Walk the Wicklow Way in a Week
The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest and most celebrated long-distance walking trail — 127 kilometres from Marlay Park on the southern edge of Dublin to the village of Clonegal on the Wicklow/Carlow border. This seven-day itinerary follows the traditional north-to-south direction, tackling one official stage per day. It is achievable for any reasonably fit walker who trains in advance. Total ascent: approximately 3,200 metres.
Practical information
Getting to the start
Marlay Park is in Rathfarnham on the southern outskirts of Dublin. Dublin Bus route 16 serves the park from the city centre (approximately 40 minutes from O'Connell Street). If you are arriving by car, there is a large free car park at Marlay Park — though you will need to arrange a return from Clonegal at the end of the walk, or use a bag-transfer service that will shuttle your vehicle.
Returning from Clonegal: Bus Éireann route 132 runs between Clonegal and Dublin via Tullow, Baltinglass and Blessington. Journey time is approximately two hours. Check current timetables at buseireann.ie.
What to pack
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers — the Wicklow Mountains create their own weather
- Walking boots with ankle support — some stages are boggy even in dry spells
- Gaiters for the mountain stages (Days 1–5)
- Trekking poles — strongly recommended for steep descents on Stages 4 and 5
- Minimum 2 litres of water capacity — resupply points are sparse on upland stages
- High-energy snacks and a packed lunch for every mountain day
- Paper map as backup — the Official Wicklow Way Map & Guide (EastWest Mapping) fits in a jacket pocket
- Blister kit and a small first-aid pack
Best time of year
Late May through to mid-September gives the longest daylight, the best chance of settled weather, and the most accommodation options. July and August are the busiest months — book accommodation at least six to eight weeks ahead. Late April and early May are beautiful on the Way: fewer walkers, lower prices, and the gorse and hawthorn in full flower. Avoid the mountain stages in winter unless you have hillwalking experience and a full navigation kit.
Bag transfer
Several operators offer bag-transfer services for Wicklow Way walkers, collecting your main pack from one overnight stop and delivering it to the next. This allows you to walk each stage with a day pack only. Enquire through the Wicklow Way's official website or contact us for current partner details.
The seven stages
Day 1 — Marlay Park to Knockree
Distance: 22 km | Ascent: approx. 520 m | Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
The walk begins at the Grange Road gate of Marlay Park, in the leafy suburb of Rathfarnham. For the first kilometre you are still firmly in the city — the walled demesne of the park, its craft workshops and old coach house, children on bicycles. Then the yellow waymarker arrows lead uphill through Kilmashogue Wood and the landscape shifts. Within two kilometres of the park gate, Dublin is behind you.
The trail climbs steadily over Two Rock Mountain (536 m) and Three Rock Mountain (445 m) — both offering spectacular views back over Dublin Bay on a clear day — before crossing the Featherbeds, a remarkable expanse of blanket bog straddling the Dublin–Wicklow border. The descent into the Glencree Valley brings you to the night's accommodation at Knockree, a former IRA safe house turned youth hostel now run by An Óige.
Highlights
- The view from Two Rock Mountain back over Dublin Bay
- Fairy Castle cairn on the Two Rock plateau
- The Featherbeds — one of the most dramatic bogs in Leinster
- The quiet descent into Glencree Valley
Where to stay
Knockree Youth Hostel (An Óige) — purpose-built hostel in a former farmhouse in the Glencree Valley. Dormitory and private rooms. Book at anoige.ie. Alternatively, B&Bs in Enniskerry village (15-minute taxi). See accommodation listings.
Full Stage 1 route notes & GPX
Day 2 — Knockree to Roundwood
Distance: 18 km | Ascent: approx. 490 m | Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
The second stage is the most scenically rewarding stretch on the entire Way, and many experienced walkers consider it the finest day's walking in Ireland. From Knockree the trail skirts west of Knockree Hill and drops to cross the Glencree River before climbing through Crone Wood to a spectacular viewpoint above Powerscourt Waterfall — at 121 metres, the highest waterfall in Ireland and Britain. The Deer Park stretches below; on the right, the cone of the Great Sugar Loaf punctuates the horizon.
The route continues along the eastern shoulder of Djouce Mountain (725 m) and onto the famous White Hill boardwalk — a long timber walkway installed across the fragile blanket bog, from which the view north and south across the Wicklow uplands is breathtaking. The descent via Lough Tay — the dark "Guinness Lake" in its granite bowl far below — is one of the most photographed moments on the whole walk. Roundwood, at 238 metres the highest village in Ireland, provides a warm welcome at the end of the day.
