Walking the Wicklow Way : A week-long walk from Dublin to Clonegal

The Wicklow Way stretches 130km (81 miles) from the outskirts of Dublin to the village of Clonegal in County Carlow, taking walkers on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Despite its proximity to the capital, this trail offers some of Ireland's most atmospheric walking, weaving through forest tracks, open upland terrain, quiet valleys and landscapes steeped in history.

Suitable for any reasonably fit walker, the Wicklow Way can be completed in approximately one week across 7 clearly defined stages, each ranging from 9 to 23km (6–14 miles). The terrain throughout is moderate and well-graded, making it accessible while remaining rewarding. Along the way, you'll encounter iconic landmarks including the early medieval Monastic City at Glendalough and Huntington Castle, set beside the scenic military road.

This guidebook provides everything you need for a confident walk: step-by-step route descriptions supported by 1:50,000 mapping, downloadable GPX files for GPS devices and smartphone apps, detailed accommodation and refreshment listings, and practical advice on planning and preparation. Optional route variants using adjacent trails allow you to tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences and schedule.