Hiking in County Wicklow and County Carlow

Loved by hikers and ramblers for its peace, isolation, and sheer beauty, the Wicklow Way is a 132km (82-mile) signposted walking path that follows forest trails, sheep paths, and country roads from the suburbs south of Dublin, up into the Wicklow Mountains, and down through country farmland to Clonegal.

It takes about 5 to 7 days to walk its entirety, with overnight stops at B&Bs and hostels along the route. Most people, however, choose to walk sections as day trips (Tip: The southern section, through Tinahely, Shillelagh, and Clonegal, is much gentler and less hilly.). You can pick up information and maps at the Wicklow National Park center at Glendalough, or get more information on the Wicklow Way at www.irishways.com.

St. Kevin's Way, an ancient pilgrims’ route more than 1,000 years old, has recently been restored. The path runs for 30km (19 miles) through scenic countryside from Hollywood to Glendalough, following the route taken by pilgrims who visited the ancient monastic site. As it winds through roads, forest paths, and open mountainside, it visits many of the historical sites associated with St. Kevin, as well as areas of geological interest and scenic beauty.