Highlights
- Powerscourt Waterfall viewpoint — 121 m, Ireland's highest
- White Hill boardwalk across the open mountain bog
- Lough Tay (the "Guinness Lake") from the descent
- Roundwood village — pubs, shops and proper hot food
Where to stay
Roundwood: The Coach House Inn, Roundwood Caravan & Camping Park, Wicklow Way Lodge (Oldbridge, 3 km on). See accommodation listings.
Full Stage 2 route notes & GPX
Day 3 — Roundwood to Glendalough
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: approx. 220 m | Difficulty: Moderate
A welcome shorter day after the big mileage of Stage 2. The route follows a pleasant mix of forest paths, quiet country lanes and open hillside from Roundwood south to Glendalough. Arrive by early afternoon, which leaves several hours to explore one of the most extraordinary sites in Ireland — the early-medieval monastic city of Glendalough, founded in the sixth century by Saint Kevin (Caoimhín) and at its peak a small city of several thousand monks and scholars. The Round Tower (30 metres high, intact after 1,000 years), the Cathedral, the Priest's House and the extraordinary Teampall na Skellig church perched above the Upper Lake are all within easy walking distance of the main car park.
This is also a good afternoon for the shorter Poulanass Waterfall Trail (1.6 km, easy) if legs permit.
Highlights
- Glendalough Monastic City — the Round Tower, Cathedral and Gateway
- Upper Lake and the ruins of Teampall na Skellig
- The transition from upland to valley landscape
- Laragh village — excellent choice of pubs and restaurants
Where to stay
Glendalough/Laragh: Glendalough Hotel (walk-in distance of the monastic site), Lynham's Hotel (Laragh), several B&Bs. The Wicklow Way Hostel in Glendalough is popular with through-walkers. See accommodation listings.
Full Stage 3 route notes & GPX
Day 4 — Glendalough to Glenmalure
Distance: 14 km | Ascent: approx. 500 m | Difficulty: Strenuous
The Way leaves Glendalough's valley floor by the Derrybawn Mountain flank, climbing steadily through forest before breaking onto open moorland. The ascent of Mullacor (657 m) is the physical highpoint of the southern half of the route — from the summit the views west to Lugnaquilla (the highest mountain in Leinster at 925 m) and east towards the Irish Sea are exceptional. The descent into the remote Glenmalure valley is steep and demands care, especially in wet conditions.
Glenmalure is the longest glacial valley in Ireland and Wicklow's most dramatic and secluded glen. It was a stronghold of the O'Byrne clan in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and the site of the Battle of Glenmalure in 1580, when a confederacy of Leinster clans inflicted a severe defeat on an Elizabethan army. The Glenmalure Lodge at the valley floor marks the end of the stage.
Highlights
- The ascent of Mullacor — best panorama of the southern Wicklow uplands
- The Lugduff valley below the summit
- Glenmalure — one of Ireland's most atmospheric mountain valleys
- Glenmalure Lodge — legendary walker's pub and stopover
Where to stay
Glenmalure: Glenmalure Lodge (bar and B&B), An Óige Glenmalure Hostel (basic, no hot food — bring supplies). Limited options; book early. See accommodation listings.
Full Stage 4 route notes & GPX
Day 5 — Glenmalure to Moyne
Distance: 21 km | Ascent: approx. 480 m | Difficulty: Strenuous
The longest stage on the route, and the last of the truly mountainous days. The Way climbs back out of Glenmalure and traverses the broad upland plateau via the Military Road before a long descent to the Ow River valley at Iron Bridge, Aghavannagh (approximately 14 km — a viable early stage end if you are tired or the weather is deteriorating). From Aghavannagh, the trail continues south across rolling upland ground into the tiny Georgian hamlet of Moyne, which marks the end of the mountain stages. The landscape gentles perceptibly from here — the wilder Wicklow is behind you.
An optional split: walkers who find 21 km on mountain terrain too much can arrange a taxi from Iron Bridge to Moyne or to Aughrim for the night, resuming at Moyne the following morning.
Highlights
- The Military Road — one of the most scenic upland roads in Leinster
- Iron Bridge and the Ow River valley
- The transition from Wicklow mountain to south Wicklow farmland
- The Georgian stone buildings of Moyne hamlet
Where to stay
Moyne/Hacketstown: Kyle Farmhouse (Moyne), Rath Bán Farm Cottage (Hacketstown, 5 km east). Aughrim village (7 km south-east of Moyne) offers more options including the Lawless Hotel. See accommodation listings.
