The Wicklow Way is a Self Guided Long Distance trail in Ireland with a total distance of 128Km.
About the Trail
We have broken the Wicklow way up into manageable walking trails of approx 15 -25Km per day.
The Wicklow way travels south from Dublin and wanders into the Dublin hills on the first day. After you leave Marley Park you start going up towards the hills overlooking Dublin city and bay. Then the Wicklow Way trail starts going over these hills and through Glencullen. The scenery starts to change as you enter into more of rural Ireland and County Wicklow. There are many wonderful walking trails in this area above Dublin.
The Wicklow Way trail keeps traveling south bringing you by Waterfalls, Lakes, the Mountain ranges of Wicklow and open Glens. Some highlights along the way are Lough Tay, Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough and Glenmalure to name a few. These are great locations for Wicklow walks that many locals would travel to do.
You will also pass through and stay in some villages such as Enniskerry, Roundwood, Glendalough, Tinahealy and Shillelagh, the walk then finishes in the small town of Clonegal.
The Wicklow way trail is made up of forest trails, open mountain tracks, boreens (old Irish roads) and roads but don’t worry the trail is very well marked and you will also have the maps and trail notes that we provide.
Wicklow is known for its scenery and is also known as “The Garden of Ireland” for its natural beauty. It’s a wonderful place for walking or hiking with its low lying mountains, small colourful towns and incredible vistas.
Wicklow walks and trails are famous to people living in Dublin and its a great resource close to our capital city.
You can decide how many days you wish to walk and we organise everything else for you along the Wicklow Way. So you can just relax enjoy the walks and incredible scenery that you will pass through. Knowing your luggage is going ahead of you to your next accommodation.
Itineraries
Self Guided Walk on the Wicklow Way in Ireland
(The distances below may vary slightly due to accommodation locations.)
4 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Glendalough
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) – Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4) Glendalough – Return to Dublin on public bus
5 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Glenmalure.
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) – Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4) Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m
Day 5: Glenmalure – Return to Dublin.
6 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Aughrim.
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) – Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4) Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m
Day 5) Glenmalure – Iron Bridge (Aughrim) – 11.9Km – Height Gain 398m
Day 6: Aughrim – Return to Dublin.
7 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Aughrim. Rest Day in Glendalough
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) – Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4) Rest Day in Glendalough
Day 5) Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m
Day 6) Glenmalure – Iron Bridge (Aughrim) – 11.9Km – Height Gain 398m
Day 7) Aughrim – Return to Dublin.
8 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Shillelagh.
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) to Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4) Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m
Day 5) Glenmalure – Iron Bridge (Aughrim) – 11.9Km – Height Gain 398m
Day 6) Ion Bridge – Tinahealy – 21.9Km – Height Gain 303m
Day 7) Tinahealy – Shillelagh – 17.2Km – Height Gain 171m
Day 8) Public transport from Shillelagh to Dublin.
N.B If you would like to walk to Clonegal on Day 8 to complete the Wicklow Way then we can arrange transfer for you and your luggage back to Dublin. (Additional cost)
9 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Clonegal.
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) to Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m – Pickup at Old Bridge to accommodation
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4) Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m
Day 5) Glenmalure – Iron Bridge (Aughrim) – 11.9Km – Height Gain 398m – Pickup at Iron Bridge to accommodation
Day 6) Ion Bridge – Tinahealy – 21.9Km – Height Gain 303m
Day 7) Tinahealy – Shillelagh – 17.2Km – Height Gain 171m
Day 8) Shillelagh to Clonegal – 20.9Km – Height Gain 317m – Pick from Clonegal to accommodation in Bunclody.
Day 9) Public transport from Bunclody to Dublin.
10 Days on the Wicklow Way: Dublin to Clonegal / Bunclody (Rest Day Glendalough
Day 1) Dublin (Marlay Park) to Coolakay (Enniskerry) 23.3Km – Height Gain 404m
Day 2) Coolakay to Old Bridge (Roundwood) – 16.9Km – Height Gain 502m – Pickup at Old Bridge to accommodation
Day 3) Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m
Day 4: Glendalough – Choice of looped walk
Day 5) Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m
Day 6) Glenmalure – Iron Bridge (Aughrim) – 11.9Km – Height Gain 398m – Pickup at Iron Bridge to accommodation
Day 7) Ion Bridge – Tinahealy – 21.9Km – Height Gain 303m
Day 8) Tinahealy – Shillelagh – 17.2Km – Height Gain 171m
Day 9) Shillelagh to Clonegal – 20.9Km – Height Gain 317m – Pick from Clonegal to accommodation in Bunclody.
