Wicklow Way Voyage Tips and guide

The Wicklow Way (Slí Cualann Nua, "New Cuala Way") is a 131 km (81 mi) long-distance trail across the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.

The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest waymarked trail, established in 1980 to traverse the granite highlands of the Wicklow Mountains. Stretching 131 km (81 mi) from Marlay Park in Dublin through County Wicklow to Clonegal in County Carlow, the route follows a geological boundary between 400-million-year-old granite and mica-schist. The landscape is characterized by rounded "whaleback" summits, glacial U-shaped valleys like Glendalough, and expansive blanket bogs. Culturally, you will encounter a mix of outdoor enthusiasts, mountain runners, and pilgrims visiting the 6th-century monastic ruins. The hike requires no technical climbing skills but demands stamina for steep ascents and navigating firm forest trails.

Most hikers complete the route in 5 to 7 days. While some sections are suitable for day-trippers, the rugged terrain, boardwalks over bogs, and steep gradients make the trail unsuitable for wheelchairs or baby carriages. Luggage transport services are available and recommended if you prefer a light daypack over a full backpack. You should carry a compass and maps, as mountain mists can quickly obscure the yellow "walking man" waymarkers.

Food availability is lopsided. The northern and central sections offer shops and restaurants in or near villages like Enniskerry, Roundwood, and Laragh. However, the southern stretches are more remote; you should carry your own rations and a lightweight camping stove if you aren't staying in full-service guesthouses.

Do not drink directly from streams, as high levels of peat and potential contamination from sheep farming make it unsafe. Carry at least 2 litres of water daily. You can refill at guesthouses or public taps in villages. If drawing from the wild, use a filter or chemical purification.

Accommodation ranges from hostels and B&Bs to designated Adirondack-style shelters. Much of the trail is within Wicklow Mountains National Park, which has specific rules on wild camping (generally prohibited in the Glendalough valley). If camping, a three-season sleeping bag is necessary. During peak summer months, B&Bs fill up quickly, so advance reservations are vital.

Expect highly changeable maritime weather. The mountains receive roughly 2000 mm of annual rainfall, and temperatures on the summits are significantly lower than in the valleys. The trail is walkable year-round, but winter brings short daylight hours and occasional snow. Waterproof boots and high-quality rain gear are essential to keep the bog water out of your socks.

You'll need a car, and maybe two, to have a pick-up at the end of a day's hike. The early sections from Dublin through Roundwood to Glendalough have accommodation, other amenities and public transport, but these are lacking further south. See individual town pages for options.

53°0′0″N 6°21′36″W

Wicklow Way

Starting from 53.277-6.2681 Marlay House, head south across the bosky park, passing under M50 then up the Dublin hills. Ascend via Kilmashogue, Fairy Castle, Two Rock and Tibradden mountains then descend onto the Glencullen road at Ballybrack. Zag east then south (and see Enniskerry for Johnnie Fox's pub and other amenities nearby). The route then climbs Prince William's Seat (555 m) before descending into 53.173-6.2212 Knockree.

Pass west of Knockree Hill, then go through Crone Wood car park and ascend to the viewpoint over Powerscourt waterfall and estate. You cross the River Dargle then climb Djouce (775 m). Onwards to White Hill where there's a boardwalk to protect the blanket bog, then descend through Ballinastoe Woods onto the car park on R759. Follow the highway for 1 km before cutting onto a forest trail to reach 53.066667-6.2333333 Roundwood.

Start on R755 south through Annamoe, and after the junction for Wicklow branch onto the track over Paddock Hill. This easy section continues into Laragh and 53.010278-6.32754 Glendalough - and allow a day off the trail to explore everything here.

Follow the very touristy trail to the Upper Lake and Poulanass waterfall. Here it's a steep ascent onto the ridge of Mullacor, where a boardwalk leads over the bog to Lugduff. Then it's a sharp descent into 52.958-6.3535 Glenmaclure.

Climb through the forests of Slieve Maan onto the Military Road. You skirt Carrickashane then descend into the Ow River valley at Iron Bridge (Aghavannagh). Ascend through Ballyteigue Bridge, follow the valley between Ballygobban and Sheilstown Hill, and onto the lane into 52.863-6.4666 Moyne. This is the end of the mountain sections.

Skirt the base of Ballycumber and Coolafunshoge to reach R747, the Hacketstown-Tinahely road. This highway is busy, cut off onto the boreen passing Muskeagh Hill to Mullinacuff and Stranakelly cross roads. You're now 100 km out from Marlay Park and have earned a drink at Tallon's Pub, aka "The Dying Cow". Continue south 6 km, then you can either follow busy R725 to Shillelagh or take the track through Raheenakit Forest, then the lane via Ballard Cross to 52.755-6.5347 Shillelagh.

The last stage is a lowland stroll through Raheenakit Forest into the broad valley of the Derry River. Its south bank is County Wexford, but stay on the north bank to cross Wicklow Bridge into 52.695-6.6488 Clonegal in County Carlow.

If you enjoyed the mix of rolling hills and managed paths of the Wicklow Way, many similar long-distance trails await across Ireland and the UK. For a comparable Irish experience but with more dramatic coastal scenery, consider the Dingle Way or the Kerry Way. Across the water, Scotland's West Highland Way offers a wilder, more mountainous challenge, while the Wales Coast Path is renowned for its spectacular sea cliff walking. While the terrain on these routes is rarely more technical, the main consideration is often the greater remoteness between services, which requires more careful planning for accommodation and supplies.