Ballinastoe Woods
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Wicklow Way: Ireland's First Waymarked Trail
Hike Ireland's iconic Wicklow Way: a 131km trail through mountains, valleys, and historic sites, from Dublin to Clonegal.
The Wicklow Way, a 131-kilometer (81-mile) trail through the Wicklow Mountains, was Ireland's first official long-distance walking route, established in 1980. Starting just south of Dublin, it winds through diverse landscapes of parkland, forests, and mountains, ending in Clonegal, County Carlow.
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A brief summary to Wicklow Way
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Public Transport
To reach the northern trailhead at Marlay Park from Dublin city center, take Dublin Bus route No. 16 from O'Connell Street. The bus stop is conveniently located near the park entrance. A single fare is approximately €2.00 - €3.30, depending on the distance traveled. For those starting at Clonegal, take the Bus Éireann Expressway service from Dublin's Busáras (central bus station) to Waterford, which stops at Kildavin, about 3km from Clonegal. A single fare to Kildavin is approximately €15-€20.
Driving
To reach Marlay Park by car from Dublin city center, follow the M50 motorway and exit at the R113. Follow the signs for Marlay Park. Parking is available at the park, but note that the car park opens at 10:00 AM and closing times vary seasonally. Parking is free. For Clonegal, take the N81 south from Dublin. The journey is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on traffic. Parking is available on the streets of Clonegal.
Wicklow Way Bus
The Wicklow Way Bus provides services to several points along the trail, including Laragh, Glendalough, Glenmalure and Tinahely. These buses connect with trains arriving at Rathdrum Station from Dublin. Fares vary depending on the destination; for example, a one-way fare to Glendalough or Glenmalure is approximately €8, while a one-way fare to Tinahely is approximately €13. Bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Local tips
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Plan your trip in May, June, or September for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
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Book accommodations in advance, as options along the route are limited and fill up quickly.
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Pack for all types of weather, including waterproof gear and layers, as conditions can change rapidly.
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Respect landowners and wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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Be aware that some sections of the trail can be wet and muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
Discover more about Wicklow Way
The Wicklow Way is a 131-kilometer (81-mile) National Waymarked Trail that traverses the scenic Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. It begins in Marlay Park, a southern suburb of Dublin, and extends through County Wicklow before reaching its conclusion in the village of Clonegal in County Carlow.
Established in 1980, the Wicklow Way holds the distinction of being Ireland's first official long-distance walking route. The concept was initially proposed by J.B. Malone in 1966, who envisioned a network of trails. Today, it forms the westernmost section of European walking route E8, which stretches all the way to Istanbul, Turkey.
The trail is well-marked with black posts bearing a yellow "walking man" symbol and directional arrows. The route is typically completed in 5 to 7 days and is considered one of Ireland's most popular trails, attracting up to 24,000 people annually to its most frequented sections.
The Way passes through a variety of landscapes, including mountains, glacial valleys, forests, and farmland. The northern sections feature rugged mountains and upland lakes, while the southern sections transition to gentler, rolling foothills. Popular sites along the route include the monastic city at Glendalough, Powerscourt Waterfall, and Lough Tay.
A brief summary to Wicklow Way
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