Wicklow Mountains · Ireland
The Wicklow Way
Ireland's oldest waymarked long-distance path — 129km through the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin's edge to Clonegal in Carlow.
Updated August 23, 2026
The trail that started Irish long-distance walking, opened 1980. Rolling upland moor, glens, forest tracks, monastery ruins (Glendalough at day 2). Section-hikeable if you can't commit the full week. Buses back to Dublin from Enniskerry, Roundwood, Rathdrum, Aughrim.
Best months: April-October
Trailhead / base town: Marlay Park (Dublin)
Nearest airport: DUB
Waymarked: Yes — signposted route
Waypoint map — 10 points
Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.
Elevation profile
Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.
2399m
Peak gain
Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.
Community reviews
Real hikers, real dates, real conditions. No premium tier — no AllTrails-style paywall.
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Trail waypoints in order
- 1
Marlay Park (Start)
- 2
Knockree
- 3
Powerscourt Waterfall
Ireland's tallest waterfall — 121m
- 4
Roundwood
Highest village in Ireland
- 5
Glendalough
6th-century monastic city, day 2 base
- 6
Glenmalure
- 7
Aughavannagh
- 8
Tinahely
- 9
Shillelagh
- 10
Clonegal (Finish)
Getting out of Marlay Park (Dublin) (DUB)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.The Wicklow Way — frequently asked
How long does the The Wicklow Way take to complete?
5-9 days for the full 129km (3000m total ascent). Difficulty grade: moderate.
Is the The Wicklow Way waymarked?
Yes — waymarked with yellow arrow + walking-man signs at every junction. You do not need a topo map to complete it, but bring one anyway for weather-diversion decisions.
When is the best time of year for the The Wicklow Way?
April-October. Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.
Where should I base myself for the The Wicklow Way?
Marlay Park (Dublin) — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into DUB, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.
Do I need a permit for the The Wicklow Way?
No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.