Wicklow Way Trail Description
The Wicklow Way Trail winds through some of the most lovely countryside in the world beginning on its north end in Marlay Park in south Dublin and ending in Clonegal in County Carlow in Ireland. It is 127 kilometers long and ascends 3,200 meters to the top. The trail generally takes seven days to walk and though it does not pass through any towns or villages, it comes close enough to a number of them where a hiker can find refuge for the night and a good meal.
As you leave the Dublin metropolitan area you will quickly find yourself in a beautiful natural setting as the trail moves into heathery moors and elevates up into the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain range which is the largest surface granite field in Ireland. The granite field was shaped over centuries into a series of ridges and gently rising foothills until the trail ends in Clonegal to the south. In the lake country on the northern end of the trail, all you can see for miles are mountains and lakes and rolling green hills. There is a peaceful sense of remoteness and solitude as you are alone with all of this natural splendor.
One of the more popular places to rest on the trail is the monastic site of Glendalough. It is very scenic and a wonderful place to meditate and rejuvenate your tired muscles. In the south the trail runs through a great conifer forest that rises and falls along the scenic foothills. The land is beautiful but there are some areas that can be wet and muddy so some care needs to be taken on this part of the trail.
It is important to plan this hike very carefully. Lots of places are closed in the off season and places to stay and restaurants are highly booked during the peak times of the year. So you will need to make reservations before you embark on this heavenly journey.
