The Wicklow Way | Ireland

Walk from Marley Park (South Dublin) — Coolakay (Enniskerry) Distance 23.3Km — Height Gain 404m

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 trail through the park and out the back of the park, taking a right up to a round about and under the M50 Motorway. Things should start getting a little quieter here as you enter a much smaller road passing an old roadside water pump heading towards Kilmashagogue Forest.

Knockree to Roundwood(Lough Dan) Distance: 18Km Ascent: 500m Time: 6.5hrs

From Knockree continue on the Wicklow way trail to Crone wood and 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 overlooking the Powerscourt Waterfall which is part of the Dargle river. You will then cross through a deforested area belonging to “Coillte”, 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.

Walk from Lough Dan (Roundwood) to Laragh (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, turning 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.

Walk from Glendalough to Glenmalure. Distance: 14Km Ascent: 400m Time: 4.5hrs.

The Wicklow way in Glendalough starts at the Glendalough Hotel, you can pass through the monastic site and cross the Avonbeg River by a small bridge and follow the trail to the right up along the edge of the lower lake. The trail brings you up to the Upper lake where it then takes a left turn passing the Poolanass Waterfall and into a deciduous forested area along the side of Derrybawn. You then follow the 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 zigzag direction through forested trails to the end of this stage at the Drumgoff cross roads.

Walking from Glenmalure to Iron Bridge and transfer to Aughrim. Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs.

From Glenmalure you take 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 to try to curtail the activities of the rebels in this area and in particular Michael Dwyer (1772 – 1825) after the 1798 rising. 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 known at the halfway 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.

Pickup arranged from Iron Bridge.

Walking from Iron Bridge to Tinahealy — 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 of 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 lane way to descend and cross the river at Sandyford Bridge

Walking from Tinahealy to Shillelagh — Distance: 17.2Km — Height Gain 171m, approx 4hrs.

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 take road 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.

Walk from Shillelagh to Clonegal(Finish)
Distance: 21Km Ascent: 550m Time: 7hrs approx 4hrs.

The Wicklow 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 for 3 Km to the Finish or start town of Clonegal. An information board and stone benchmark the terminus of the Wicklow Way. Well Done.

We arrange a pickup from here to bring you to Bunclody where you will be staying.

After breakfast, we will arrange a transfer for you back to Dublin by Public transport.