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Long Distance Hiking
· East Coast and Midlands (IE)
Wicklow Way - Ireland's legendary long-distance hiking route through the Wicklow Mountains
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Photo: Hiking Fex, Alpenverein Austria
The Wicklow Way is one of Ireland's best-known long-distance hiking routes, stretching about 130 kilometers from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal in County Carlow.
The route passes through the gentle hills and wild valleys of the Wicklow Mountains, past ancient monasteries (such as Glendalough), moorlands, dense forests, and remote plateaus.
The path is well marked and not particularly technically demanding, making it ideal for beginners to long-distance hiking. Depending on your pace, the route takes about 5 to 8 days. Overnight accommodation is available in villages along the route – bivouacking is possible in many places with respect for nature and property.
A detailed description with all accommodations, stages, and a guide can be found here:
https://www.hikingfex.com/post/wicklow-way
Highlights:
The mystical valley of Glendalough
Panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains
The proximity to Dublin – easy access
Ideal for everyone who wants to experience Ireland's nature on quiet paths.
The Wicklow Way traditionally starts in Marlay Park in the south of Dublin. The starting point is excellently connected to public transport, so you can plan your arrival very flexibly – whether by plane, train, or rental car. The proximity to the capital makes getting there especially straightforward.
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
General safety instructions:
All safety rules of mountaineering apply when hiking too!
Here is an overview in six points:
1. THOROUGH TOUR PLANNING: Check weather forecast, terrain, and equipment.
2. COMPLETE EQUIPMENT: Emergency equipment including phone, first aid kit, bivy sack, and ideally a headlamp should always be taken on mountain hikes.
3. REALISTIC SELF-ASSESSMENT: Many main causes of accidents are due to overestimating oneself. Therefore: increase hikes gradually, get to know your body and abilities.
4. ORIENTATION: You should master the use of map and altimeter – being able to properly read a map is not a given. Caution: a GPS device is a helpful aid but not a substitute for a map!
5. BEFORE DEPARTURE: Inform someone where you will be and when you plan to return.
6. IF SOMETHING HAPPENS: Save emergency numbers on your phone: Alpine emergency is 140, European emergency is 112.
Disclaimer:
Tour at your own risk! No liability is accepted for all possible or occurring alpine hazards (weather, etc.).
WINTER:
Important note: Before every ski tour or snowshoe hike, the current avalanche report must be consulted – available at www.lawine-steiermark.at.
Mountaineering and local risk assessment are subject – especially in winter – to personal responsibility. Tourism associations or avalanche warning services therefore cannot assume any liability based on given information.
Tips and suggestions
https://www.hikingfex.com/post/wicklow-way
https://www.hikingfex.com
Roadbook
The Wicklow Way starts at Marlay Park on the southern edge of Dublin and runs approximately 130 kilometers through the gentle but often wild landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains to the small town of Clonegal in County Carlow.
Right at the beginning, you leave the city and gradually ascend into the hills of South Dublin and Wicklow. Soon you reach the first scenic highlight: the Djouce Mountain region with vast moorlands and spectacular views – on clear days even stretching to the Irish Sea. The path here follows well-maintained trails and boardwalks guiding through damp sections.
Another highlight of the route is the valley of Glendalough, one of Ireland's most beautiful and historically significant monastic valleys. It's worth stopping here to explore the old monastery ruins and round towers. After Glendalough, the Wicklow Way continues through quiet forests and remote valleys, including the impressive Glenmalure Valley, the deepest glacial valley in Ireland.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From Dublin Airport, it is best to take the airport bus (e.g. Aircoach or Dublin Express) to the city center, then continue by bus or LUAS (tram) to the stops Ballinteer, Dundrum, or Rathfarnham – depending on the connection, you will reach Marlay Park in about 50–60 minutes. From Dublin city center, you can easily reach the starting point by various bus lines (e.g. line 14, 16 or 75) or the LUAS Green Line heading south. Travel time from the city center varies between approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.Directions
The Wicklow Way traditionally starts in Marlay Park in the south of Dublin. The starting point is excellently connected to public transport, so you can plan your arrival very flexibly – whether by plane, train, or rental car. The proximity to the capital makes getting there especially straightforward.Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
General equipment:
Hiking shoes/hiking boots
Short hiking pants/long hiking pants/zip-off hiking pants
Technical shirt
Fleece pullover/fleece jacket
Rain jacket
Technical underwear
Hiking socks
Additional hiking equipment:
Spare hiking T-shirt
Rain pants
Insulation jacket
Cap or headband
Sunglasses (for hikes at higher altitudes possibly glacier glasses)
Optional: hat and gloves
Adjustable hiking poles
Hiking backpack (approx. 20 liters or as needed)
Rain cover for the backpack
In snow: crampons and gaiters
Technology and orientation:
Topographic maps
Compass
Charged phone, power bank
Headlamp
GPS device or GPS watch
Binoculars
Food supply:
Water bottle or hydration system (at least 2.0 liters)
Snack in suitable food container
Energy gels and other food according to personal experience
Health & first aid:
First aid kit
Blister plasters
Tape
Sunscreen
Tissues
Tick remover/tick card
Winter:
Avalanche transceiver
Avalanche probe
Shovel
Snowshoes/skis
Other:
Passport/insurance card
Cash
Pocket knife
Outdoor lighter/fire steel
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions
Unanswered