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Wicklow Way

Wicklow Way — the trail guide

The Wicklow Way is a 128.2 km trek in Ireland, typically walked in 5–7 days, with 4100 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (32 m of gain per km, topping out at 629 m).

The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, opened in 1980 and running some 129 km from Marlay Park on Dublin's southern edge to the village of Clonegal in County Carlow. Most walk it southbound over five to seven days, sleeping in villages and hostels — one-way logistics and the yellow walking-man waymarks make that the natural direction.

Quick facts

Distance128.2 km
Total ascent4100 m
Typical duration5–7 days
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness32 m gain per km
High point629 m
CountryIreland
RegionIreland

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 46 m · high point 629 m · 4100 m total ascent over 128.2 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 86 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan66 mm
Feb71 mm
Mar10°85 mm
Apr12°69 mm
May15°69 mm
Jun18°11°76 mm
Jul19°12°81 mm
Aug19°12°81 mm
Sep17°11°85 mm
Oct14°87 mm
Nov10°87 mm
Dec98 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Wicklow Way?

The Wicklow Way is 128.2 km, and most hikers complete it in 5–7 days. Total elevation gain is 4100 m.

How difficult is the Wicklow Way?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 32 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 629 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Wicklow Way is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Wicklow Way?

In Ireland. The route starts near 53.277, -6.268 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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