Full Stage 5 route notes & GPX
Day 6 — Moyne to Shillelagh
Distance: 21 km | Ascent: approx. 320 m | Difficulty: Moderate
A very different feel to the upland stages. The Way meanders south-west through south Wicklow's green hedgerow country — quiet lanes, small farms, the occasional crossroads pub. The trail rounds the base of Ballycumber Hill and passes through the small market town of Tinahely at approximately 95 km from Marlay Park. Tinahely is a genuine highlight of south Wicklow: a wide Georgian square, the historic Courthouse Arts Centre, and some excellent food and drink options. Our Premium Partner Madeline's Accommodation is situated right on the Town Square — perfectly placed for the night if you wish to break the stage here.
For walkers pushing on to Shillelagh, the route crosses the 100 km milestone just beyond Tallon's Pub at the Stranakelly crossroads — known to generations of Wicklow Way walkers as "The Dying Cow". Finishing at Shillelagh, a handsome estate village in the upper Derry River valley, gives an easier final day into Clonegal.
Highlights
- Tinahely's wide Georgian market square
- Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre
- Tallon's Pub ("The Dying Cow") — crossing the 100 km line is cause for celebration
- Shillelagh village and the ancient oakwood of Coolattin nearby
Where to stay
Tinahely: Madeline's Accommodation on the Town Square — private rooms, all en suite, keypad entry so you can arrive whenever suits. Shillelagh: Central House, Hunter's Lodge. See accommodation listings.
Full Stage 6 route notes & GPX
Day 7 — Shillelagh to Clonegal
Distance: 19 km | Ascent: approx. 280 m | Difficulty: Moderate
The final stage. Two contrasting sections: the first half winds through forest above Stookeen, Moylisha and Urelands hills, with long views south into County Carlow; the second half descends to follow the broad, peaceful valley of the Derry River from the Wicklow–Carlow boundary at Wicklow Bridge south into Clonegal. The finish is anticlimactic in the best possible way — a quiet village street, a small stone bridge, and a sign on a wall. Clonegal is a beautiful, unhurried village and the pub at journey's end (Osborne's, on the main street) serves excellent food.
From Clonegal, Bus Éireann route 132 serves Dublin via Tullow and Blessington. The last bus typically departs in the early evening — check timetables before your final day so you can pace yourself.
Highlights
- The high forest section above Stookeen and Moylisha
- The Derry River valley — gentle, pastoral, a complete contrast to the mountains
- The finish at Clonegal — Ireland's southernmost village in Co. Wicklow
- Osborne's pub — one of Ireland's best rural pubs, exactly where you need it
Where to stay (if celebrating in Clonegal)
Clonegal village has limited accommodation — B&Bs in Bunclody (8 km south, County Wexford) or Tullow (12 km south-west, County Carlow). If you plan to stay the night before travelling home, book early. See accommodation listings.
Seven-day summary
| Day | Stage | From → To | Distance | Difficulty | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Stage 1 | Marlay Park → Knockree | 22 km | Moderate–Strenuous | Knockree / Enniskerry |
| Day 2 | Stage 2 | Knockree → Roundwood | 18 km | Strenuous | Roundwood |
| Day 3 | Stage 3 | Roundwood → Glendalough | 12 km | Moderate | Glendalough / Laragh |
| Day 4 | Stage 4 | Glendalough → Glenmalure | 14 km | Strenuous | Glenmalure |
| Day 5 | Stage 5 | Glenmalure → Moyne | 21 km | Strenuous | Moyne / Aughrim |
| Day 6 | Stage 6 | Moyne → Shillelagh | 21 km | Moderate | Tinahely / Shillelagh |
| Day 7 | Stage 7 | Shillelagh → Clonegal | 19 km | Moderate | Clonegal / Bunclody |
| Total | 127 km | 3,200 m total ascent | |||
Related walks and pages
The Wicklow Way — Overview
Everything you need to know about Ireland's oldest long-distance walking trail — history, maps, GPX downloads and accommodation for every stage.
Where to Stay on the Wicklow Way
B&Bs, guesthouses, hostels and self-catering options at every stage — from Knockree to Clonegal, including our Premium Partner Madeline's in Tinahely.
Glendalough Weekender
Not ready for the full Way? Explore the best of Glendalough — the Spinc, Poulanass Waterfall and the monastic city — over two days from a single base.