Tour Highlights
- Wicklow quick immersion! A great, short, in depth look.
- Rural farming communities, farming by day and hosting walkers by night! Come in April for lambing…
- Glendalough & St. Kevin. The trail walks straight through his territory and all his 6th century remains.
- Wicklow Mountains National Park for two days!
Itinerary
From Dublin Airport, take the AirLink shuttle bus to Connolly Train Station in Dublin city and then an Irish Rail scheduled service to Rathdrum. You will be transferred by pre-arranged taxi from Rathdrum to the first overnight accommodation at Drumgoff (20 minutes).
Accommodation in Drumgoff townland.
Day 2 -Drumgoff to Laragh
Superb views, superb walking, superb 6th century monastic remains at Glendalough; today is one of the tour’s highlights. Climbing through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dhá Locha, the glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village.
Distance 18km. Ascents 530m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
With optional climb 20km. Ascents 600m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Laragh village.
Day 3 – Free day in Laragh / Glendalough
There are plenty of options today; exploration of the monastic settlement in the valley, including seven churches, a gatehouse, a round tower and the St. Kevin’s cell. Hiking options include the two suggested as well as a number of accessible routes, Derrybawn Mountain, Brockagh, the Glendassan Valley or Trooperstown Hill. The area is rich in heritage and history both ecclesiastical and political.
Upper Lake and Mines: 16km. Ascents 540m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Camaderry Hill: 18km. Ascents 580m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Laragh village
Day 4 – Laragh to Roundwood
A short day allows time to visit the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake. Today’s section finishes in Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village at 238m.
Distance 11km. Ascents 290m. Approximate walking time 3 hours.
Via Scarr Mountain 15km. Ascents 520m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Roundwood village.
Day 5 – Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry
Wonderful walking, overlooking Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin. Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River Valley and a wonderful riverbank walk.
Distance 18km. Ascents 250m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation near Enniskerry.
Day 6 – Departure from Enniskerry
Explore the many splendours of Ireland’s capital city. We recommend some interesting walking tours of historical Dublin city centre.
Prices & Booking
€150 single supplement.
What’s Included
* Five nights Bed & Breakfast guesthouse accommodation;
* Transfer to your first B&B from Rathdrum;
* Luggage transfers each day;
* Detailed route descriptions;
* Relevant 1:50000 maps.
What’s not included:
* Other meals.
* Entries or excursions.
* Transfers from the end of your tour (public transport available).
Guest Reviews
August 2019 – Kathy & 3 friends, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Thanks for checking in with me. We had a terrific time. Perfect weather. Not a drop of rain. The walk couldn’t have been more beautiful. We mistakenly took the Spinx walk — It was a fortuitous mistake. The Spinx was one of the great highlights of the walk. The walk to Marlay Park was terrific. I’m so glad we decided to do the last leg. Hopefully, we will be back soon for another trip. It was magnificent. And you were terrific about staying in touch with us
June 2019 – Amanda & David, Deklab, IL USA
David and I returned home (without flight mishap!) on Saturday evening, and I just wanted to send you a quick follow-up about how much we enjoyed our trip. Everyone we met was so kind and inviting and the countryside was just gorgeous. Our walk through Wicklow was definitely a success! I also wanted to thank you for your extra work in shifting our whole trip back a day given our late arrival. We don’t have a lot of vacation time and just wanted to get away to enjoy a new place and culture. It was perfect. Thank you for being so accommodating and for helping us. I will be happy to recommend Tailor Made to friends if they travel to Ireland!
September 2019 – Grahame & 3 sons, Cheshire UK
We had a wonderful 5 day holiday and really appreciated the organisation of the walking holiday and the quality of the accommodation and warm welcome from all.
Location & Grade
