THE WAY

DUBLIN AND THE WICKLOW

WICKLOW WAY - SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR SUMMARY The is ’s oldest way-marked trail, pioneered by famous hill walker, J.B. Malone. This popular walk stretches from just south of , through the and on to , to reveal some of the most spectacular views in the Emerald Isle.

Hike past Ireland’s highest waterfall and discover why the tranquil has gained the name ‘Guinness Lake’. The Wicklow Way combines easy accessibility with a wide variety of scenic experiences, some of them in truly remote upland areas. They include mountains, upland lakes, steep-sided glacial valleys, fast flowing streams, forests and farmland.

Your trip begins in the lively city of Dublin, packed full of centuries-old monuments, including Trinity College and . A quick bus journey brings you to the traditional start of the walk at . Tour: Wicklow Way A choice of itineraries means if you’re short on time, you can opt to cover the highlights of the Wicklow Code: WISWW Way and finish at , or alternatively continue the full length of the Way through to the small village Type: Self-Guided Walking Tour of in County Carlow. Dates: March to October Days: 7-10 (5-8 Walking Days) You will pass some of the most striking scenery, through the long glacial and with luck Nights: 6-9 giving you glimpses of the multitude of wildlife abundant in this area. The walk is testament to the Start: Dublin achievements of the people that live here, with being home to the 6th Century monastic city Finish: Tinahely or Clonegal () which was the seat of European learning for 6 centuries. With the magnificent Powerscourt and Guinness Distance: between 90-127km approx. estates on route as well, the Wicklow Way will spoil you with sites of both natural and man-made beauty. Grade: Moderate

IS IT FOR ME? HIGHLIGHTS This is a delightful and easy-to-navigate walk suited for anyone with a good level of fit- ness. Several days involve ascent and de-  Exploring the amazing ruins of Glendalough’s 6th century Monastic City scent, but the highest ascent is 630m and so manageable. Start in the vibrant capital of  Walking through the majestic Glenmalure Glacial Valley Dublin, walking through the Wicklow Moun-  Experiencing the famous Irish hospitality at friendly hand-picked B&B’s tains to enjoy stays with friendly and wel-  Taking a rest to soak in some of the best views Ireland has to offer coming hosts - céad mile fáilte awaits you!  Sipping a pint of the ‘black stuff’ to reward your achievement

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B’s, small hotels, country inns and guesthouses. WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We are available at accommodation or nearby. passionate about delivering outstanding walking tours where every last detail is taken care of. Each trip we Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage offer is unique, tailor-made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you transfers from the start of the walk. will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. Information Pack: 24-7 support from our office, info pack and guide book with maps. THE WICKLOW WAY

DUBLIN AND THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS

Section 3: to Section 5: Glenmalure to Moyne— DETAILED DESCRIPTION Glendalough—12km 21km

The Wicklow Way is a beautiful walk through This section is characterised by easy walking Hike through the southern upland section and into the undulating emerald hills of southwest filled with stunning scenery and with moderate gradients (up to 350m) along quiet roads, forest track and mountain paths, edged by Wicklow on this longer stage. Cross the forest- amazing history. cloaked slopes of Slieve Maan, ascending heather, gorse and spruce. You are in the very around 400m over 6km, before reaching a heart of the Wicklow uplands and at the Section 1: Dublin, Marlay Park to Military Road and almost touching the summit of intersection of four major glacial valleys Carrickashane (508m). (Knockree) -21km (Avonmore, Glenmacnass, Glendasan and Glendalough). Cross the River Ow at Iron Bridge Arrive in lively Dublin, a great introduction to the (Aughavannagh), where peaty water falls over

Emerald Isle! Ireland’s charismatic capital the rocks in rapids. From Iron Bridge the path’s boasts many landmarks and monuments dating Hike the north-eastern shoulder of Paddock Hill, nature changes from steeper inclines/ascents to back hundreds of years. Visit the castle and descending to cross Glenmacnass river. The gentler gradients that meander between low hills. Trinity College, and sip a pint of the ‘black stuff’ path to Laragh (close to Glendalough) runs along in a traditional Irish pub. part of an old mass path, heavily used by church- Section 6: Moyne to — goers and school children before the advent of 21km The Wicklow Way officially starts at Marlay Park, motor vehicles. Friendly bed and breakfast or guest house accommodation awaits at Laragh, Grassy lanes dominate this section, with some on the southern edge of the city (an easy bus track through woodland as you head ride away). Walk through the park’s pleasant with the 6th century Monastic City of towards the Georgian village of Tinahely, a short wooded paths to the open hillsides of the Glendalough close by (if you’ve time, it’s well distance from the Way. Tinahely is known for its mountains and glens south of Dublin. Pass worth adding an extra day at this point, as the charming triangular market square and annual Forest and continue on down towards area has so much to offer scenically and agricultural show. In springtime admire the array historically). Ascent approx. 350m. of delicate wild flowers in the hedgerows that line . Picturesque Enniskerry is 4km off the the minor roads you’ll be following. trail and a good overnight option, with its beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens. Section 4: Glendalough to The path contours around the lower slopes of Ascent approx. 600m. Glenmalure—14km Muskeagh Hill before arriving at Mullinacuff, the the 100km mark of the Wicklow Way. It’s only

