The Wicklow Way is a journey through one of Ireland’s most scenic location, and a journey back in time through Ireland’s rich heritage and history!
The Wicklow Way goes across the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland’s largest mountain area, directly South of Dublin. The route goes through some of Ireland’s most scenic locations with stunning views of rolling hills, blankets of bogs, dense woods, running streams, glacier valleys and lakes, and the Irish Sea as backdrop. The Wicklow Way also offers a fantastic journey in time through Ireland’s 5000 years of history; Find here ancient tombs and sites of worship, early Christian settlements, lands of Vikings and Normans, rebellions strongholds and battlefields, majestic Houses and Gardens and vestiges of Ireland industrial revolution. A true wonder!
Our proposed itinerary includes three days of running/trekking along the Wicklow Way, starting right in the middle of the Wicklow Mountains, and going North, towards Dublin. Total distance: from 60km!
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Glenmalure to Glendalough (13+km)
The Glenmalure Lodge, in the heart of the Glenmalure valley, is the start of your journey. From there, follow the Wicklow Way up towards Glendalough. From the top of the ridge, enjoy South the stunning views over Lugnaquilla Mountain, Wicklow’s highest mountain, and North down the valley of the two lakes, Glendalough . There are various trail options to follow to reach your destination at Glendalough, where St Kevin settled as a hermit in the 6th Century. There, visit the Monastic Site with its many 12th Century remains and visitor centre. The Laragh/Glendalough area offer various good dining option.
Trail info and maps:
– http://visitwicklow.ie/activities/wicklow-way-part-4-glendalough-to-glenmalure/
– http://visitwicklow.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Glendalough-Blue-Route.pdf - Day 2: Glendalough to Enniskerry (30+km)
Today’s route offers stunning views over the Wicklow mountains and the Irish Sea! Pass by the famous Guinness Lake at Lough Tay, climb the mighty Djouce Mountain, and see Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest in Ireland. Today’s overnight is at the lovely village of Enniskerry. Visit here Powerscourt Gardens, recently voted 3rd best gardens in the world by National Geographic. Tonight, choose from Enniskerry’s fine dining options, or go to nearby Johnnie Fox’s pub for the Irish Show.
Trail info and maps:
– http://visitwicklow.ie/activities/wicklow-way-part-3roundwood-to-glendalough/
– http://visitwicklow.ie/activities/wicklow-way-part-2-knockree-to-roundwood/ - Day 3: Enniskerry to Dublin (20+ km)
This is your last run/trek. From Enniskerry, get back on the Wicklow Way, and make your way to Dublin. Today’s trail covers around 20km to reach Marley Park, at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, and where the Wicklow Way starts/finishes. From the top of the Dublin Mountains, you will enjoy amazing views over the Dublin Bay and far beyond all the way to the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland on a clear day. At Marlay Park, take a bus or taxi to your accommodation or walk/run the 8km into Dublin city centre. It’s time to celebrate and enjoy your evening in one of Europe’s most vibrant capital.
Trail info and maps:
– http://visitwicklow.ie/activities/wicklow-way-part-1-marlay-park-to-knockree/
Practical Info:
The following information is designed to help you plan your trip from Dublin city centre.
- Transport to Rathdrum/Glenmalure: Irish Rails operates trains from Connolly Station to Rathdrum through the most scenic railway in Ireland along the Irish Sea. There are five trains weekdays, and three at weekends with the first train leaving at 9.40am from Connolly, and the latest at 6:38pm for a journey of about 80 minutes. A 15 minutes taxi ride will get you into Glenmalure Valley, at the start of your journey (around €20 taxi fare).
– Trains info and timetable: http://journeyplanner.irishrail.ie/
– Taxi: http://www.wicklowwaybus.com/ - Accommodation: Choose from Hostel, B&B, Self Catering or Hotels along the way
– Rathdrum/Glenmalure: http://visitwicklow.ie/towns-villages/rathdrum
– Laragh / Glendalough: http://visitwicklow.ie/towns-villages/laragh-glendalough/
– Enniskerry: http://visitwicklow.ie/towns-villages/enniskerry/ - Luggage Transfer: Leave your luggage at your accommodation to be picked up and dropped at your next accommodation
http://wicklowwaybaggage.com/
