Hiking the Wicklow Way: Glenmalure to Glendalough
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ireland has some of the most amazing natural landscape I’ve ever seen. Ireland is famous for its rolling green hills, beautiful coastlines, and breathtaking cliffs. With that comes MANY amazing walking/hiking trails that offer people a taste of the natural beauty.
I’m trying to take advantage of the landscape here since where I’m from (South Louisiana) is totally and completely FLAT. Couldn’t be flatter. I already shared all about cliff walking in Howth (which was AMAZING). But during my time here in Ireland I’ve gotten a chance to do a few different hikes. It’s great for getting some fresh air, clearing your mind, and seeing some unbelievable sights.
…Weather permitting of course.
Well, one amazing hiking trail in Ireland (that’s also easy to get to from Dublin city centre) is the Wicklow Way, in County Wicklow.
The Wicklow Way is an 80-mile trail that starts in Dublin’s Marlay Park, goes through the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow and ends in County Carlow.
It was a beautiful Tuesday and my roommate and I decided to both take off work to be able to hike a section of the Wicklow Way together. Although there’s several way-marked ways throughout Ireland, like the Burren Way, the Dingle Way, Beara Way, etc, we chose this one because of it’s proximity to Dublin. It was our chance to have beautiful, unspoiled mountainous and upland terrain so close to the city.
The trail is divided up into different sections. Some sections are shorter than others, all ranging from 7-13 miles. Which is great for those of us who may not have time to hike 80 miles of the course of a week or more. Since we only had 1 day, we chose a happy medium – the 10 mile trail from Glendalough to Glenmalure.
To get there, we took a train from the Tara Street station in the city centre. We rode along the coast and saw some incredible scenery during the hour-long train ride to Rathdrum Station.
From there, we got picked up by the Wicklow Way Bus. This transportation was really handy because it brought us right to the entrance to the trail. Mick, our driver was actually really helpful. He suggested that instead of going north to south from Glendalough to Glenmalure, that we go the other direction. Glendalough is the site of monastic ruins and the highlight of the whole hike. So if you start there you rush through it to make sure you finish the hike. Whereas if you end in Glendalough, you can take your time exploring the ancient monastery and beautiful lake.
So, from me to you. If you ever do this hike, trust me: Mick is right. Start at Glenmalure. End in Glendalough. Bask in all it’s glory. You’ll thank me later.
Although the trail is meant to take 4-5 hours, it actually took us much longer because we stopped so much. We stopped for pictures, lunch, and to take in all the spectacular views (especially around Glendalough). And don’t worry if you’re not an expert hiker. It’s not a particularly difficult stretch to hike, and there’s plenty of signs indicated where to go so you won’t stray off path!
So if you’re in Dublin and want to see some of the natural beauty Ireland’s famous for but may not have time to go too far, consider doing any part of the Wicklow Way. You absolutely won’t regret it. I know I didn’t. If only I could take off work and go on a 10-mile hike every Tuesday…..#TheDream