Day 10) Public transport from Bunclody to Dublin.
Route Discription
Walking the Wicklow Way Trail in sections:
Traveling North to South from Dublin to Clonegal.
Stage 1: Marley Park – Glencree – Knockree
Distance: 21Km Ascent: 600m Time: 7hrs
Marlay Park is situated on the South side of Dublin in Rathfarnham approx 4km from the city centre. From Marlay Park you will follow the Wicklow way trail through the park and out the back. Taking a right turn leaving the park, you come to a round about and under the Motorway. Things should start getting a little quieter here as you enter a much smaller road passing an old road side water pump heading towards Kilmashagogue Forest.
Once you enter the forest you follow the Wicklow way trail around to the left and in a southerly direction. The trail travels the base of Kilmashogue towards “Two Rock mountain” which is named after the Granite Tors that sit on top of it. Keep following the Wicklow way trail down the side of Tibradden and onto the road towards Glencullen.
From here you may continue onto Knockree by taking the right of the road you are on or if you wish to stop there is a fantastic pub called “Johnnie Foxes” just ahead which serves fine food a good pint with live Irish music and dancing most nights. Its approx 4Km from the Wicklow Way trail.
Stage 2: Knockree to Roundwood (Lough Tay)
Distance: 18Km Ascent: 500m Time: 6.5hrs
From Knockree continue on the Wicklow way trail to Crone wood. Follow the markings for the Wicklow way along a path through the forested area which will eventually bring you out along the edge of a cliff over looking the Powerscourt Waterfall. This is part of the Dargle river. You will then cross through a deforested area belonging to “Collte”, the Irish forestry Board. To your right you will see Djouce and to your left Maulin.
Follow the track left down towards the Dargle river and cross over a bridge following the side of an old stone wall. When you cross the river, you continue up and cross over the stone wall following the trail to the side of Djouce. The Wicklow way takes the path around the side of Djouce. If you wish you can climb Djouce and come back off it and rejoin the Wicklow way towards White Hill. There is a board walk along this stretch over some very boggy and wet ground.
Continue following the board walk south and from here you should start to see Luggala and Lough Tay straight in front of you. This is a fantastic view on a clear day and a great place to stop for lunch and a hot drink.
Coming down from White Hill along this trail there is a rock with a plaque dedicated to the founder of The Wicklow Way J.B. Malone. Continue on this trail out to the Road R759 over looking the Guinness’s Estate and Lough Tay.
You could organise a pickup from here to bring you to your accommodation for the evening.
Take this road to the Left and continue on to a small crossroads with directions for Roundwood.
Stage 3: Roundwood (Lough Tay) – Glendalough:
Distance: 12Km Ascent: 350m Time: 4hrs
From Roundwood, rejoin the Wicklow Way back to the Pier gates using the road that brought you to Roundwood the previous day or just north of Oldbridge. Continue hiking on the public road crossing the Avonmore river at Oldbridge and keep on this road for a further 3km over Drumray. Turn right onto a lane, keep a sharp eye out for this left turn of the road. This passes a farm house and leads to the north-eastern shoulder of Paddock Hill.
The Wicklow Way route continues over the hill and then descends to cross the Glenmacnass road. Continuing to Glendalough remain on the route which immediately enters Brockagh Forest – with its all too obvious evidence of recent timber harvesting and replanting.
There are some incredible views from here up along the Glendalough Valley. Keep on this trail through the woods and eventually reaching the Glendalough Hotel for a well deserved rest.
Stage 4: Glendalough to Glenmalure:
Distance: 14Km Ascent: 400m Time: 4.5hrs
Glendalough is one of the most visited parts of County Wicklow both for it’s scenery and it’s historical importance. Glendalough is an excellent example of a Glacial U-Shaped Valley with the monastic site of St Kevin situated at its floor bed. The monastic site complete with a wonderful Round tower 100ft high. It was founded by St Kevin in the 6th Century and well worth a visit while in the area.
There are some great walks to enjoy while visiting this area and an extra day here would be well spent.
The Wicklow way in Glendalough starts at the Glendalough Hotel, you can pass through the monastic site and cross the Avonbeg River. The trail brings you up to the Upper lake where it then takes a left turn passing the Poolanass Waterfall.
You then follow the Wicklow way trail along the side of Mullacore and Lugduff over into the Glenmalure valley. From here you begin your descent into the valley along the side of Mullacor.