Set out across the floor of the Valley of the fitting therefore, to reward yourself with a pint at Section 2: Enniskerry to Saints. Reach the Valley where you’ll Tallon’s Pub, also known as ‘The Dying Cow’ Roundwood: - 18km pass by the mysterious green waterfall of thanks to local folklore! Start the day with a spectacular view over the Poulanass, before starting on a 4-5km uphill Quieter minor roads lead the 2km into Shillelagh. Shillelagh is famed for giving its name to the (Ireland’s highest at 121m) section of 400m to the shoulder of , quintessential Irish stick hewn from an ash tree and Park. Soon you’ll embark on a steady crossing the saddle on a well-placed boardwalk over the boggy ground. or hawthorn bush, and this craft is still practised ascent across the exposed shoulder of in the village. From this point there is more road mountain and across the saddle onto White Hill. walking than the previous stages. Ascent approx. With lovely panoramic vistas all around, head 500m. down into the Glenmalure Valley, admiring In good weather you may wish to summit Djouce Wicklow’s highest mountain, . You Section 7: Shillelagh to Clonegal— (725m) and you’ll see great views of Dublin will end this stage of the walk right in the heart of 19km Harbour, the Howth Peninsula in the north, Great the lovely Glenmalure Valley. Ascent approx. to the east and rolling hills to the Raheenakit means ‘fort of the cat’, recalling the 400m. south. Follow a raised walkway (to protect the time before wildcats became extinct in Ireland. fragile blanket ) with more fantastic views to Pass through farmland, around Moylisha and Urelands Hills and cultivated forests on this final brooding Lough Tay as you descend into the stage of the Way. Valley, home to the ‘Guinness’ estate. Ascent approx. 500m. THE WICKLOW WAY

DUBLIN AND THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS

Pass over Wicklow Bridge (the Wicklow/Carlow boundary), with just a further 3km to the one- Day Route Km street village Clonegal, where you’ll find the TRIP INFORMATION terminus of the Way opposite the green. In addition to 400-year old Huntington Castle, 1 Arrive Dublin - Walking Direction Osbourne’s pub is a local attraction, with its bar 2 Marlay Park to Enniskerry 20 counter made from old coffin lids (completion 3 Walk to Laragh/ 29 We offer this route from north to south, to certificates for the walk may also be offered)! Glendalough accommodate the direction in our guidebook. If 4 Walk to Glenmalure 13 you would like to tailor-make your tour please let It is a further 5.5km (a short taxi transfer is 5 Walk to Iron Bridge 12 us know, however note that route notes will be included) onwards to the largest of the Wicklow 6 Walk to Tinahely 21 offered north-south. Way’s towns, Bunclody (just inside the northern 7 Onward Travel 20 border of County ), with its welcoming bed and breakfast properties. From Bunclody Additional Nights you can depart with the twice-daily bus via Many of our clients choose to add extra nights Kildavn back to Dublin. Total Distance ~115 along the walk to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available. Please contact

our team should you wish to add extra nights ITINERARIES along the way.

