Wicklow Way Full Trail Walking Holiday — 10 Days (Moderate)

Arrive into Bunclody, a quiet market town in south Carlow at the foot of Mount Leinster, just a few kilometres from the Wicklow Way's southern terminus at Clonegal. Settle into your B&B; gentle evening, dinner in a local pub.

Short morning transfer to Clonegal, the official southern terminus of the Wicklow Way. The first walk follows quiet country lanes and forest tracks north through the rolling farmland of south Carlow into the Coollattin Estate woods, finishing in the village of Shillelagh — a name famous worldwide for the blackthorn walking stick.

A short morning transfer from your Shillelagh accommodation up to Tallons Pub at Mucklagh, where you rejoin the Wicklow Way. From there the trail climbs through open farmland and forestry on the high ground above the Derry River, finishing at the tiny crossroads village of Moyne. A quieter, gentler day than the southern stages — sweeping rural views, very few other walkers, and a working farm B&B at the end.

The trail climbs into the Wicklow Mountains proper. Up over Ballycurragh Hill and across the high open ground of Slieve Maan, then a long descent into the dramatic glaciated valley of Glenmalure — at the foot of Lugnaquilla, Wicklow's highest mountain. Tonight at the historic Glenmalure Lodge, walkers' base since the 18th century.

Up the eastern flank of Mullacor (657 m) with views back into Glenmalure, then a gradual descent through forest to the famous Glendalough Valley — the 6th-century monastic city founded by St Kevin, with its round tower, ruined cathedral and two glacial lakes. Walk on into Laragh village, your base for two nights.

A full rest day in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. Walk the Glendalough monastic city site (free), follow the Upper Lake trail to the Miners' Village at the head of the valley, climb the Spinc boardwalks for the postcard view down over both lakes (~9 km loop), or simply rest. Dinner in Laragh — the Glendalough Hotel or Lynham's of Laragh.

Out of Laragh, climbing through the Brockagh forest above the village, then onto open mountain track with views back over Glendalough. Long, gentle descent past Lough Dan into Roundwood — at 238 m above sea level, the highest village in Ireland.

One of the most cinematic stages on any Irish trail. The path climbs onto open mountainside on the famous Wicklow Way boardwalk along the eastern flank of Djouce Mountain, passing the J.B. Malone memorial overlooking Lough Tay (Guinness Lake). Then over White Hill, past the Powerscourt Estate with views of Ireland's highest waterfall, and down through the towering pines of Crone Wood to the welcoming village of Enniskerry.

The final day. Climb out of Enniskerry across the Glencree Valley with views back over the Sugar Loaf and the Irish Sea, then over Prince William's Seat and onto the long descent across Kilmashogue Wood. The trail ends at Marlay Park on the southern edge of Dublin — a fitting finish for the 132 km journey from Clonegal.

After breakfast, make your own way onwards: Dublin Airport is around 30 minutes by taxi from the Marlay Park area. We'll advise on public transport (Transport for Ireland), and on request we can arrange a private transfer. Safe travels home — and please come back for the rest of Ireland.