Dublin & The Wicklow Way Walking

Experience Overview

Named the 'Garden' of Ireland, its unique landscape is largely uninhabited and offers a sense of peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city of Dublin. Discover this land of myths and legends, hidden amongst unspoilt glacial valleys and set against a backdrop of heath covered peaks which open out to incredible vistas of the Irish Sea. Bringing to life a 5,000 year history dating back to the Celts, our 5-night Dublin & Wicklow Way holiday explores the jewels in the crown of Ireland's ancient east, following the best sections of Ireland's oldest waymarked route. Slainte! Welcome to Dublin, where the city's streets are packed with culture and creativity. Designated a UNESCO city of literature, Dublin takes pride in its contemporary vibrant arts scene whilst honouring its rich literary heritage. Join the famous literary pub walk to discover the history of the city's traditional pubs and you are sure to have what the locals calls good craic (fun). Leaving behind the capital, your walking begins in the foothills of the Dublin mountains with far stretching views across the city below. Crossing the boundary into County Wicklow the trail descends into the spectacular Glencree Valley then to the delightful village of Enniskerry, known as the gateway to Wicklow. Following pleasant riverside trails, the route climbs past the spectacular Powercourt Waterfall, Ireland's highest at 121m. Open Mountain sections bring wonderful views over the Irish Sea as well as glorious vistas of the spectacular glacial lakes of Lough Tay and Lough Dan. Unforgettable scenery awaits as you descend by an old mass path to the picturesque village of Laragh beyond which you can find the magical valley of Glendalough. The finale of your Wicklow Way walk is truly spectacular, as you discover valley of the two lakes home to one of Ireland's most important monastic sites. Soak up the history in a place with a uniquely spiritual atmosphere.
Profile
— 5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HH, HHH, and 3-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Headwater navigation app
At a Glance
— 5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HH, HHH, and 3-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Headwater navigation app
Trip For You
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. A supplement (payable in advance) applies for sole occupancy of a room.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts included. Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin. Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first!
Transfer Details
Standard transfers Out: Transfers can be arranged from Dublin airport to Dublin city hotel (payable locally). Return: Transfers can be arranged from Laragh hotel to Dublin airport or city at a supplement. Alternative transfers If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Weather Information
The climate on the East Coast of Ireland is mild due to its location and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather, however, is temperamental and proves quite hard to predict, therefore it is important to be prepared for all weather. The warmer months tend to be the summer months, July and August, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rarely fall below 0 during the year. The wettest months tend to be from October through to March. April is often the driest month. Rain can be expected at any time of the year.
Spending Money
Waterproofs Warm jumper/fleece Suncream Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation.

Highlights

— Explore Dublin - Ireland's capital city with a vibrant atmosphere and a real mix of old and new with historic buildings and its vibrant art scene. — Walk part of the Wicklow Way with the picturesque valleys of Glenmalure and the Glen of Immal, the rugged beauty of Lugnaquilla and the tranquillity of Glandalough. — Discover the Powerscourt waterfall and the spectacular views of the glacial lakes of Loughs Tay and Dan. — Experience the warmth of the Irish welcome, visiting cosy pubs and charming villages along your way