The Wicklow Way is a 127 km long distance hiking trail in the south east of Ireland and leads from Dublin above Glendalough to Clonegal, County Carlow
background
The route starts at the southern suburb of Dublin's "Marlay Park" and winds its way along roads, forest trails and paths through the Wicklow Mountains to Clonegal. In between, the path also reaches the old monastery Glendalough. Even if not far from civilization, a direct route through towns and villages was largely avoided.
preparation
Usually you walk the route in seven stages, which you can shorten depending on your fitness level. A total of 3,200 meters has to be overcome. Wild camping and bivouacking are generally legal in Ireland, but this does not apply to private property and nature reserves. Unfortunately, one company owns the floor of the first 1.5 stages. Camping is generally forbidden in these areas, but the stages of the route are well provided with overnight accommodation. There are relatively many hostels and bed & breakfasts. The official website of the hiking trail refers to numerous accommodations.
getting there
Since the classic direction of the route starts on the outskirts of Dublin, getting there is quite easy. The bus route 16 from Dublin bus drives directly from the airport via the city center towards Marlay Park. The path begins at the parking lot adjacent to Marlay House.
Hiking stages (suggestions)
Marlay Park - Knockree
Distance: 21km, difference in altitude: 600m, walking time approx .: 7 hours
The beginning of the path is at the parking lot in Marlay Park. As already mentioned, this is very easy to reach from the airport and the city center with the Dublin Bus 16. The path first runs through the park, past golf courses and then goes steeply up a road up the first mountain. After about 5km you finally leave the asphalt and turn into a wooded area. Soon you will reach a very spectacular pass landscape between Two Rock Mountain and Kilmashogue Mountain. After the highest point has been passed, it goes towards Glencullen Valley. Unfortunately here again a few kilometers on a road. Please turn right and watch out for the traffic, the roads in Ireland are generally very narrow and confusing. After the Glencullen River has been crossed, it is soon back on forest and forest roads towards Knockree. This is the ideal overnight destination for the first stage Knockree Youth Hostel, which is almost exactly on the way. Camping is not legally permitted on the first stage and there is hardly a good option beyond that.
Knockree - Roundwood
Distance: 18km, difference in altitude: 500m, walking time approx .: 6.5 hours
The second stage, like the first, is one of the most strenuous as it goes up and down a lot. In addition, the route is extended by about 2-3km if you want to stay in Roundwood. First you walk along the Glencree River, cross it and go up to Ride Rock. Soon you come to several beautiful viewpoints towards Powerscourt Waterfall, which is the highest in Ireland at 121 meters. Soon it goes down to the Dargle River and straight up again. At the bridge over the Dargle River there is an excellent tent option. The path now continues upwards, near Djouce Mountain. Its summit can also be crossed with a short detour. If you stay on the Wicklow Way you will soon find a small spring before (with a wonderful view) you can continue on jacked up wooden sleepers. This boardwalk stretches to White Hill. Here is the highest point of the hiking trail at 635 meters. Shortly before the descent there is a great lookout point on Lough Tay, which is also called "Guinness Lake" by the locals because it has very dark water and a sandy beach side. The further path now leads over the road, a very gloomy forest path and ultimately on a forest road. From there there are two ways to take the Wicklow Way towards the center of the town Roundwood to leave. In Roundwood itself there are, among other things, several pubs, a central small supermarket, a pharmacy and a recommendable one campsite. There is also a Mountain Rescue base in Roundwood. In addition, the bus that runs twice a day from Glendalough to Dublin (and back) also stops in the village.
Roundwood - Glendalough
Distance: 12km, difference in altitude: 350m, walking time approx .: 4 hours
This stage is easier than the last two because of the less distance and height difference. If you have stayed in Roundwood, you must first return to the Wicklow Way route. Then it goes on roads through a small wooded area to Oldbridge. There is actually a nearly 200-year-old bridge over the Inchavore River. The path continues uphill quite steeply and you turn right at the Redwood Lodge. Now you reach two or three houses where friendly residents have set up a water tank for hikers. There is a sign "Water" on the way, which is already quite faded. The drivable surface soon becomes a hiking trail again and you come across a refuge, the Brusher Gap. This donates protection against rain and wind, you can spend the night here. There is also a fire pit, seating and even a rainwater tank. The path now slowly descends again and leads across meadows, heather and through the forest. Finally, a wooden bridge crosses the Glenmacross River and the first view over Glendalough soon follows. It is now steeper downhill through the forest and you arrive in Glendalough. There is one here bigger hotel with a pub and restaurant and another large one Youth Hostel. There are buses to Dublin twice a day in front of the Visitor Center. Glendalough, with its remarkable history, is a tourist hotspot, but not without reason, as hikers will quickly discover on site.
