Trip Overview

Situated in the south-east of Ireland, Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest of Ireland’s National Parks.

Named the ‘Garden’ of Ireland, its unique landscape is largely uninhabited and offers a sense of peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city of Dublin. Discover this land of myths and legends, hidden amongst unspoilt glacial valleys and set against a backdrop of heath covered peaks which open out to incredible vistas of the Irish Sea. Bringing to life a 5,000 year history dating back to the Celts, our 5-night Dublin & Wicklow Way holiday explores the jewels in the crown of Ireland’s ancient east, following the best sections of Ireland’s oldest waymarked route.

Slainte! Welcome to Dublin, where the city’s streets are packed with culture and creativity. Designated a UNESCO city of literature, Dublin takes pride in its contemporary vibrant arts scene whilst honouring its rich literary heritage. Join the famous literary pub walk to discover the history of the city’s traditional pubs and you are sure to have what the locals calls good craic (fun).

Leaving behind the capital, your walking begins in the foothills of the Dublin mountains with far stretching views across the city below. Crossing the boundary into County Wicklow the trail descends into the spectacular Glencree Valley then to the delightful village of Enniskerry, known as the gateway to Wicklow. Following pleasant riverside trails, the route climbs past the spectacular Powercourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest at 121m. Open Mountain sections bring wonderful views over the Irish Sea as well as glorious vistas of the spectacular glacial lakes of Lough Tay and Lough Dan. Unforgettable scenery awaits as you descend by an old mass path to the picturesque village of Laragh beyond which you can find the magical valley of Glendalough. The finale of your Wicklow Way walk is truly spectacular, as you discover valley of the two lakes home to one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites. Soak up the history in a place with a uniquely spiritual atmosphere.

At a Glance

• 5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HH, HHH, and 3-star hotels
• Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
• Headwater navigation app

Is This Trip for You?

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

A supplement (payable in advance) applies for sole occupancy of a room.