Wicklow Way

Image of a couple walking the Wicklow Way in County Wicklow
  • Linear
  • Strenuous
  • 128.10km
  • 6 days
Ideal for the experienced walker, the Wicklow Way was Ireland’s very first waymarked trail and remains as popular as ever. This linear route unfolds just over 128km, connecting Dublin’s leafy suburbs with the raw beauty of counties Wicklow and Carlow.

Beginning in the southern suburbs of the capital, civilisation is soon left behind as the route moves deep into high, heathery moorland. Taking six days to complete, the Wicklow Way walk ascends some 3,220m over its 128.1km.

Strenuous in grade, the linear Wicklow Way traverses forestry tracks, quiet roads, boreens and mountain paths through open moorland. Some sections can be wet and muddy.

The trail crosses the rugged Dublin and Wicklow Mountain range before descending across a series of gentle foothills to reach the County Carlow village of Clonegal.

A hugely rewarding route, the northern end showcases the more dramatic instances of mountain and lakeside scenery. While walkers will certainly feel as though they are in the remotest of wildernesses, a public road is never very far away.

While some overnight accommodation is available along the route, most options are actually off-route, so careful advance planning is necessary.

Minor route diversions, primarily due to timber harvesting, may be in place.

Trail details

Type:
Long Distance Waymarked Way
Location:
Marlay Park
Ascent:
3220
Nearest town start:
Dublin
Nearest town finish:
Clonegal
Start point:
Marley Park, Rathfarnham in South Dublin
Finish point:
Clonegal
Waymarking:
Yellow arrow on black background
Facilities:
Car parking
At Start - in Marlay Park. Car park (open 10 a.m. and variable seasonal closing).
At End - on streets in Clonegal
Dogs allowed:
No