Located in Ireland, the Wicklow Way stretches from south Dublin, starting at Marlay Park, all the way to Clonegal, a quiet village in County Carlow.
The trail covers 127 km and typically takes around 7 days to complete on foot. Included among Ireland’s official “National Trails” and overseen by the Irish Sports Council, the Wicklow Way is one of the country’s most popular hiking routes, attracting about 24,000 visitors each year. Conceived by JB Malone, the Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first signposted long-distance path, opened in 1980.
Along the initial section of the route you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain lakes and glacier-carved valleys. As you progress south, the scenery transitions into rolling, pre-Alpine landscapes.
It’s particularly in the first part of the walk that you’ll explore enchanting mountain trails in County Wicklow. Among the must-sees is the historic monastic site of Glendalouh, founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, which you’ll encounter along the way.
The walk can be challenging, with a total elevation gain of 3,200 meters, but each stage is divided into manageable daily sections, never exceeding 21 km. A highlight is the vibrant city of Dublin, where you can unwind in iconic pubs after a day of trekking.
Points of interest:
- Glendalouh: The historic village of Glendalouh stands in the heart of Wicklow Mountains National Park, home to the evocative monastic complex of St Kevin dating back to the 6th century.
- Two Rock: A mountain named after the two distinctive granite towers found southeast of its summit.
- The Weavers Cottage: A restored 18th-century cottage near Glasgow, offering an authentic look into the traditional life and craft of a weaver.
- Luggala: One of Wicklow’s iconic mountains, its impressive cliffs overlook Lough Tay and attract rock climbers from all around.
Essential info:
- Country: Ireland
- Official Wicklow Way website: Wicklow Way
- Length: 127 km
- GPX: n/a
- KMZ: n/a