We offer two itineraries; one with 5 walking days WISWW2 Accommodation over a week’s stay that finishes in Tinahely (12- Description: This itinerary covers the full We specifically choose the hotels, inns, 26km per day), and the other the full walk over 8 Wicklow Way in 8 walking days, with a good guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy walking days (11-21km daily). balance of distances each day, and a shorter every minute of your stay. All offer a warm day’s walk to Glendalough so you can make the welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and Both itineraries cover the Wicklow Way from most of the impressive 6th century Monastic City. delicious local food. Marlay Park in the traditional south-west Duration: 10 days & 9 nights direction. Our itinerary choices take into Walking Days: 8 Single Rooms consideration the most conveniently placed Average Daily Distance: 11-21km We will be happy to accommodate your party overnight stops. Grade: Moderate with single rooms if requested, and a single supplement applies. This trip is also available to solo walkers, and a supplement is again payable Day Route Km WISWW1 (as some costs are not shared). Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as 1 Arrive Dublin - twins/doubles. Description: This itinerary covers the 2 Marlay Park to Enniskerry 20 highlights of the Wicklow Way in just 5 walking 3 Walk to Roundwood 20 Accommodation Location days, ending at Tinahely. Although there are 4 Walk to Laragh/ 9 some longer days at the start and end of the Glendalough We will always try and accommodate you at the walk, shorter distances in the middle give time to 5 Walk to Glenmalure 16 locations detailed in the itinerary, but because of 6 Walk to Iron Bridge 14 explore historic Glendalough and take a slower limited availability we may have to accommodate 7 Walk to Tinahely 21 pace. 8 Walk to Shillelagh 12 you at an alternative location. Alternative details Duration: 7 days & 6 nights 9 Walk to Clonegal/ 16 will be noted on your accommodation sheet. Walking Days: 5 Bunclody Due the route taken by the Wicklow Way, it is Average Daily Distance: 12-26km 10 Onward Travel - often necessary to accommodate you a a few Grade: Moderate kilometres walk away from the trail itself, as there Total Distance ~128 is not always suitable accommodation close to THE WICKLOW WAY

DUBLIN AND THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS

the trail. Details will again be given on your list which includes standard walking gear such as Included accommodation sheet. good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.  6 or 9 Nights bed and breakfast Meals accommodation in en suite rooms wherever possible. A hearty breakfast is included each morning. TRAVEL INFORMATION  Door to door baggage transfers. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of  A detailed info pack, route notes and map Getting to Dublin / from Wicklow your accommodations will be more than happy to guide. provide a packed lunch on request and this can Dublin Airport is easily accessible from the UK  (9 Night itinerary only) Transfer from Clonegal be booked on arrival. Alternatively you can buy with several low-cost airlines covering the route to Bunclody. lunch at local shops or stop in a café. as well as scheduled international carriers. Irish  24-7 Emergency telephone support from our Ferries also operate from Holyhead to Dublin. office in the event of any issues. Baggage Transfer From the airport there is a good bus service into Your bags will be transferred from the start of the Dublin city centre. Excluded walk at Marlay Park and on to your To get from Dublin city centre to the start of the  Travel Insurance (required) accommodation each day as per your itinerary. walk at Marlay Park you take a 20-mins bus When using public transport you take your journey.  Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk. luggage with you. We ask you to limit your Getting from Wicklow is relatively simple, taking Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person. either a bus or train to Dublin. A twice-daily Bus   Travel Insurance. Grade Eireann Expressway service runs from Bunclody to Dublin's city-centre bus station (Busáras) at  Personal Equipment. Our itineraries are graded moderate and are Store Street. suitable for regular walkers, but you must be in  Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage. good physical health. Most days offer between A Wicklow Way Bus Service also operates along the route, transporting walkers from (amongst 6—8 hours of walking on good terrain which may other locations) Tinahely to the nearest train HOW TO BOOK include forest tracks, board walks and minor station at Rathdrum, with Dublin then a 1h30 roads. In wet weather it can get quite boggy so train ride away. See Irish Rail for timetables. please wear waterproof and sturdy walking Once you have read all the information in this boots. The Way does not go any higher than factsheet or on our website and decided on your preferred itinerary you can then book by any of 630m, so it is comparatively low-level, however is PRICE & AVAILABILITY undulating. Overall, around 25% of the Wicklow the following methods: Way consists of road walking, but in the Availability Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com southernmost section (past Tinahely) this rises to or by telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 around 63%. This walking holiday is best enjoyed between mid -March and mid-October. You can start on any Navigation date that suits your travel plans and you will find BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE This route is well way-marked and much of it availability on our website. The Wicklow Way is does follows a path. It is always advisable that popular so it is best to book as far in advance as Financial Security you are able to. you are know how to navigate with a map and In accordance with "The Package Travel, compass although the Way is largely very Price Package Holidays and Package Tours straightforward to follow, especially with the map Regulations1992" all passengers booking with book and guidebook we provide. Detailed prices for all our Wicklow Way trips are Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the available online at www.macsadventure.com. initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all Equipment monies paid to us.

Your information pack has a detailed equipment