County Wicklow, het heuvelland ten zuiden van Dublin, wordt wel de tuin van Ierland genoemd. De weelderige plantengroei, de vele bloemen en de geur van brem en heide maken de bijnaam aanvaardbaar, echter weinig tuiniers accepteren zo’n ongereptheid. U start met een wandeling in Drumgoff en loopt door bossen en langs oude weggetjes naar Laragh. Daar heeft u tijdens de rustdag voldoende wandelmogelijkheden. Via rivierdalen eindigt uw tocht in Enniskerry. De Wicklow Way, zoals het gemarkeerde pad door het Nationaal Park heet, stelt u iedere dag voor verrassingen en de guesthouses waar u overnacht, bieden comfort en gezelligheid. De temperaturen zijn onder invloed van de warme Golfstroom over het algemeen aangenaam. Day 1 – Arrival to Drumgoff (Glenmalure) via Rathdrum. From Dublin Airport, take the AirLink shuttle bus to Connolly Train Station in Dublin city and then an Irish Rail scheduled service to Rathdrum. You will be transferred by pre-arranged taxi from Rathdrum to the first overnight accommodation at Drumgoff (20 minutes). Accommodation in Drumgoff townland. Day 2 -Drumgoff to Laragh Superb views, superb walking, superb 6th century monastic remains at Glendalough; today is one of the tour’s highlights. Climbing through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dhá Locha, the glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village. Distance 18km. Ascents 530m. Approximate walking time 6 hours. With optional climb 20km. Ascents 600m. Approximate walking time 7 hours. Overnight accommodation in Laragh village. Day 3 – Free day in Laragh / Glendalough There are plenty of options today; exploration of the monastic settlement in the valley, including seven churches, a gatehouse, a round tower and the St. Kevin’s cell. Hiking options include the two suggested as well as a number of accessible routes, Derrybawn Mountain, Brockagh, the Glendassan Valley or Trooperstown Hill. The area is rich in heritage and history both ecclesiastical and political. Upper Lake and Mines: 16km. Ascents 540m. Approximate walking time 6 hours. Camaderry Hill: 18km. Ascents 580m. Approximate walking time 6 hours. Overnight accommodation in Laragh village Day 4 – Laragh to Roundwood A short day allows time to visit the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake. Today’s section finishes in Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village at 238m. Distance 11km. Ascents 290m. Approximate walking time 3 hours. Via Scarr Mountain 15km. Ascents 520m. Approximate walking time 5 hours. Overnight accommodation in Roundwood village. Day 5 – Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry Wonderful walking, overlooking Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin. Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River Valley and a wonderful riverbank walk. Distance 18km. Ascents 250m. Approximate walking time 5 hours. Overnight accommodation near Enniskerry. Day 6 – Departure from Enniskerry Explore the many splendours of Ireland’s capital city. We recommend some interesting walking tours of historical Dublin city centre.