The Wicklow Way - 9 Days

From Dublin, take the bus to Bunclody, where you overnight. This is a pretty little market village by the Derry River and the stream running through its center lined by shady lime trees is a nice feature. A major battle was fought here during the 1798 rebellion.

Your accommodation hosts will transfer you to Clonegal (15 minutes), an old wool and iron working village. There is a little park there where the Wicklow Way commences for your first walk. This takes you along some country roads through Newry Forest, over Moylisha and Stookeen Hill down into the town land of Mungaculin. If we are unable to accommodation in Shillelagh, a return transfer will be included back to Bunclody for the evening. Ascent: 715m Descent: 700m

Your journey from Shillelagh is on some quiet country roads. On your way you will pass St. Finian's Church and a tiny pub called 'The Dying Cow.' Tinahely is a pleasant little village on the banks of the river Derry and was destroyed in the 1798 rebellion. It was subsequently rebuilt and found a new lease of life with the coming of the railway in 1865, it is now a very beautiful village. Ascent: 90m

This section of the Wicklow Way undulates around Ballycumber Hill taking in some fantastic views of the adjoining counties like Carlow and Wexford; it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort. The walk finishes in the upper Derry Valley at Sandyford Bridge from where there are different accommodations in the Moyne area. Ascent: 500m Descent: 370m (to Kyle)

An ethereal section of the Wicklow Way, that winds you through forest trails and into two spectacular vales; the Ow and the Glenmalure Valleys. The day is hilly and there are lots of forests, but there is also a high level moorland alternative for good weather only. The first part of the The Ow Valley lies at the base of Wicklow's largest Mountain; Lugnaquilla standing at 925m. Eventually you wind down into The beautiful Glenmalure Valley which is Ireland's longest glacier valley, stretching for over 16km, at the bottom there is the village of Drumgoff, with a famous Inn recalling the life and times of Michael Dwyer, who hid in the valley and fought the crown in 1798 to get an assisted place to Australia. You will spend the night in this valley, either at the Inn or B&Bs nearby. Ascent from Moyne: 1040m Descent via the Wicklow Way: 1121m

Probably the most spectacular day. The trail takes you steadily up out of the valley and as you climb, the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the famous Glenmalure Waterfall will simply take your breath away. The trail crosses the side of Mullacor Mountain and then there are 3 possible routes down into the valley of Glendalough which has lakes. Two of the options take you away from the Wicklow Way to discover the valley edge views from an area called The Spinc. From here there are wooden walkways down to the old miner's village at the Upper Lake. Whichever route you take, eventually you reach Glendalough famous for its 6th century Monastic Settlement with pencil like Roundtowers, which you will be able to visit on your way. You will stay near Glendalough, usually in the village of Laragh. Basic Ascent: 450m If you do the full mines walk. Ascent: 1150m Descent: 1100m

The beauty of the walk does not let up. From Glendalough/Laragh you can either walk direct (note that the distance in this case is 28.6km /17.7miles) or there is a short optional transfer to Oldbridge for a short cut from where you head up around two more lakes, Loughs Dan and Tay, gradually climbing out of forest with potentially good views as you come over White Hill 635m. Then there is the option to climb Djouce Hill (733m). The trail then descends off the high moors passing the Powerscourt waterfall and into the attractive Crone Woods. From here walk towards Enniskerry, our B&Bs are scattered in this rural area. *Please note that our normal accommodation near Enniskerry is 3km off route, this is reflected in the distances quoted. One of the longest walks but a classic. Enniskerry is situated on the doorstep of Dublin.

(*Note that it is 3km from the usual accommodation back to the trail making today around 23km /14.3miles, you have the option of a transfer at no additional cost. Please advise if required). This last section takes you round through the forests of Glencullen Mountain, dropping down steeply to cross the Clencullen River before a steep final ascent over Prince William's Seat where you will have stunning views over most of Dublin City, the Irish Sea and your final views back into the Wicklow Hills. Your trip finishes on a splendid trail that leads you into Marlay Park, from where buses or taxis can take you into central Dublin for an evening of celebration having completed the route Ascent: 960m Descent: 1046ft

After a hearty breakfast you can take a bus or taxi into Dublin City or on towards the airport.