U start in Bunclody en gaat via Shillelagh naar de ruige Glenmalure Valley, eeuwenlang een beruchte schuilplaats voor Ierse rebellen. 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. De naam Wicklow stamt af van de Viking "Wykynlo” of “Viking’s Loch” en refereert aan de stad Wicklow, een van de favoriete plaatsen aan de Ierse kust. Day 1:Dublin to Bunclody On your first day you will take the bus from Dublin to Bunclody, the location of your first B&B. Day 2: Clonegal to Shillelagh 20km, Ascent: 500 m On day two, your first day of walking takes you along some country roads through Newry forest, over Moilishe and Stookeen Hill down into the forest of Raheenakit Day 3: Shillelagh to Moyne 22km. Ascents 513m. Approximate walking time 5 hours. With Ballycumber Hill 20km. Ascents 400m. Appromimate walking time 6 hours. Your journey to Moyne takes you along peaceful forest trails, open mountainside and quiet country roads. Moyne was the birthplace of Edward C. Godwin, who founded the publication “New York Nation” in 1865. This section of the Wicklow Way takes in some fantastic views back over the area that you have passed through, and the adjacent counties of Carlow and Wexford; it also passes through an old Ring Fort or Fairy Fort. Day 4: Walk Moyne to Drumgoff (Glenmalure) 24km.Ascents 800m, approx. walking time 6 hours Optional route over Croaghanmoira Hill Ascents 950m,approx. walking time 6 hours Good climbing today through pine forest and a chance to spot a red deer and other Wicklow flora and fauna. The finish at Drumgoff, at the head of the picturesque Glenmalure Valley, provides a refreshing end to the day at the old coaching inn, Glenmalure Lodge. The optional route over Croaghanmoira climbs to 664m and affords glorious views of the Ow and Avonbeg river valleys. Day 5: Walk Drumgoff to Laragh 18km. Ascents 560m, approx. walking time 6 hours Optional route via the Spinc 18km Ascents 580m, approx. walking time 7 hours Superb views, superb walking, superb 6thcentury 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. Day 6: Walk Laragh to Roundwood 12kmAscents 390m, approx. walking time 3 hours Optional Route via Scarr Mountain 15km Ascents 720m, approx. walking time 5 hours 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 19thcentury. 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, supposedly Ireland’s highest village at 238m. Day 7: Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry 22km. Ascents 510m, approx. walking time 5 hours 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. Day 8 – Departure from Enniskerry Public transport from Enniskerry to Dublin. AirLink coach to Dublin airport is available from various points in Dublin City Centre.