The Wicklow Way- Independent Walking

This walking holiday in Ireland winds its way through the Wicklow Mountains, one of the country’s most spectacular upland areas. Stretching some 130km south of Dublin 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.

The small typical 'one street' village of Clonegal is an apt starting place for this walk into the remote and beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It is a route that remains mainly in the countryside making the short detours necessary to find a comfortable bed for the night. A couple of fairly long but gentle days introduce the walker to the Newry Forest and over high points of Moilishe and Stookeen Hill to the 17th century village of Shillelagh and then on to 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, Lugnaquillia (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley. This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up the hamlet of Glenmalure.

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 Mallacour 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 Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village. The penultimate day's walk to the charming village of Enniskerry 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.