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Duration
5 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights in B&Bs
Meals
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$990USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: TWW

Trip highlights


  • Magnificent scenery in the hinterland of Dublin, Ireland’s capital city
  • Glendalough, ‘the valley of the two lakes’ where St. Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century
  • Diverse countryside from the fine country estates of rolling hills to the Wicklow Mountains
  • Traditional Irish hospitality

Situated on the outskirts of Dublin is County Wicklow, a region of largely uninhabited landscapes and home to a network of unspoilt mountain trails that cut through what is arguably the greenest part of the 'Emerald Isle'. The Wicklow Way has attracted walkers from across the world eager to experience this stunning region's patchwork of landscapes which include country estates, picturesque valleys, heather-covered granite mountains, rolling green hills and tranquil forests. Following a series of way-marked trails, this short walk runs along the eastern escarpment connecting many of the most scenic parts of Wicklow, such as Powerscourt Demesne and Djouce Mountain as well as the jewel of Wicklow, the monastic settlement at Glendalough. At Glendalough there is the option to enjoy one of the most spectacular walks along the Wicklow Way; a steep climb to the Spink viewpoint from where you can gain a bird's eye view of Glendalough as well as appreciate the superb glacial valley below.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

On arrival make your way to your first accommodation in Dublin. A welcome meeting will be scheduled for this afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore this vibrant city and sample one of the many restaurants for dinner.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you will be transferred/driven by taxi to begin your walk at Marlay Park and the start of the Wicklow Way, a distance of around 4km. From the official start you walk through Marlay Park, before rising to cross the Dublin Mountains, enjoying sea and mountain views. Crossing the boundary into County Wicklow and descending into the Glencree Valley, you walk to your accommodation in Enniskerry village. Overnight Enniskerry. Walk details: Distance 18km/11.2mi, Max. height: 500m/1640ft. Some road walking, forest track and mountain path. Can be wet underfoot, boots essential.

Meals:  B

Back on the Wicklow Way you continue across the Glencree Valley, around the shoulder of Djouce Mountain and over White Hill to finish in the lovely village of Roundwood. This walk takes you past the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall before climbing to walk around Djouce Mountain to your high point for the day on White Hill. As you descend you have glorious views of the spectacular glacial lakes of Lough Tay and Lough Dan. Overnight in Roundwood. Walk details: Distance 22km/13.5mi, Max. height: 630m/2066ft. Forest track, some road walking, mountain path. Some sections can be very wet and boggy, boots essential.

Meals:  B

Leaving Roundwood you walk over Paddock Hill to the village of Laragh at the entrance to the valley of Glendalough. Today’s walk takes you around the perimeter of the Barton Estate before taking a detour from the Wicklow Way to the top of Scarr Mountain. From here you descend by an old Mass Path to your overnight accommodation in Laragh. You will have time to continue to Glendalough to visit this wonderful monastic settlement, a truly magical place deserving of time to enjoy. Walk details: Distance 12km/7.5mi (to Laragh), Max. height: 360m/1181ft. Some road walking, mountain path and forest track. Boots essential.

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. Departure by public bus to Dublin (own expense) from both Glendalough/Laragh (details on www.buseireann) or there is a private bus: St Kevin’s Bus Service. The bus takes about 1 hour. There are also bus & taxi services to Wicklow town, where you can take the train to Dublin or south to Rosslare.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 4 full Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/sausages, tomato, toast, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 4 nights in B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack with route notes and maps & app
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Welcome briefing
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Dublin and from Laragh
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Excess Luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

MODERATE - GRADE 3 The trip is graded moderate with daily walks of between 4 and 7 hours at altitudes of 360m to 500m. The walking terrain is on a mixture of small roads, forest trails and mountain paths. Being Ireland, it is often wet underfoot and overhead and proper preparation is advised. A reasonable level of fitness is required to complete all stages comfortably.


Departure dates

daily from 18 Mar to 18 Oct

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional premium services - includes printed documents & support calls during the trek ppUSD$36
  • Single SupplementUSD$360
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$530
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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