The Wicklow Way - 7 Days

A week-long walk near Dublin through a patchwork of landscapes on the Emerald Isle's oldest waymarked hiking trail. The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago and reveals some of Irelands finest views; Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of 127 kilometres (79 miles). The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular upland areas. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin. This is a shortened version of the walk with a start in Tinahely. If you want to complete the full Wicklow Way walk, please refer to the 9-day option with trip code JIW.
The Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. Hiking near Dublin means a straightforward connection to the start of your trip, which is the beautiful village of Tinahely. Take a look at the historic market building, courthouse and shops as well as getting a flavour of the local hospitality in the pub and restaurant. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquilla (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley.
This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up Glenmalure hamlet. If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mullacor Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets us underway on the road to Old Bridge near Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village and then we head off across the moors and mountains to our accommodation near the village of Enniskerry. this walk is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guinness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country.
The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.