The first of Ireland's official
way-marked long distance walking routes, starting at the foothills
of the Dublin Mountains. Our tour takes you through one of
Ireland's premier counties Wicklow, which has earned itself
the noble title of 'The Garden of Ireland'.
The Wicklow Way is 127Km/80 miles
and runs north south through the county, taking in many of
its fine glens, lush green pastures and peaceful corrie lakes.
Over some of it's gentle mountains that are covered with a
blanket of peat and heather, combined with forests of coniferous
plantations.
You will have a chance to visit Powerscourt Gardens,
one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Stop off in Glendalough and take a step back
in time to visit the 6th century Monastic City of St. Kevin. Stroll around some
of the quaint villages that you will meet along the way.
Day 1
We will pick you up in Dublin and transfer to your first
accommodation, which is in the village of Enniskerry that
nestles at the base of the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains.
After settling in to your accommodation and getting some
light refreshments we will visit Powerscourt House and Gardens.
Day 2
Our first days' walking takes us to the start of the Wicklow
Way in Marlay Park, just outside of Dublin City. The trail
takes us through Marlay Park and onto Kilmashogue Mountain.
Here we will visit a Bronze Age tomb that is believed to
date back to around 2000 B. C. As we progress along the
trail onto Kilmashogue and Fairy Castle Mountain the views
of Dublin City and the Irish Sea start to unfold before
you. Our walk finishes at Curtlestown Wood where we will
be picked up and taken back to our accommodation in Enniskerry.
On this section you will have the option to shorten your
walk to 10Km, leaving the trail at Glencullen.
Distance: 19Km, 11.8 Miles, Ascent: 700Mtrs, 2100Ft
Day 3
Today you will leave Enniskerry and move to your next accommodation
in the village of Laragh where you will stay for two nights.
Our walk starts where we left off the previous day, at Curtlestown
Wood and takes us onto Knockree Hill and down into the beautiful
and peaceful valley of Lackandarragh. Onto Crone Forest
where, we will have towering views of Powerscourt Waterfall,
Ireland's longest waterfall. Here the river Dargle cascades
down the mountain for a distance of 250Mtrs, 750Ft into
a rocky plunge pool below, before meandering its way down
the valley and out into the Irish Sea.
The trail takes us onto the side of Djouce Mountain, over
White Hill and out at Lough Tay, once again we will have
some fantastic views from this point.
Our day finishes in the village of Roundwood, Ireland's
highest village and after some energising refreshments you
will be transported to your accommodation in Laragh.
Distance: 18Km, 11.2 Miles, Ascent: 550Mtrs, 1650Ft
Day 4
Today's walk starts and finishes in Laragh Village, the
first part of the day is off the Wicklow Way Trail.
After leaving the village our walk takes us into Ballard
Forest where, we will start a steady climb onto Trooperstown
Mountain. This is the most central mountain in the Wicklow
Mountains and on a clear day it is possible to see almost
all the peaks in the range and beyond. The trail takes us
gently down into Trooperstown Forest, over the Avonmore
River and up onto Paddock Hill to re-join the Wicklow Way.
From Paddock Hill we will have magnificent views back over
the walk that we have already completed and for the remaining
section back to Laragh Village. This is the shortest walk
of the week, but what it lacks in distance is more then
made up for in scenery.
Distance: 10Km, 6 miles, Ascent: 400Mtrs, 1200Ft
Day 5
Out tour takes us to the monastic city of Glendalough, which
was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century and became
a hub of learning in Europe. This University City was Ireland's
earliest proto-urban development. By the seventh century,
Ireland held an intellectual primacy unmatched in Europe.
Today, history lives in the ruins of Glendalough. Its imposing
round tower overlooks a scene of tranquil beauty - a valley
of two lakes (Gleann Da' Loch)
After finishing our guided tour of the ruins the trail leads
us up into the valley and out onto an area known as the
Spinc. From here we will have sweeping views over the lakes,
the Monastic City and surrounding countryside. The day finishes
in the valley of Glenmalure, Irelands longest Glacier Valley.
Our accommodation for the night is in the valley.
Distance: 15Km, 9.3 Miles, Ascent 510Mtrs, 1530Ft
Day 6
After spending a relaxing night in Glenmalure it is time
to pack our bags once more and move to our final accommodation
in Tinahealy.
The trail takes us out of this heavenly glen along an old
military road, over the Avonbeg River and into Clohernagh
Forest. From here you will start to see a change in the
landscape of the Wicklow Way, from open mountains, valleys,
lakes and streams, to gentler hillside overlooking a patchwork
of farmland below.
At the end of today's walk we will take a short visit to
the Vale of Avoca. Here we will visit Avoca Woolen Mills,
Ireland's oldest working woolen mills. Avoca was the setting
for the series "Ballykisangel" so a visit to Fitzgerald's
Pub is a must.
Distance: 14Km, 8.7 Miles, Ascent: 420Mtrs, 1260 Ft
Day 7
The final days walk starts in the densely wooded Ow Valley.
An area that will give you a feel for what the landscape
in Ireland may have looked like many hundred of thousands
of years ago before forest were cleared to make way for
agriculture. The trail traverses through many forest tracks
and country roads, passes the old village of Moyne, which
was the birthplace of Edward C. Godwin, who founded the
New York Nation in 1865.
The trail passes through an old Fairy Rath or Ring-Fort,
said to be associated with the Fairies or Leprechauns, who
became known in Irish legend as The Wee Folk.
Distance: 21Km, 13 Miles, Ascent: 540m, 1600Ft
Day 8
Depart for Dublin
