Compare Hiking the Wicklow Way by Wilderness Ireland
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,770 |
| Price Per Day | $ 253 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch’s and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on evenings 1 and 5 and your guide will assist with restaurant recommendations and bookings for the other nights. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes. On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations. |
| Description |
Irish naturalist Robert L. Praeger noted, “You can set foot on the heather six miles from Dublin and not leave it until…30 miles to the south.” And thus from this inspiration, the trail hiking the Wicklow Way was born. Over the course of 7 days, we’ll hike the very best portions of the Wicklow Way on this fully guided hiking adventure. The Wicklow Way meanders through forests and glaciated valleys, over hills and peaks and across the famous heathery hills of Wicklow. We’ll visit historical sites like the ruins of the monastic city at Glendalough, the impressive gardens and waterfall at Powerscourt Estate, and historical downtown Dublin. Along the way, relax in a lavish deluxe-standard eco-lodge and cosy BnBs. And for the final night, you’re in for a treat – a stay at a historical Dublin hotel! |
Day 1: Dublin to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Our Wicklow Way adventure starts in the lively city of Dublin. Setting off hiking the Wicklow Way, meander through lush forests home to ravens, deer, red squirrels and more. The trail winds over colourful heathland blanketed with brilliant pink and purple heather for which the Wicklow Way is famous. In the evening, we’ll stop at the beautiful Powerscourt Estate for tea, originally a 13th century castle lavishly embellished in the 1730s, with a chance to admire the magnificent extensive gardens, rated among National Geographic’s Top 10 Gardens of the World. (L,D)
Hike details: 6 km/3.7 miles, approx. 3-4 hours*
Day 2: Crone Woods to Lough Tay
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Set in beautiful, verdant surroundings, marvel at the breathtaking Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest cascade in Ireland. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, enjoy an open mountain trek across emerald slopes, home to the site of a 70 year old plane crash, with occasional parts of the fuselage turning up in the heather. From the summit of the hill, savour the rich panorama of lakes and open country. Back on the Wicklow Way, enjoy expansive views of the heathery hills as we descend into a sweeping glacial valley and glittering Lough Tay, once inspiration to countless artists, writers and intelligentsia.
Hike details: 9.5 km/6 miles, approx. 4-5 hours*
Day 3: Lough Tay to Glendalough
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Luggala Valley’s name comes from the Gaelic meaning ‘hollow of the hill’ and it’s a perfect example of a glaciated valley, carved out during an ice age more than 10,000 years ago. Until the Irish Famine of the 1840s, this area was heavily farmed – the shadows of long-abandoned potato fields and shells of tumbledown cottages still dot the landscape. Our hike ambles past the picturesque Lough Dan before winding along an ancient pilgrimage path, once used by visitors to St Kevin’s Church and the monastic site of Glenalough in its idyllic lake-side setting.
Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
Day 4: Glendalough Monastic Site to Glenmalure
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
When hiking the Wicklow Way, its crown jewel is the ancient monastic site of Glendalough – the Valley of the Saints. Once a great centre of learning, the monastic city has been a pilgrimage site for over a 1,000 years. Explore the ruins of this peaceful place as your guide brings the landscape alive. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, a spectacular hike sweeps us past the lakes of Glendalough. A gentle climb carries us out of the valley through the wooded monastic grounds back in windswept wilds of Wicklow’s heathland. Marvel at the quiet panoramas missed by Dublin day trippers before our gentle descent into the next enchanting valley.
Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
Day 5: Glenmalure to the Iron Bridge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Our last day hiking the Wicklow Way, we leave behind the high peaks of the Wicklow Mountains and descend into the rolling, green pastures and emerald landscapes of south Wicklow. Our path weaves leisurely in and out of luscious green forests on Wicklow’s road less travelled. This afternoon, we’re in for a well-earned treat: relaxation at a spa retreat where you can either book from the range of spa treatments or simply unwind in the relaxing pool and thermal suite. Tonight, we celebrate our week’s hiking achievements with a celebration dinner in the unique surroundings of our eco lodge.
Hike details: 11 km / 7 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
Day 6: Great Sugarloaf Mountain to Dublin
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, either enjoy a slow morning, or you could take advantage of the spectacular 9 hole golf course or even spa treatments at our accommodation. Our final stop hiking in Wicklow is Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, dominating the Wicklow Way skyline. Standing apart from Wicklow’s other peaks, Great Sugar Loaf’s conical shape makes it an easy climb. The rewarding views over the captivating countryside we’ve just conquered is a fitting end to a fantastic week on the trail!
Making our way to the city for our final night of our trip and a chance to check out some of Dublin’s famed restaurant and live music scene.
Hike details: 2.5 km/1.5 miles, approx. 2 hours*
Day 7: Dublin Walking Tour & Depart
Meals: Breakfast
After a relaxing final morning, we’ll explore the lively, cosmopolitan city of Dublin on a historical walking tour led by local history enthusiasts. Learn about Irish history from the founding of Dublin, the Great Famine, world wars, and of course, the Easter Rising and War of Irish Independence.
