Getting there
- Flights to Dublin (DUB) 15 km from the start
Treks / Ireland
Wicklow Way
Ireland · Nearest city: Dublin
TypeMulti-day trek
Days5–7
Distance≈ 131 km
Climbingvaries
Highest point630 m
Ireland's oldest waymarked trail starts in Dublin's suburbs and crosses the Wicklow Mountains past lakes and monastic Glendalough.
Fitness
Moderate
Best seasonApril to October
Watch out: Boggy in wet weather, and it's often wet weather.
Why people choose it
It starts in Dublin's suburbs and within a day you're in open mountains, passing lakes and the monastic site of Glendalough.
What makes it different
- Starts from a city bus stop
- Glendalough's monastic ruins
- Ireland's oldest waymarked trail
Before you go
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.
Phone and data
Phone plans from the EU and EEA roam here at home prices. Coming from the US, UK or elsewhere? A Europe data eSIM is usually far cheaper than roaming.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
Most travel insurance includes hiking at this height. Check that hiking is listed and that medical evacuation is covered.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
There is no general right to wild camp in Ireland. Ask the landowner or use campsites and hostels.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Trail from OpenStreetMap (128.3 km) Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. The trail line is the OpenStreetMap hiking route and may differ from the variant you choose. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Marlay Park → Enniskerry → Glendalough → Aughrim → Clonegal
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- Book your first and last nights, and check whether accommodation along the way needs reserving.
- Best time to go: April to October.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from Dublin.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
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The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.
How the season changes things
Best time: April to October
April to May
Spring
Often the driest time of year, with long days and fresh green hills. Can still be cold and windy on the tops.
Bring
- Warm layer and hat
- Waterproof jacket
- Gloves for high ground
June to August
Summer
Longest days and warmest weather, but also rain showers, busier trails and, in Scotland, midges.
Bring
- Midge head net and repellent in Scotland
- Waterproofs, always
- Book accommodation early
September to October
Autumn
Fewer people and beautiful colours, but wetter, windier weather and shorter days.
Bring
- Full waterproofs, jacket and trousers
- Headlamp
- Waterproof boots
Be ready for
Rain
Plan for rain on most days. A proper waterproof jacket, a pack liner and quick-dry clothes keep you comfortable.
Bog and mud
Expect wet feet on peaty or muddy ground. Waterproof boots and gaiters help; so do spare socks.
What you'll see
6 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the Wicklow Way
Photo credits: J B Malone Memorial by Joe King, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; St. Kevin's Kitchen, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow by Denzillacey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Waterfall in Marlay Park by AndrewH at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons; Powerscourt Waterfall, North view by DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Track to the moor - geograph.org.uk by Simon Mortimer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Gateway and drive at Oldbridge - geograph.org.uk by Simon Mortimer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
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