Wicklow Way
Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland because of its outstanding beauty, charming gardens, cascading waterfalls, intriguing heritage and hidden glens, valleys and lakes. There is an abundance of interesting archaeological and historically important sites to visit and explore including the 6th Century monastic site in Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Gardens such as Russborough, Powerscourt, Kilruddery and Mount Usher and wonderful unspoilt mountain trails perfect for those who love to walk, bird watch or horse-ride. For all those anglers there are wonderful lakes and trout packed rivers to fish with most places having rod and bait hire.
Wicklow contains many kilometres of fantastic unspoilt trails of which The Wicklow Way is best known. The Wicklow Way is an important part of a long-distance network of self-guided walking trails, (also called "way-marked ways") throughout Ireland and the way marked "Wicklow Way" is the first trail in Ireland which is located on the most westerly section of the E8 footpath extending across much of Europe . It is approximately 130km long and encompasses truly remote upland areas such as upland lakes, the longest glacial valley on the island, forests, farmland and fast flowing mountain streams which is bound to wet the appetite of those seeking a variety of scenic experiences. Along the way there is a challenging six hour hike to the 3000 foot summit of majestic Lugnaquilla Mountain. Lughnaquilla is Ireland's highest mountain outside of Co.Kerry.
The walk has been designed for those who wish to enjoy small stretches of the way and more difficult terrain for those seasoned walkers. If you wish to walk the whole route then allow five to seven days.
The Old Schoolhouse hostel is located along the fourth stage of the Wicklow Way in Moyne. Moyne is a quaint Georgian town comprising of a handful of unusual buildings. We are very close to the base of Lughnaquilla mountain and twelve miles from Glenmalure. We would recommend planning your hiking or cycling route to leave from Glenmalure. The way heads south of Aughavannagh through forest tracks and high remote countryside. There are many beautiful viewpoints of Glenmalure along this trail and the character of the land changes from high mountain to lower hills and scenic farmland. There are forest tracks, grassy tracks through open country and minor roads, all offering easy walking. As agricultural activity dominates this stage it is more densely populated than the country further north so there is the opportunity to visit small, attractive towns, near the route such as Moyne, Aughrim, Tinahely, Knockannana, Shillelagh and finally Clonegal at the end of the Way. Don't forget that we can make your hike more relaxed and enjoyable as we can collect your baggage from Glenmalure.
For more information on the trail itself visit www.visitwicklow.ie.
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Traditionally the Wicklow Way is walked from north to south, beginning at Marlay Park in south Dublin and ending in Clonegal, Co. Carlow.
Although our description outlines the route in this direction, south to north has the advantage of a couple of days getting leg muscles loosened up on the low-level terrain before heading into the more taxing mountain region.
Marlay Park is on Grange Road and is served by Dublin Bus route No.16 from Santry through Dublin city centre (O'Connell Street). A bus stop is conveniently located almost opposite the Park entrance gate.
If planning to begin at Clonegal and walk to Dublin, then the Bus Eireann Expressway service from the Dublin city-centre bus station (Busaras) at Store Street to Waterford will leave you at the village of Kildavin, just 3km from Clonegal. Alternatively, continue to the larger town of Bunclody (Clonegal 5km) to make final preparations and purchases.
Did you know?
- We are the only approved eco-hostel in Wicklow and the south-east of Ireland.
- We can collect your bags.
- We can provide packed lunches.
- We are recognised as utilising best practices in restoration and conservation.
- We can provide evening meals.
- We are in the process of obtaining the EU flower.
The Old Schoolhouse, Moyne, Ballinglen, Tinahely,
Co. Wicklow
Telephone: +353 862218717