Marlay Park → Knockree
Stage 1 of the Wicklow Way: 22 km from Marlay Park in Dublin south through the Dublin Mountains — over Kilmashogue, past Two Rock Mountain and Fairy Castle, down into the Glencree Valley at Knockree. The city drops away fast.
📍 GPS-triggered chapters · works offline · add to home screen for the trail
Why you’ll like it
- A dramatic transition from suburban Dublin into the Wicklow Mountains
- Forest trails, upland paths and panoramic mountain scenery throughout
- Expansive views across Dublin Bay and the surrounding hills from higher sections
- A varied route combining parkland, forestry tracks and open mountain terrain
- Historic links to the development of Ireland's first National Waymarked Trail
- A rewarding first stage with a strong sense of leaving the city behind
Route & directions
This opening stage of the Wicklow Way begins in Marlay Park in south Dublin and finishes near Knockree on the northern edge of the Wicklow Mountains. The route gradually leaves the urban fringe behind and enters increasingly wild mountain scenery, combining woodland trails, forest roads, upland tracks and open hillside walking.
📍 Start: Marlay Park, Dublin · Finish: Knockree Youth Hostel
- Distance: 22 km
- Estimated walking time: around 7 hours
- Terrain: park paths, forest roads, mountain trails, open upland sections and short road sections
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Waymarking: yellow walking-man symbols on black marker posts
The route begins beside Marlay House in Marlay Park before passing through wooded parkland and crossing beneath the M50 motorway. The trail then climbs steadily towards the Dublin Mountains through forestry on the slopes of Kilmashogue Mountain.
Higher sections pass near Two Rock Mountain and Fairy Castle, with extensive views across Dublin Bay, the city and the surrounding uplands. The terrain becomes more exposed across open mountain sections with heath and blanket bog landscapes.
After descending towards the Glencullen area, the route continues southwards through forest and mountain terrain near Prince William's Seat before entering County Wicklow. The final section descends towards Glencree and Knockree through woodland and quieter upland scenery.
Local tips
- Marlay Park has public parking and is accessible by Dublin Bus services
- Strong waterproof footwear and rain gear are recommended due to exposed mountain sections and potentially wet ground
- Cloud, wind and rain can significantly affect visibility on upland parts of the route
- The stage involves sustained climbing and is best suited to walkers comfortable with a full day on mixed terrain
- Carry sufficient food and water before leaving Dublin as services directly on the trail are limited
- Early starts are advisable during shorter winter daylight hours
Source: Stage distances, ascents, and waypoints verified against the official wicklowway.com trail description. Total route 127 km · 3,200 m ascent · traditionally walked north-to-south (Marlay Park → Clonegal).
Stage 1 on Komoot
Live route from the official Komoot Wicklow Way collection — pan, zoom, and tap waypoints.
Stage 1 GPX file
Direct download — works in Komoot, OS Maps, Garmin Connect, Strava, AllTrails. Sourced from the official Komoot Wicklow Way collection.
Knockree accommodation
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