Wicklow Way

The first few stages are perfect to get accustomed to Wicklow Way. You walk initially always on flat terrain and straight ahead before your first ascents in Coillte Forest. You walk past numerous characteristic farmhouses and farms before the track leads you up the Stookeen Hill. Once you arrive at the top you enjoy a stunning view onto the green valley of Clonegal.

Invigorated you continue your hike along Wicklow Way, always walking right through the green hills. An insider tip is a short break in the pub „The Dying Cow“, a welcome opportunity for a rest after the initial kilometres spent in the enchanting, Irish ambience. Afterwards the Wicklow Way keeps leading you along tracks with great views on Muskeagh Hill. A little fairy forest situated shortly before Tinahely initiates some dreaming before you reach the market square of the little village.

Initially the route leads you uphill to Mangan Wood, past grazing herds of sheep and through forests with lots of shade all the way into the enchanting Derry river valley. Via little side roads you reach Sandyford Bridge, where you spend the night on a small farm, a very special experience.

Along nice paths you ascend to Sheilstown Forest, the you descend again to zur Iron Bridge. Today’s Day Finish is the wild valley of Glenmalure. Irish rebels sought shelter here for years during the rebellion until the English crown finally established a base in the valley in order to put an end to the rebellion. An old trading post and the ruins of the military barracks still bear witness to this rush period to this day.

Spectacular views onto the Lugnaquillia Mountain, the highest peak of the Wicklow Mountains, accompany you along the way to the pass of Lugduff Gap. From there you descend into the valley of Glendalough, a picturesque storybook village. For the first Christian monks it has for centuries been a place of reflection and prayer. Take your time to visit everything in peace and quiet. Afterwards the route leads you into the little village of Laragh.

You leave Laragh and ascend Paddock Hill. Initially you proceed through dense forests and lateron across an unspoilt heath through Wicklow Mountain National Park. From Old Bridge you reach along little side roads the little village of Roundwood, where you enjoy an overnight stay. If you wish to continue hiking for a bit longer, you have the option to embark on a loop tour around the Vartry Reservoirs.

Today the queen’s stage of Wicklow Way awaits. Soon you reach the first viewpoint, from here you have an amazing view onto the nearby Lough Dan. You continue uphill with interspersed long-distance views, on clear days even as far as the coast of Great Britain. Another highlight of this hiking tour is the route to Djouce Mountain with a view onto the highest waterfall in Ireland and onwards to Crone Forest.

Along deserted paths and idyllic tracks onwards into the valley of Glencullen. From Fairy Hill you have a marvellous view back onto the hiking stages of the past hiking days, in the other direction you can already make out the final destination of your long-distance hiking tour, the roofs of Dublin. A final descent into Marlay Park, from where you take a short bus ride directly into the centre of the Irish capital. Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the historic pubs and drink to a successful hiking holiday.