Glendalough - Glenmalure
Distance: 14km, difference in altitude: 400m, walking time approx .: 4.5 hours
If you have spent the night in Glendalough, this stage will start at the hotel or youth hostel mentioned. First you go towards Upper Lake. This path is expected to be shared with dozens of tourists who commute back and forth between the lakes. Before it goes uphill quite steeply next to the small Poulanass waterfall, you can look at the overview map with hiking trails around Glendalough at the edge of the path. Then it goes steadily uphill on an old military or forest road. After a forest area you will reach the Borenacrow Pass about halfway. Here you have a beautiful all-round view and you can also climb the Mullacor or Lugduff mountains. Alternatively, you can also leave Wicklow Way, because the path that turns right and marked with a red arrow leads you back to Glendalough. About 3 km after the pass you pass a shelter, which is ideal for resting and theoretically also for an overnight stay . You then reach the Glenmalure Valley. The destination of the stage is Glenmalure (there are a handful of houses) or the River Avonberg. There are overnight accommodations, for example, in the Glenmalure Lodge which is practically on the way.
Glenmalure - Moyne
Distance: 21km, difference in altitude: 550m, walking time approx .: 7 hours
This longer part of the path leads the hiker to southwest Wicklow. The first 6km are hiked on an old military road, an ascent of about 400m has to be mastered. At Iron Bridge the path leads over the Ow River, shortly before that you should come across another refuge. Many also set Iron Bridge as the (more comfortable) end of the stage, but there is no accommodation here. Theoretically, however, a shuttle service can be arranged with some B & B's in the surrounding towns. After Iron Bridge, the path climbs noticeably again and finally runs between the two mountains Ballygobban (447m) and Sheilstown Hill (536m). Now there is another long stretch of road and you finally reach Moyne, the end of the stage. When you reach Moyne, the mountainous sections of the Wicklow Way are over. Those who urgently need food can do this in the village of Knockananna, which is 2km away from the path.
Moyne - Shillelagh
Distance: 21km, difference in altitude: 500m, walking time approx .: 7 hours
First of all, mostly small paths to the village of Tinahely. Once you have arrived here, you are now 95km from the starting point in Dublin. For those who have been on the road since Iron Bridge, the village is an ideal stage destination. It continues through a hilly field and meadow landscape. Soon you will reach Stranakelly, where the thirsty hiker will find a good opportunity to take a break in 'The Dying Cow' pub. The last 6km of the day's stage run on the very busy R725 to the end point Shillelagh. There are three or four overnight accommodations in the vicinity, most of which also offer a transfer to the path, if you do not want to take the detour yourself. A good overview of the accommodations can be found on the English speaking site the day's stage.
Shillelagh - Clonegal
Distance: 19km, difference in altitude: 300m, walking time approx .: 6 hours
The last section can be roughly divided into two sections, which are mostly done on the road. So it goes first for a long time through the quite hilly Raheenakit Forest. In contrast, you walk the last few kilometers through the valley of the Derry River. The Wicklow Way finally ends in Clonaghal in the park.
security
The Wicklow Way is very well signposted (symbol: little walker). The route runs close to civilization and occasionally through villages. This makes it possible to get food or help relatively quickly. Filtering is recommended for the water from the clear streams of the hiking trail, as there are numerous pastures adjacent to it. However, there is the possibility to ask for water or to buy it at every stage, be it in pubs, petrol stations or private houses. The difficulty of the hiking trail is in the middle range, but the sometimes not inconsiderable ascents and descents have to be taken into account.
Variants and departure
Of course, the Wicklow Way does not have to be walked completely. For example, it is advisable to get on or off in Glendalough, as there is a hotel with a restaurant and a large hostel in the village. In addition, the runs every morning and evening Glendaloughbus from Glendalough to Dublin and there is also the Wicklow Way bus Another bus service specially designed for hikers, which must be reserved in advance by phone or email. The bus takes the hikers to the nearby Rathdrum train station.
literature
- Wicklow Way Map Booklet English (Paperback), 2014, Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; ISBN 978-1500339050 "A 32-page booklet with 40 detailed maps of the entire hiking trail. Accommodation, pubs and restaurants are noted."
- The Wicklow Way Map Guide English (Paperback), Barry Dalby (Author), 2011, Publisher: EastWest Mapping; ISBN 978-1899815289 This book contains a detailed map and has a lot of information about the conditions on the Wicklow Way and gives a good view about the whole tour. .
- The Wicklow Way (Backpack Readers) English (paperback), Jacquetta Megarry & Sandra Bardwell (authors), 2008, publisher: Rucksack Readers; ISBN 978-1898481317 This updated guidebook contains all you need to plan and enjoy your holiday: drop-down map showing the whole route in five panels; waterproof paper throughout; the Way in sections, with summaries of distance, terrain and where to find food and drink; concise background on history, geology and wildlife; ann explanded 5-page feature on the monastic city of Glendalough; planning information for travel by car, train, bus or plane; in full color, with 80 photographs. .
