Arrival and transfer to Glendalough. Monastic site visit

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.

Derrybawn Woodland Trail; 6.8 miles, easy to moderate, 600-ft elevation gain

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).

The Spinc and Wicklow Way; 8 miles, easy to moderate with one moderate climb of 600 steps, 1,380-ft elevation gain

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.

Glendalough to Enniskerry--The Wicklow Way; 8 miles, easy to moderate, 900-ft elevation gain

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.

Transfer to Dublin or Dublin Airport

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