A guidebook to walking the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first long-distance trail, running from the outskirts of Dublin to the village of Clonegal in County Carlow. Spanning 130km (81 miles), the Wicklow Way leads walkers through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, combining forest tracks, open upland, quiet valleys and historic landscapes, with some of Ireland’s most atmospheric walking only a short distance from the capital.

Suitable for any reasonably fit walker, the Wicklow Way can be completed in around one week and involves moderate, well-graded terrain throughout. The route is described from north to south in 7 stages, each between 9 and 23km (6–14 miles) in length, with optional variants using adjacent trails for those wishing to adapt the walk. Along the way, walkers pass iconic locations including Glendalough and the ruins of its early medieval Monastic City, as well as the scenic military road where Huntington Castle can be visited.

• 7 clearly defined stages covering the Wicklow Way from Dublin to Clonegal, with distances, terrain notes and practical detail for each day
• Step-by-step route descriptions supported by 1:50,000 mapping for the Wicklow Way, helping you follow the trail confidently on the ground
• Downloadable GPX files for the Wicklow Way, compatible with GPS devices and smartphone navigation apps
• Detailed listings of accommodation, refreshments and public transport along the Wicklow Way to help with day-to-day planning
• Optional route variants following adjacent trails, allowing you to tailor your Wicklow Way itinerary
• Practical advice on planning and preparation, including when to go and what to expect on Ireland’s first long-distance walk

Plan your Wicklow Way adventure with confidence with this definitive guidebook.

Wicklow Way - Quick Facts

Trail name: Wicklow Way
Location: Wicklow Mountains, Ireland
Designation: Ireland’s first long-distance walking trail
Distance: ~130km / 81 miles
Typical duration: ~1 week
Start: Dublin outskirts
End: Clonegal, County Carlow
Route format: Linear long-distance walk
Stages: 7 main stages (north to south)
Navigation: Waymarked with paths, forest tracks, and upland trails
Terrain: Forest paths, upland moorland, valleys, historic landscapes
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for any reasonably fit walker
Best season: Spring to early autumn (Apr–Oct) for best weather and conditions
Accommodation: B&Bs, guesthouses, hostels, and small village lodging along the route

Author Highlight

“The Wicklow Way was the first long-distance trail to be established in Ireland. Passing through the moorland heart of the Wicklow Mountains, the trail takes in tranquil lakes and forested glens before visiting historic Glendalough and the ruins of the Monastic City.”

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking the Wicklow Way

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Introduction

Geology

Scenery

History

Wildlife

Plantlife

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Travel to and from the Wicklow Way

When to walk

Accommodation

Food and drink

Money matters

Communications

Daily schedule

What to pack

Waymarking and access

Maps of the route

Emergencies

Using this guide

The Wicklow Way

Day 1 Marlay Park to Knockree

Day 2 Knockree to Oldbridge

Day 3 Oldbridge to Glendalough

Day 4 Glendalough to Glenmalure

Day 5 Glenmalure to Moyne

Day 6 Moyne to Boley Bridge

Day 7 Boley Bridge to Clonegal

Appendix A Accommodation list

Appendix B Useful contacts

Appendix C Irish place names

Seasons

The best weather is likely to be in summer, but spring and autumn can be good. The sun can shine or it can rain any day of the year. Avoid the exposed moorlands during winter.

Centres

Dublin, Enniskerry, Roundwood, Laragh, Tinahely, Shillelagh, Clonegal, Bunclody

Difficulty

The Wicklow Way and adjacent trails are not particularly difficult, but there are some remote and exposed stretches of moorland that become difficult in bad weather. The waymarking is good but basic map-reading skills are useful. Waterproofs should be carried, and as most of the trail is on good surfaces, shoes can be worn instead of boots if you prefer.

Must See

Dublin city parks and heritage, Two Rock Mountain, Glencree, Powerscourt Waterfall, Djouce Mountain, Luggala estate, Lough Dan, Glendalough, the Monastic City, the Miners' Way, Glenmalure, Croaghanmoira, Tinahely, The Dying Cow pub, Shillelagh, Huntington Castle

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