As you descend there are incredible views along the valley and the surrounding mountains including Lugnaquillia (Wicklow’s highest mountain) to the far south. The trail goes in a zig-zag direction through forested trails to the end of this stage at the Drumgoff cross roads.
N.B An alternative route can be taken along what is called the Spinc. This is a great walk up along a trail overlooking both lakes and throughout the whole valley.
If you follow the blue trail in Glendalough through a forested walk it will lead you out onto the Cliff edge overlooking the upper lake. Keep following this trail up and towards the top of the valley and then take a left leaving the trail and rejoining the Wicklow way on the far side of Mullacore.
Stage 5: Glenmalure – Aughrim – Moyne:
Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs
From Glenmalure, the Wicklow Way trail follows the old Military road south crossing the Avonbeg river. The remains of the Drumgoff barracks are to your left which were built by the British in the early 1800s. Leaving the military road to your right you take a wonderful forested trail along the side of Slieve Maan (Middle mountain). Notice the Wicklow way sign to let you know that you are know at the half way point of the Wicklow way 63.5Km as you enter this forest.
Keep a sharp eye to follow the trail through these woods as the Wicklow way pointers may be hidden in places by overgrown trees or shrubs.
The trail runs almost parallel to the military road and rejoins it in before crossing the Aghavannagh river. Continue on the trail along side Carrickashane mountain towards Iron Bridge which crosses the river Ow.
“A lot of People doing the Wicklow Way stay in the town of Aughrim and get a pickup from Iron Bridge”
This brings you out to the Aughrim road, taking a left turn follow a minor road for about 500m passing Ballyteige Bridge then take a right turn leaving the road along side a small river. You can finish your days walking here and stay in the nearby town of Aughrim, which is just 6Km along this road, this would be a good location to organise a pickup from.
If you are going on then follow the track up hill through some woodland and along the shoulder of Sheilstown mountain. Take a left to descend to another minor road and take a left for about 2km to bring you into Moyne.
Moyne is a great place to stop and take a well earned rest situated in deep south Wicklow with Lugnaquillia (Leinster’s highest mountain)as a back drop. There are also two dolmens and a fairy ring close by.
Stage 6: Moyne – Tinahealy – Shillelagh:
Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs
From here the Wicklow way is on a lot of roads and small boreens which can make for very pleasant walks along pathways full with wild flowers during the summer months. Although these roads may be quite, remember to keep right when walking, facing on coming traffic.
Keeping in a southerly direction from Moyne take a small laneway to descend and cross the river at Sandyford Bridge. There is a holy well close by dedicated to St. Colmcille which is worth a quick visit. From here take a minor road which runs parallel to river next to it, this trail passes between Slieveroe and Ballycumber.
The Wicklow Way trail then turns about to the west under Ballycumber South towards Coolafunshogue woods and eventually crosses the river Derry and comes out to cross the road R747.
If you wish to stop in Tinahealy for the evening follow this road to your left for about 2.5Km and it will bring you straight into the town. Tinahely is a market town in the valley of the Derry River. The town was destroyed in the 1798 rebellion, but was later rebuilt in the early 1800’s by the Earl Fitzwilliam.
A new walk has opened up here along the old railway line or you could visit the protected woodland of Tomnafinnoge Wood one of the largest Oak forests in the country.
If you wish to Continue on the Wicklow way then cross the road to take a sharp left along a small road. Follow this trail along a wonderful flat green pathway north of Muskeagh Hill for 2Km. Then taking a right and descend downhill to a minor road where you will turn left.
Continue on this road to a T junction take the right turn crossing a small bridge keep following this road towards the Stranakelly Cross roads and the “Dying Cow” Pub. This is a great spot to stop along your way for a bite to eat or a refreshing pint with a wonderful beer garden to relax in.
From the junction follow the Wicklow Way trail uphill to your right or your left if leaving the pub. The road follows up around the north side of Cronelea hill to a T junction, take your right passing a small school and a few houses crossing the R725. Cross this road at the staggered junction and continue uphill until you come to T junction with another minor road and turn left.
Following this road you will come to a right turn for the Wicklow way which brings you towards Raheenakit woods don’t take the right for the Wicklow way at these woods but continue straight towards the Ballard (Baile Ard) High town cross roads. At this cross roads take your left turn and follow this minor road for about 2Km into Shillelagh.
Shillelagh like Tinahely sits on the Derry river and is an estate village built by Earl Fitzwilliam with wonderful looking houses constructed using local granite. The famous Irish weapon that was made from blackthorn sticks, ‘The Shillelagh’ originates from this village.
