A Beginner's Guide to Hiking the Wicklow Way: Maps, Stages & Tips

The Wicklow Way is more than just a trail; it's a 130-kilometre pilgrimage through the heart of ancient Ireland. Starting in the suburbs of Dublin and winding its way through the "Garden of Ireland" to finish in the quiet village of Clonegal, Carlow, it's the country's oldest and most beloved long-distance walk.

But tackling a route this epic requires planning. You can't just show up in your trainers and hope for the best. This is a serious test of endurance that takes you over remote mountains, through deep glacial valleys, and past whispering forests.

"Walking the Wicklow Way is to walk through layers of history. You're treading the same paths as ancient Celts, early Christian monks, and miners from a forgotten age. The landscape tells a story, if you know how to listen." — Local Hiking Guide

In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know to prepare for this incredible journey. We'll break down the route stage-by-stage, offer practical tips on what to pack, and explain how a local guide can transform your experience from a simple walk into a lifelong memory.

(This guide is part of our master hub: Unleash Your Wild Side: The Complete Guide to Adventure & Outdoor Activities in Ireland. For transport to the trailheads, consider hiring a Private Driver in Wicklow to make your logistics seamless.)

1. Understanding the Route: What to Expect

Before you even think about packing, it's crucial to understand the trail itself. The Wicklow Way is not a casual stroll in the park—though it does, quite literally, start in one.

• Total Length: 130 km (81 miles)
• Typical Duration: 5 to 10 days
• Direction: Traditionally walked from North (Marlay Park, Dublin) to South (Clonegal, Carlow). This gets the tougher mountain stages out of the way first.
• Waymarking: The route is well-marked with yellow arrows featuring a walking man symbol. However, fog can descend quickly in the mountains, making a map and compass (and knowing how to use them) essential.

The beauty of the Way is its variety. One day you're high on an exposed mountain pass with views stretching to the Irish Sea; the next, you're in the serene, monastic silence of the Glendalough valley.

2. Stage 1: Marlay Park to Knockree

• Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
• Time: Approx. 7 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous

The journey begins. You leave the manicured lawns of Marlay Park and quickly ascend into the Dublin Mountains. This is a surprisingly tough first day, designed to lift you out of the city and into the wild immediately. You'll cross the slopes of Two Rock and Tibradden, passing ancient burial cairns with panoramic views back over the capital. The final descent into Knockree is a welcome sight for tired legs.

Insider Tip: This stage is very exposed. There's little shelter from wind or rain. Pack your waterproofs where you can easily reach them. Don't be fooled by a sunny start in Dublin!

3. Stage 2: Knockree to Roundwood

• Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
• Time: Approx. 7 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous

This is arguably the most scenic and challenging stage of the entire Wicklow Way. The day is dominated by the ascent up the flank of Djouce Mountain. The reward is one of the most famous views in Ireland: looking down on the dark, mysterious waters of Lough Tay (the Guinness Lake). From there, a boardwalk guides you over the fragile bogland of the Sally Gap before a long descent towards the village of Roundwood.

If you only have time for a single day of hiking in Wicklow, many would argue this is the section to do. To get the most out of it, consider hiring a Hiking Guide in Wicklow who can arrange transport and navigate the tricky sections for you.

4. Stage 3: Roundwood to Glendalough

• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
• Time: Approx. 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

A much-needed shorter day. This section is less about high mountain passes and more about quiet forest tracks and gentle valleys. The trail takes you over Paddock Hill before descending towards the legendary Glendalough, one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. The easy day gives you plenty of time in the afternoon to explore the ruins, walk by the lakes, and soak in the palpable history of St. Kevin's ancient settlement.

5. Stage 4: Glendalough to Glenmalure

• Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
• Time: Approx. 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Prepare for another iconic climb. Leaving Glendalough, the path takes you up a steep zigzag track through the forest, opening up to spectacular views back over the two lakes. You'll then cross the saddle between two mountains before beginning a long, gradual descent into the majestic Glenmalure Valley, the longest glacial valley in Ireland. The day ends at the legendary Glenmalure Lodge, a perfect spot to rest and share stories with fellow walkers.

6. Stages 5, 6 & 7: The Journey South to Clonegal

• Stage 5 (Glenmalure to Moyne): 22 km / 7 hours (Strenuous)
• Stage 6 (Moyne to Shillelagh): 22 km / 7.5 hours (Strenuous)
• Stage 7 (Shillelagh to Clonegal): 20 km / 6 hours (Moderate)

The character of the trail changes as you head south. The dramatic, rugged mountains give way to rolling hills, quiet country roads, and peaceful forestry tracks. These southern stages are less about breathtaking views and more about quiet contemplation.

They are long days, requiring stamina, but the terrain is generally easier underfoot. You'll pass through the lands of the old Coolattin Estate and see a different, more pastoral side of Wicklow before crossing the border into Carlow for the official finish at the Weavers Cottage in Clonegal.

Conclusion: Are You Ready for the Way?

Hiking the Wicklow Way is a challenge, but it's an achievable one. It's a journey that will test you physically and reward you spiritually. You'll finish with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deep connection to the Irish landscape.

Whether you plan to walk for one day or seven, the key is preparation. Use this guide to plan your stages, book your accommodation, and pack your bag.

Unlock the Trail

Don't want to worry about logistics, navigation, and finding the hidden gems along the route? A local guide can handle it all. Find a Hiking Guide in Wicklow