relevant car park options in Dublin.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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