For a small country, Ireland’s countryside has many facets. The western part of Ireland has most generally received the greatest acclaim but just to the south of Dublin lie the Wicklow Mountains, a range of heather-clad hills and lush, green vegetation that has provided the county of Wicklow with the nickname of the Garden of Ireland.
They form the largest upland area in the country, an area of wonderfully rocky foothills, switching from glen to glen through dramatic mountain scenery. Rounded domes of granite are incised by steep lake-filled valleys such as Glendalough and Luggala. It is also an area of charming villages – Enniskerry is generally considered to be one of the prettiest in Ireland. Nearby are the world renowned gardens of Powerscourt and the highest waterfall in the land. Glendalough is noted for the extensive ruins of the 6th century Irish monastery of St. Kevin.
Price:
£650 per person based on two people sharing. Single supplement £190.00
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in B&Bs with private facilities is pre-booked
- Breakfast daily
- Maps and route details
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk.
- We will supply you with all details of train/bus timetables to help you reach your starting point at Bunclody (bus/train fare and transfer not included).
Not Included:
- Transport to Bunclody
- Transport from Enniskerry
- All meals except breakfast.
Highlights:
- Rural farming communities, farming by day and hosting walkers by night. Wicklow natives.
- Glendalough & St. Kevin. The trail walks straight through his territory and all his 6th century remains.
- Rivers, lakes and valleys, Glenmalure, Glendasan, Glenalo, Glenmacanass, Lough Tay, Lough Dan, Avonbeg, Avonmore, Cloghoge and Dargle. Poetic flow, story and history.
Departure Dates:
May – October
Day 1:
Arrival to Bunclody from Dublin
Arrival to Dublin airport. AirLink bus to Busarus, central bus station in Dublin city. Bus Eireann regional service to Bunclody in north Co. Wexford. Bunclody is a pretty town on the banks of the river Slaney.
Overnight accommodation in Bunclody town.
Day 2:
Clonegal to Shillelagh
Your host will transfer you to Clonegal, the start of the Wicklow Way; walking is on country roads through Newry forest, Moilishe and Stookeen Hill, into the town land of Mungaculin. Your accommodation for the night will be in the 17th century village of Shillelagh origin of the Irish walking stick cut from the blackthorn tree, “The Shillelagh”.
Distance 23 km. Ascents 120m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight at Strankelly on the Way, near Shillelagh village.
Day 3:
Shillelagh to Moyne
From Stranakelly, return to country roads past the market town of Tinahely on the banks of the river Derry which was destroyed in the 1798 rebellion, subsequently rebuilt and found a new lease of life with the coming of the railway in 1865. This section of the Wicklow Way takes in some fantastic views back over the area that you have passed through, and the adjacent counties of Carlow and Wexford; it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort.
Distance 18km. Ascents 100m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
With Ballycumber Hill 20km. Ascents 400m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in farm guesthouse in Moyne townland. Dinner tonight s in your guesthouse.
Day 4:
Moyne to Drumgoff (Glenmalure)
Good climbing today through the pine forests of the Ow Valley. Drumgoff at the head of the picturesque Glenmalure Valley, provides a refreshing end to the day at the old coaching inn, Glenmalure Lodge. The area is renowned for its rebels and heroes during the 16th and 18th century Irish uprisings. An optional route over Croaghanmoira climbs to 664m and affords glorious views of the Ow and Avonbeg river valleys.
Distance 21km. Ascents 500m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Optional route, Croaghanmoira Hill Ascents 850m, approx. walking time 6 hours
Overnight accommodation in Drumgoff townland.
Day 5:
Drumgoff to Laragh
Superb views, superb walking, superb 6th century monastic remains at Glendalough; today is one of the tour’s highlights. Climbing through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dha Locha, the glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village.
Distance 18km. Ascents 530m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
With optional climb 20km. Ascents 600m. Approximate walking time 7 hours..
Overnight accommodation in Laragh village.
Day 6:
Laragh to Roundwood
A short day allows time to visit the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake. Today’s section finishes in Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village at 238m.
Distance 11km. Ascents 290m. Approximate walking time 3 hours.
Via Scarr Mountain 15km. Ascents 520m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Roundwood village.
Day 7:
Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry
Wonderful walking, overlooking Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin. Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River Valley and a wonderful riverbank walk.
Distance 18km. Ascents 250m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation near Enniskerry village.
Day 8:
Departure from Enniskerry
Public transport from Enniskerry to Dublin. AirLink coach to Dublin airport is available from various points in Dublin City Centre.
