Self-guided walking
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
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.
You'll stay in a mix of friendly bed and breakfasts, where you will be sure of a warm Irish welcome. Many towns offer cosy pubs, bistros and restaurants serving tasty local food.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.
Make your way to your accommodation in Dublin. Explore the capital, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music in a traditional Irish pub.
You stay at Lansdowne Hotel.
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
Owned by the Quinn family for over 30 years, the 3* Lansdowne Hotel has a long tradition of providing great hospitality and personal service. Hosts Frank and Michael are sure to offer you a warm Irish welcome to this 18th century townhouse in the heart of Dublin.
All rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and a writing desk. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The onsite Den Bar features a large collection of sports memorabilia, including the largest rugby tie collection! Here you can enjoy a Guinness with the locals.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Discover the historical side of this modern European City following the trail of 'Molly Malone' as she wheeled her wheelbarrow through Dublin's fair city! The unofficial anthem of Dublin, 'Molly Malone' tells the fictional story of young fishwife who traded on the streets of Dublin in the 17th century. Her statue can now be seen outside the city's Tourist Office. In the evening, there is the option to take the famous literary pub walk (payable locally). Following the footsteps of famous literary greats, this unique tour brings to life their works. Experience the city's historic pub scene as your guides entertain in true Irish fashion.
You stay at Lansdowne Hotel.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Owned by the Quinn family for over 30 years, the 3* Lansdowne Hotel has a long tradition of providing great hospitality and personal service. Hosts Frank and Michael are sure to offer you a warm Irish welcome to this 18th century townhouse in the heart of Dublin.
All rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and a writing desk. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The onsite Den Bar features a large collection of sports memorabilia, including the largest rugby tie collection! Here you can enjoy a Guinness with the locals.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
After a transfer across the city to Marley Park, in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, you begin your walk on the Wicklow Way. Ascending southwards to cross the Dublin Mountains, you enjoy excellent sea and mountain views. Crossing the boundary into County Wicklow the trail descends into the spectacular Glencree Valley, continue to the foot of the valley and your accommodation in the picturesque village of Enniskerry.
You stay at Enniskerry Inn.
MastercardVisaWiFi
Located in the centre of the picturesque village of Enniskerry at the foothills of the Wicklow mountains is the Enniskerry Inn. This cosy pub with rooms has been newly renovated and offers simple yet contemporary accommodation. Dinner can be taken in the onsite bar and restaurant but there are also plenty of bars and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a nice evening meal.
Rejoining the Wicklow Way, you continue across the Glencree Valley, steadily climbing to reach the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall. From here you skirt the shoulder of Djouce Mountain (775m) taking you to the high point of the day at White Hill (575m) where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding scenery. As you descend you have glorious vistas of the spectacular glacial lakes of Lough Tay and Lough Dan, finishing in the lovely village of Roundwood.
You stay at Lough Dan House.
WiFi
Sean and Theresa Byrne welcome you to Lough Dan House, nestled in the Wicklow mountains on an eighty-acre hill farm with spectacular views of Lough Dan and the surrounding mountains. Five generations of the Byrne family have lived on the Wicklow Way, so they known the area well with many a story to tell. All rooms have private bathrooms and with underfloor heating throughout. A generous sitting room features a cosy log fire and home cooked meals are served in the dining room. All food is locally sourced either from the farm or the nearby mountains, lakes and rivers.
Today brings a welcome shorter walk, allowing time to explore Glendalough, one of the most important monastic settlements in Ireland. Leaving Roundwood, you cross the shoulder of Paddock Hill (350m) descending by an old Mass Path to the lively village of Laragh which marks the entrance to the stunning glaciated valley of Glendalough. A visit to the 6th century monastery at Glendalough is a must, hidden amongst the natural beauty it is a truly magical place.
You stay at Wicklow Heather.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
This family run establishment is idyllically situated in the heart of the lively Laragh Village. The Wicklow Heather House features luxury guesthouses with rooms finished to a high specification and featuring private bathroom, TV, tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Unfortunately we are unable to prebook breakfast here, however, breakfast and dinner are available to be purchased on site with all dishes freshly prepared using locally sourced organic produce where possible.
Departure after breakfast (which can be purchased locally, approx 10€), or perhaps enjoy some extra nights in Dublin to finish your trip.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Lansdowne Hotel, Dublin.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Owned by the Quinn family for over 30 years, the 3* Lansdowne Hotel has a long tradition of providing great hospitality and personal service. Hosts Frank and Michael are sure to offer you a warm Irish welcome to this 18th century townhouse in the heart of Dublin.
All rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and a writing desk. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The onsite Den Bar features a large collection of sports memorabilia, including the largest rugby tie collection! Here you can enjoy a Guinness with the locals.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £378.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
