DAY 1

You are met at the Dublin International airport and transferred just over an hour south to the Vale of Glendalough in the Wicklow region and the Wicklow Mountains National Park. This U-shaped valley houses a fascinating and important early Christian and medieval monastic settlement, originally founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Your hotel is situated in the heart of the small village of Laragh, less than a mile from both the monastery buildings and the national park, with its network of walking trails and access to the Wicklow Way. Glendalough, meaning the “valley of the two lakes” contains religious structures from the 8th and 12th centuries, the most famous of which is a 100-foot stone tower, as well as a cathedral, churches, and decorated crosses. You may want to start your explorations with a visit to the comprehensive Glendalough Visitor Centre, and then proceed to walk amidst the 6th-century site.
Lynham’s Hotel, Laragh

DAY 2

Awakening in the heart of the countryside and to a full Irish breakfast, your route today is along the Derrybawn Woodland Trail, comprising terrain of very well-maintained paths and forest road. You set out and cross the river on the footbridge that leads to the valley on the Green Road walking trail, passing the lower lake before heading up into the hills by the Poulanass Waterfall. The route ascends the side of Derrybawn Mountain through mixed woodlands, with views over the valley.

After a pleasant descent through the forest you arrive back at the Green Road on the valley floor, returning to the starting point. The well-marked network of trails in the area offers several possibilities to extend the walk by a few miles or you may return to your hotel to relax over a pint (and music on Saturday nights).
Lynham’s Hotel, Laragh

DAY 3

Today’s route not only joins the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first long-distance walking trail, but it also provides perhaps some of the most stunning cliff-top views in Ireland. The route starts as yesterday, heading up the valley and gently climbing by the Poulanass Waterfall. Here you split off to climb 600 steps to the cliff-edge viewpoint on the Spinc—a sweeping panorama of the hills around, the valley below, and on a clear day the Welsh mountains out to sea behind you. You enjoy the views along the Spinc boardwalk for a mile, then continue to gain height gently until you are just above the saddle between Mullacor Mountain and Lugduff Mountain. From here you have wonderful views into the steep U-shaped valley of Glenmalure, which runs parallel to the Glendalough valley. You can also see the highest mountain in Leinster, Lugnaquilla (just over 3,000 feet). As you descend into the col you meet up with the Wicklow Way walking trail, which brings you gently down the partly wooded slopes to the Poulanass waterfall and back to your hotel along the edge of the lower lake.
Lynham’s Hotel, Laragh

DAY 4

The longest walk of your tour, today uses a combination of boardwalks, walking paths, forest roads, and quiet back roads. The day begins with a transfer to the road above the mesmerizing Lough Tay. This dark lake is set below the imposing cliffs of Luggala, which is surrounded by land that was part of the Guinness family estate. When viewed from above, the lake, with its cream colored sandy beach, resembles a pint of Guinness! You leave the road and join the highest and most scenic section of the Wicklow Way, along the side of Djouce Mountain. Here you have extensive views along the east coast and, if the weather is clear, you might again catch a glimpse of the mountains around Snowdonia in Wales. After Djouce, the route descends to the Dargle River, an excellent place for a picnic lunch. A short steep climb out of the Dargle valley brings you to a path overlooking the Powerscourt Estate and waterfall. At almost 400 feet, it is the highest waterfall in Ireland and the UK. You may even spot some of the area’s abundant deer. The route continues downhill into the Glencree Valley, where you walk along the flower-filled banks of the Glencree River. You finally climb the north bank to the road leading to your final destination, a welcoming B&B in the heart of the lovely village of Enniskerry.
Ferndale B&B, Enniskerry

DAY 5

After breakfast, a 35-minute drive returns you to the Dublin Airport for your onward travels.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Lynham’s Hotel
Laragh, Ireland

A traditional hotel with a historic pub dating from 1776 in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Spacious guestrooms are comfortably furnished with classic décor and warm colors. With views of the national park and miles of trails and forest roads out the door, the hotel is also just under a mile from the monastic complex of St. Kevin at Glendalough. Several dinner options are available, including the hotel’s pub with a casual atmosphere, or perhaps an exquisite 3-course menu at the nearby Glendasan River Restaurant.

Night 4

Ferndale Bed and Breakfast
Enniskerry, Ireland

An intimate, upscale bed-and-breakfast in the charming 18th-century village of Enniskerry. Guestrooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings and carpets in this historic home and garden. Nearby is the Powerscourt Estate, one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic castle and garden complexes, dating from 1300, and significantly altered in the 18th century. Also within walking or short driving distance are pubs and restaurants, including the famous Johnnie Fox’s Pub, where traditional music is played every night.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.