Full Wicklow Way Hiking Tour

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital city. Check into your accommodations, where your welcome pack will be waiting for you, including route guides and contact information.

Enjoy your evening in Dublin, but not too much – you have a full adventure ahead!

The day starts with a taxi south across the city to Marlay Park, one of Dublin’s favourite green spaces. It’s worth a stroll around, but greater things await, namely, the start of the Wicklow Way!

You’ll quickly reach the Dublin Mountains, part of the larger Wicklow range. Crossing over these hills offers expansive views of your surroundings and the Irish Sea to the east. You’ll descend into the charming village of Enniskerry, your home for the night.

Your day begins with a hike through the Glencree Valley, coming to the tumbling Powerscourt Waterfall. Continue your ascent, tackling the shoulder of Djouce Mountain before summiting nearby White Hill.

On the way down from White Hill, you’ll be treated to views of two gorgeous glacial lakes, Lough Tay and Lough Dan. They’re a favourite spot for visitors and locals alike to pause and appreciate the scenery.

Depart Roundwood and work your way south over Paddock Hill. Today’s hike brings you around the edge of the old Barton Estate, and along a “Mass Path” down which villagers would have walked to attend church.

Arrive in Laragh, a small village based at the entrance to the Glendalough Valley. The monastic city built here in the 6th century is one of Ireland’s most celebrated sites and deserves the attention!

Today is a free day of sorts, which is best spent exploring the treasures of Glendalough. History buffs would enjoy a visit to the interpretive centre and a close examination of the stone buildings still standing today.

There are plenty of lovely walks, including Glenmacnas, Glendasan, or a visit to the old mining villages. You can’t go wrong with a riverside stroll through the gorgeous woods of Devil’s Glen.

Today’s hike brings you south through the valley of Glendalough, then up and over into the neighbouring valley of Glenmalure. The trail follows a path alongside the Upper Lake, with a steep ascent by the Paul an Eas waterfall. The Borenacrow pass is your link to Glenmalure, where you have the option to summit the nearby Mullacor Mountain, although tomorrow’s route also includes it.

The descent in Glenmalure provides outstanding views of the valley and distant Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in County Wicklow. Your day ends at a pub (in fine Irish style) at the crossroads of Drumgroff and Glenmalure. From here, call your taxi for a transfer to your accommodations in nearby Rathdrum.

The final day of hiking is a return to Laragh via a different route. A taxi brings you back to the crossroads, where you’ll set off along forest tracks. The summit of Mullacor Mountain is the apex of the route; from here, continue along the mountain ridge past the Cullentragh and Derrybawn Mountains. Finish by descending back into the Glendalough Valley and up to your accommodations in Laragh.

In poor weather, you can descend Mullacor via the Wicklow Way and return to Laragh through the forest. Enjoy your final evening and toast the week’s adventure!

After an incredible week on the Wicklow Way, it’s time to leave Laragh. Check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.