The Wicklow Way
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THE WICKLOW WAY DUBLIN AND THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS WICKLOW WAY - SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR SUMMARY The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest way-marked trail, pioneered by famous hill walker, J.B. Malone. This popular walk stretches from just south of Dublin, through the Wicklow Mountains and on to County Carlow, to reveal some of the most spectacular views in the Emerald Isle. Hike past Ireland’s highest waterfall and discover why the tranquil Lough Tay 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 mountain streams, forests and farmland. Your trip begins in the lively city of Dublin, packed full of centuries-old monuments, including Trinity College and Dublin Castle. A quick bus journey brings you to the traditional start of the walk at Marlay Park. 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 Tinahely, or alternatively continue the full length of the Way through to the small village Type: Self-Guided Walking Tour of Clonegal 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 Glenmalure Valley 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 Glendalough being home to the 6th Century monastic city Finish: Tinahely or Clonegal (Bunclody) 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: Roundwood 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 County Wicklow 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). Enniskerry (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 Shillelagh— 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 beech 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 Glencullen 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 Glencree. 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 Lugduff 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 Powerscourt waterfall (Ireland’s highest at 121m) section of 400m to the shoulder of Mullacor, quintessential Irish stick hewn from an ash tree and Deer 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 Djouce 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, Lugnaquilla. 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. Sugarloaf 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 bog) 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. Luggala 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 Wexford), 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.