The Wicklow Mountains in the east of Ireland are probably one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Emerald Isle. The Irish hiking expert J. B. Malone (1913-1989) thought so too when he devised the route of the Wicklow Way, Ireland's first long-distance hiking trail. In 1980, the 130-kilometre (81 mi) route was officially opened and, to this day, it remains a popular hiking adventure in the east of the island.

In this Collection, we’ve divided the Wicklow Way into seven stages for you. It’s an adventure where impressive mountains and magnificent views await. You'll walk over rolling green hills, discover crumbling buildings from bygone times and experience famous Irish hospitality in the cosy villages along the way. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?

The Wicklow Way starts in Dublin, only about two hours away from Germany by plane. In the Irish capital you can stock up on provisions for your hike so nothing stands in the way of your adventure.

The first few days will take you up and down through the Wicklow Mountains,the largest contiguous highland in Ireland. On your way through this varied landscape, you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature and surrender to its beauty. No wonder J. B. Malone was so enthusiastic about this beautiful region. The trail takes you past romantic highland lakes, steep glacial valleys and rushing mountain streams. A particular highlight is the remains of the early Christian monastic settlement in the beautiful Glendalough Valley. During the fifth stage from Glenmalure to Moyne, the landscape changes: the mountains give way to rolling hills and you can let your gaze wander far and wide over County Carlow.

Want to lighten the load? You can use our luggage service so there’s no need to carry a heavy rucksack on mountain trails. We also offer a transport service: if you only want to do three stages on the long-distance trail, you can start with the Wicklow Way Bus in Glendalough and we’ll pick you up in Tinahely. You can find all the information here: wicklowway.com/services/index.php.

It’s important to wear the right clothes for your walk through the Irish Highlands. Although the climate is mild all year round, be prepared for rain and wind. All stages of the Wicklow Way end in or near a village with accommodation. However, the choice is often quite limited, so it is worth booking in advance.

Have you booked your flight, packed your rucksack and are looking forward to your trip? Then you’re well prepared for your hiking adventure across the Emerald Isle in the footsteps of J. B. Malone. And who knows, maybe his route will inspire you to do more long-distance walks across the Emerald Isle. It’s all here waiting for you.