The Wicklow Way, a world-class “way-marked way” in Ireland, comprises seven trails such as Marlay Park to Knockree, Knockree to Roundwood, Roundwood to Glendalough, Glendalough to Glenmalure, Glenmalure to Moyne, Moyne to Shillealgh and Shilleagh to Clonegal.
The walk, spanning Wicklow and Carlow counties, can be covered in eight to ten days by an average walker. This 132-km long self-guided walk meanders through farmlands, forests, rolling countryside, steep glacial valleys and mountains; and snakes along swift wild streams and lakes. Heritage and ruins of human settlements can also be explored along the trails, the composite of gentle walks and taxing ascents.
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Wicklow County
Wicklow County is home to rabbit, fox, badger, red squirrel, goat, hare, deer and birds- peregrine falcons, merlins, ravens, skylark, thrush and robin. The upland is dotted with elder, chestnut, larch, beech and oak trees. Yellow primrose, purple foxglove, wild violet and other wild flowers abound the county. The Wicklow Way, a part of the E8- one of the European long distance trails, can be measured on foot from north to south, a traditional way or south to north. Walking from south to north has an advantage: initial simple stretches of the walk prepare you for the most demanding part of the route. An array of nearby attractions like panoramic views, interesting flora and fauna, lakes, traditional villages and hamlets, national park and waterfall enriches the entire walking experience. To know more about popular attractions read on!
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Marlay Park
Marlay Park on Grange Road in Rathfarnham, covering 300 acres of land, is the starting point of the walk. The Marlay House, near this public park, has a coffee shop and a number of craft workshops, including embroidery, jewelry, pottery, copper craft, furniture restoration, glass cutting and weaving. Golf loving hikers can play a game in the park golf course before starting the walk. Its ponds, woodlands and walks are popular among picnic lovers.
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Knockree
Knockree hamlet unfolds sweeping views of mountains, the Sugarloaf in the east, Kippure in the west, Prince William Seat in North and the Tonduffs in the South. The Powerscourt waterfall, the highest (121 m) waterfall in the country, is located on the southern end of Enniskerry, a close by village. This cascade, flowing down into the Dargle River, is fringed by specimen trees and woods.
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Roundwood
Roundwood and its environs afford beautiful views of Lough Tay and Lough Dan lakes; and Vartry Reservoir, main water source for Dublin.
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Glendalough
Glendalough is known for natural vistas and historic heritage. The glacial Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park has popular Monastic City with Round Tower, scenic Upper Lake and Lower Lake. In the 6th century, St. Kevin set up the Christian monastic settlement that evolved into a “Monastic City”.
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The Brockagh Resource Center
The Brockagh Resource Center in Laragh village hosts organic produce market every fortnight. Try some of fresh produce while you are in Laragh.
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Greenanmaze
Do not miss Greenanmaze, a Celtic maze occupying 0.5 acres of land near tranquil hamlet of Greenan. This hedge maze with novel design draws people from all walks of life. To buy essential provisions, visit Moyne.
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Tinahely
The historic village Tinahely, located in the South Wicklow rolling hills, is known for its triangular Market Square and Market House that has a library. Opposite the Market House lies Courthouse, a modern art center where drama, films, concerts, exhibitions can be enjoyed. Tinahely also hosts one of the biggest Irish agricultural shows on the first Monday of August every year.
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Tomnafinnoge Wood
If you have extra time, walk through authentic oak woodlands of Ireland, Tomnafinnoge Wood, located between Tinahely and Shillelagh. Sip a drink at world-renowned Dying Cow Pub in Stranakelly. Conventional fighting cudgels / sticks are still manufactured at Shillealgh. These sticks are also used for walking. The walk ends at Clonegal, a one-street village situated around four-century old Huntington Castle.
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Wicklow Mountain National Park
The Wicklow Mountain National Park, covering a part of the Wicklow Mountains, was set up to conserve magnificent landscape and biodiversity. The Spinc and the Wicklow Way (Red Route) is one of the nine way-marked walking trails passing through picturesque Glendalough Valley, the most frequented part of the park. This trail is ideal to spot Kestrel, Merlin, Raven and other birds and deer.
Hikers, who have extra time and energy, can experience nearby additional walking trails, including one-day walks to peaks surrounding the Glenmalure valley; and numerous walks in Forest Park near Rathdrum. Try the Slí na Sláinte, about 7-km-long signposted trail along the Vartry Reservoir. Knocknacloghoge, Kanturks and Scarr mountains near Old Bridge have many extra walking opportunities. Horseshoe ridge walk near Greenan covers Ballinacor (531m), Croaghanmoira (664m) and Fananieran (426m) but it is not signposted. If biking is your passion, enjoy the Ballinastoe Mountain Biking Trail near Roundwood.
Photo of Glendalough Cemetery originally posted by Tambako the Jaguar
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