The Wicklow Way

Hikers beware: the Wicklow Way is a 129km hiking trail that will give you a sublime glimpse of the Wicklow Mountains! It will offer you a mosaic of landscapes of all kinds, between mountains, valleys, moors, forests and lakes… Created in 1980, this trail is used by thousands of walkers who come to admire the beauty of Wicklow.

Doing the Wicklow Way

A marked trail to be done over several days

The Wicklow Way is one of Ireland’s largest marked walking routes. It offers you the opportunity to have authentic experiences, and to explore places less known to tourists, yet still beautiful. Among them you will discover mountains, lakes, steep glacial valleys, streams, forests and of course the remains, with ruined castles and outstanding 5th century monastic sites, including the famous Glendalough Valley.

The Wicklow Way starts in Dublin’s southern suburb of Rathfarnham and heads south-west through the heights of Dublin and Wicklow. You will then pass through the hilly area of County Wicklow in the south-west, ending your journey in the small village of Clonegal in County Carlow after a walk of over 129 kilometres.

It usually takes between 8 and 10 days to complete the tour. It’s primarily aimed at walkers with an average level of walking ability – a route of this distance requires preparation and good physical stamina over time. In addition, you will sometimes progress on trails that reach an altitude of more than 400 metres: you might as well be sure of yourself before you set off.

Above all, prepare well in advance for this adventure: set off with equipment adapted to walking and all weather conditions.

Where to sleep on the circuit?

The Wicklow Way offers the hiker a wide choice of places to stay within a reasonable distance of the trail. There is a wide range of options for different budgets: hotels, bed and breakfast and youth hostels dot the entire Wicklow Way.

Please contact them to book in advance: some of these establishments are in high demand during the peak season.

Please note that some establishments will offer to pick you up on the trail itself and offer to transfer your luggage to your next resting place.