Wicklow Mountain National Park
Wicklow Mountain National Park—Ireland’s largest national park and just a short drive from the capital city of Dublin—boasts some stunning walking through classic Irish countryside.
Walk to the famous Wicklow Way, a 127 km trail which takes five to seven days to complete. Climb upwards for sprawling vistas or stay low and wind your way through ancient wooded valleys.
Hidden gems in Wicklow Mountain National Park
Wicklow Mountain National Park
The Wicklow Way
The Wicklow Way is a well-established route that runs through the Wicklow Mountains National Park. It covers about 79 miles (127 km) and typically takes seven to nine days to complete. The route traditionally begins in Marlay Park in Dublin City and ends in Clonegal, County Carlow, but it can be walked in the opposite direction for a gentler start. The Wicklow Way is renowned for the dramatic scenery of its glacial valleys, deep lakes and native woodlands. Winding through heather-covered mountains and rolling hills with occasional stretches of road walking, the Wicklow Way passes through the picturesque villages of Roundwood, Laragh and Hollywood. A haven for native flora and fauna, and rich in history and heritage, interesting sites to explore along the route include ancient standing stones, ruined castles and old mines. Historic houses include; the Powerscourt Estate, an impressive country house with landscaped gardens and a cascading waterfall; Newtownbarry house with its gardens and gallery and Russborough House, an 18th-century stately home with a birds of prey centre. Visitors can explore Glendalough Valley, home to one of Ireland’s best-preserved monastic sites which dates all the way back to the 6th century. The Wicklow Way is a moderate difficulty walking holiday, with steep climbs up glacial valleys as well as forest and farmland walks. It is well-signposted, with well-trodden paths and occasional road walking. It can be busy during peak season, which is typically during the summer months, from June to September. The walk is widely offered as a self-guided tour by walking holiday companies who will organise your transfers, accommodations and daily baggage transfers.
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