The Wicklow Way:
Just south of Dublin, County Wicklow – known as The Garden of Ireland – is a wild expanse of coastline, woodland and imposing mountains through which runs the country’s most popular walking trail. The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest marked trail, the brain-child of famous hill-walker J B Malone, which opened in 1980. The Wicklow Way begins in Dublin’s southern suburb of Rathfarnham and travels across the Dublin and Wicklow uplands, then through the rolling hills of southwest County Wicklow, to finish in the small Wicklow-Carlow border village of Clonegal, 127km later. A combination of suburban parkland, forest trails, mountain paths and finally rolling countryside offers a varied and, at times, demanding 7-10 day experience for walkers. En route you’ll pass scenic lakes, spectacular gardens, elegant 18th-century mansions and the ruins of an early Christian monastic settlement.
Walk from Avonmore Way to Larah/Glendalough – approx. 15km
Map https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1687657
Arrive at Glendalough
Info: Carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age, Glendalough or Gleann dá Loch, meaning ‘Valley of the Two Lakes’, combines unfiltered beauty with heavenly tranquillity. Little wonder that St Kevin founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century. It’s said that he spent seven years in isolation in a cave at the Upper Lake, known as St Kevin’s Bed.
Even as one of the tourism jewels in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East, if not indeed all of Ireland, you won’t have to wander too far to find the peacefulness and spirituality that drew monks here centuries ago.
Overnight @ Wicklow Heather
Evening meal at Wicklow Heather Restaurant
Walk the Spinc around the Glendalough Valley and Wicklow Way to Roundwood – approx. 20km
Map https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1687770
Info: The Spinc ridge overlooks the spectacular Glendalough Valley. A tough climb is rewarded with breathtaking views not just of the Valley but as you climb high the view over the Wicklow Uplands opens out around you. The trail ascends steeply on a path up by Poulanass Waterfall before joining a boardwalk and wooden steps leading to a spectacular viewing point overlooking the Upper Lake.
Arrive at Roundwood
Overnight @ Wicklow Way Lodge
Suggested evening meal: at The Coach House
Walk the Wicklow Way from Rathdrum to Enniskerry – approx. 20km
Map https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1687783
Overnight @ Coolakay House
Evening meal: at The Enniskerry Inn
Walk the Sugarloaf Way from Enniskerry to Bray (20k)
Map https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1687792
Info: This magnificent new trail now links and extends a number of other well-known trails into a long and challenging walk. The walk follows a route across a varied terrain including rugged mountain climbs, flat and quiet forest paths, rich farmland and country roads. The trail, which can be completed in a day, for the experienced walker, reveals what is best in Wicklow landscapes, from breath taking sea vistas to magnificent rural views stretching across fields, mountains and skyscapes.
Overnight @ Martello Hotel Bray
Evening meal: at Martello Restaurant