The Wicklow Way: Self Guided 8 Day

Begin your journey at Marlay Park, a beautifully maintained public park in Rathfarnham, South County Dublin. From here, you'll ascend into the Dublin hills, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Dublin city and coastline. Your day's walk will take you around Fairy Castle and through Glencullen Forest, before ending on the outskirts of the charming village of Enniskerry.

After a hearty breakfast in Enniskerry, rejoin the trail and make your way through Crone Wood and alongside the Powerscourt Waterfall in the Powerscourt Deerpark. The track continues into the Dargle Valley and around Djouce Mountain, passing the scenic Lough Tay, before ending in the village of Roundwood.

From Roundwood, your walk will take you on quiet country roads and onto Paddock Hill, a bird sanctuary for The Irish Red Grouse. Enjoy a beautiful day's walk along winding grassy tracks from one valley into the next, with wonderful scenic views into Glendalough Valley. Your day ends at the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough.

Starting from the Glendalough valley, join the trail alongside the lower lake towards the upper one. The trail then follows around the side of Mullacor mountain and into the valley of Glenmalure, an area steeped in history. Glenmalure was the scene for many battles, the most famous of which took place in 1798.

Start your day at the Drumgoff crossroads and pass by the ruins of the old British Army barracks to reach Drumgoff Gap. Then join the forest track by the side of Slieve Mann and descend to pass the Ow Valley, which lies at the base of the highest mountain in Leinster, Lugnaquilla. The trail then leads you to Aughrim, where your accommodation provider will pick you up.

Rejoin the trail at the location you stopped the previous day. The trail takes a more gradual ascent across Ballyteigue Bridge before slicing south-westwards near Ballygobban mountain. You will pass through Sheilstown forest and on tiny country roads and grassy hillside paths, the trail leads to the quiet rural village of Tinahealy.

Meander along the Muskeagh Boreen and onwards to Mullinacuff and Stranakelly cross roads. Here, you can enjoy a pint at Tallon's Pub, known locally as 'The Dying Cow', to celebrate crossing the 100km line at Mullinacuff. From here, follow the tiny country lanes and forestry trails of Stranakelly to reach the estate village of Shillelagh.