Wicklow Way Rucksack Readers Walking Guidebook

Route Description from the Guide Introduction
Starting from Dublin, Ireland's capital, and principal airport, the Wicklow Way is a surprisingly accessible long-distance walk. With time to reflect on the varied scenery and a countryside steeped in history you will start to see Ireland through different eyes.

The Way quickly leaves the city behind as it climbs into the granite mountains and sheltered glens of County Wicklow, the 'garden of Ireland'. The Dublin and Wicklow mountains are Ireland's largest upland area, with wild scenery that belies their modest altitude. The Way runs above Ireland's tallest waterfall,
passing around the shoulder of Djouce to reach White Hill at 630 m (2100 ft) and descending past a memorial to J B Malone, architect of the Way. Appropriately, this overlooks Lough Tay, which he regarded as 'the jewel of these hills.'

The Way then takes you to the superb Monastic City of Glendalough. After the waterfalls and oak woodlands of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, it then climbs the shoulder of Mullacor mountain and descends into the historic valley of Glenmalure, with its military road and derelict barracks. Beyond the Ow River it passes by hills with sonorous names - Ballygobban, Sheilstown, Slieveroe, Ballycumber and Garryhoe.

From Tinahely, the Way meanders through lush farmlands before finishing at the tiny village of Clonegal, County Carlow. The southern section, with its narrow lanes and rolling hills, is in strong contrast with the grandeur of the Wicklow mountains.