Stage 7: Shillelagh- Clonegal (Finish)
Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs
Rejoin the Wicklow way by going out towards the Ballard Crossroads. Take your right to Raheenakit and follow the trail left into the woods. The trail takes a few twist and turns as goes across Barnamuinga and Aghowie Upper. There are great views along this trail across counties Carlow and Wexford.
On this trail be careful not to miss out for a stile down a grassy lane along your way as you are coming of Aghowie Upper. You will then come out onto a another path take your right and follow this as it joins a minor road. The Wickow way travels north up and around Moylisha and back in a southerly direction around Newry.
Rejoining the road and crossing it towards Wicklow bridge, from which point you have entered County Carlow and from here take your left and follow the Wicklow way for 3 Km to the Finish or start town of Clonegal. An information board and stone bench mark the terminus of the Wicklow Way. Well Done.
Now make your way to Osbourne’s Pub with it’s coffin lids counter and old style feel that makes for the perfect venue to enjoy a pint and wait for your pickup. You can pickup your Wicklow Way Certificate at Osbournes.
Beside the small and appealing village of Clonegal is the 17th century Clonegal Castle or Century Huntington Castle. The granite castle was built in 1695 by Lord Esmonde. The castle has been involved in historical events and legends.
It also said to have two ghosts dwelling in the house as well.
What to Bring
What to bring along for the Wicklow Way Trail
Good Walking boots.
Day Back Pack (25L)
Walking Socks with lining.
Raingear,
Good walking Jacket,
Hat and Gloves
Insect Repellent
Sun Cream
Torch
FAQ
Q. How do we get to the Start of our walk?
A. All the information to get you to the start of your walk will be given to you, ie, bus times, train times etc. We can also organise a transfer for you from Airports or accommodations.
Q. What about the walks and fitness levels?
A. The terrain of this walk is from forest tracks, to open hillside, old roads, country lanes and Irish Bog.
The walks are generally of a moderate level with approx 15 – 20Km per day walk.
It is possible to have your day shortened by letting us know and we can organise transfers to shorten the walk for you
Q What is the Accommodation like?
A. We use a mix of Guesthouses on these Self Guided Walks as we believe they give you a more personal service and many of them will provide you with a packed lunch and a hearty breakfast before you start your day. They are also locals to the area and know the best places for music, food and drink.
We choose our accommodation very carefully and have known the owners for many years now and have built up a close relationship with them
We can depend on these accommodations to give you the best service and assistance with any queries you may have.
The accommodation providers are well used to guests arriving after a day’s walk and know that they want somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
They are all fully qualified and recognised accommodations with Tourism Ireland
Q What is the food in Ireland like and where would we get evening meals?
A. In many of the towns along the way, there is a choice of restaurant or Pub (Pub cuisine in Ireland is fantastic now with a wide variety of food at a high quality in most).
Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals, breads etc.
Lunches for the walks: Some of the accommodations may provide a packed lunch for you. If not they will let you know of a close by Deli or shop where you can have one made up the way you would like it.
Evening Meals In most towns there are restaurants and Pubs, Wicklow Lamb is famous throughout the world for its quality.
Dietary requests such as Vegetarians or Gluten free can be catered for with prior notice, although many locations in Ireland are well used to specific foods .
Q. Can we have our luggage transferred each day?
A. Yes your luggage is transferred each day and will be at your next accommodation before your arrival. So you can shower and freshen up quickly after arriving
Included in costs
Friendly and family run guest Houses and B+Bs (Irish Tourism Board Approved)
Breakfasts each morning with a wide selection to choose from.
Detailed maps, Water Proof Map Cover
Wicklow Way Book with interesting facts of areas visited and route descriptions.
Luggage Transfer each day.
Phone support along the way.(Accommodations and pickup numbers)
All Information on public transport required will be given.
Optional Extras:
Pickup from the Airport or accommodation to the Wicklow Way can be arranged.
Extra nights in Dublin before and after your walk
Cancellation Policy:
Note: There is no cancellation fee for any cancellations due to COVID travel restrictions.
A cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.
A cancellation fee of 50% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
No cancellation fee applies for cancellations made 4 weeks or more in advance.
We had an excellent trip walking the Wicklow Way from Marlay Park to Iron Bridge. Terry arranged everything perfectly for us and it was an incredible way to celebrate my 30th birthday. We highly recommend using Hilltop Treks.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
