Base yourself in Laragh, right beside Glendalough, and spend five consecutive days on this amazing Wicklow Mountains hiking tour, hiking the very best of the Wicklow Mountains with a dedicated private guide and vehicle. Each morning, you’ll be picked up at your accommodation, we’ll select the best hike for the day based on weather and trail conditions, and you’ll be returned to Laragh afterwards—no parking stress, no trailhead guesswork, and always a solid Plan B.

This is a high-touch, personalised experience designed for confident hikers who want challenge, standout views and local insight—including iconic routes like Lugnaquilla, Tonalagee & Lough Ouler, Djouce, The Spinc and the Great Sugar Loaf, with alternatives ready depending on conditions.

Wicklow Mountains hiking tour at a glance

• Duration: 5 guided hiking days (consecutive)
• Base: Laragh / Glendalough (sleep in one place, day-hike each day)
• Group size: Private (ideal for small private groups 1-6 people)
• Style: Flexible, weather-led “best of Wicklow” trekking
• Difficulty: Moderate-to-challenging (tailored to your pace and objectives)
• Transport: SPSV-licensed vehicle with accommodation pick-up/drop-off included
• Optional: Dublin ⇄ Laragh transfers (recommended for a seamless trip)

What makes this Wicklow Mountains hiking tour different

• Private guiding for the full week: consistent pacing, stronger decision-making and a week that feels truly “yours”
• Weather-led planning: Wicklow can change quickly—routes are chosen daily for views safety and overall experience
• Local logistics handled: trailheads, parking, access points, timing and quieter alternatives—all covered
• More than just hiking: you’ll get context on the landscapes you’re walking through—how they formed, what happened here, and what to look out for along the way

Meet your guide

I live in County Wicklow, hike here year-round, and feel genuinely lucky to have the Wicklow Mountains right on our doorstep. I’m especially interested in nature, history, wildlife, geology and archaeology, and I’ll point out the small details that many people walk past—because these mountains aren’t just beautiful, they’re layered with stories.

Qualifications & safety training:

• Lowland Leader Award (Mountaineering Ireland)
• Mountain Skills – Levels 1 & 2
• REC 3 (Rescue and Emergency Care)
• Leave No Trace certified

Transport & logistics (included)

This tour includes a guide with an SPSV passenger licence and private vehicle, so each day of this Wicklow Mountains hiking tour runs smoothly:

• Pick-up from your Laragh/Glendalough accommodation
• Transfer to the best trailhead for the day
• Guided hike
• Drop-off back at your accommodation

Optional add-on: we can also collect you in Dublin and drive you to Laragh, and return you to Dublin at the end of the trip if you’d like an all-in, car-free week.

Sample 5-day itinerary (weather-led & fully flexible)

Wicklow weather changes fast—so we confirm the exact route each morning based on visibility, wind and underfoot conditions. The plan below is the “best-of” structure, with options to extend or shorten each day.

Day 1 — Glendalough: The Spinc ridge, Poulanass Waterfall & the Miners’ Village

Glendalough is the perfect opener of our Wicklow Mountains hiking tour: dramatic valley scenery, a satisfying climb and instantly rewarding viewpoints over the Upper Lake. We typically start from the Upper Lake area and climb past Poulanass Waterfall, then rise onto the famous Spinc boardwalk and cliff-edge viewpoints before looping back via blanket bog, rocky trails and the atmospheric Miners’ Village.

What you can expect

• Big “postcard” views over Glendalough’s Upper Lake from the ridge and wildlife watching along the way
• A mix of stone steps, rocky mountain path and raised boardwalk (great variety underfoot)
• Options to avoid the busiest sections by adjusting timing/route choice

Typical stats (route dependent)

• Long loop: ~8.8–9 km, ~5 hrs (approx.), ~380 m ascent 
• Short Spinc option: 5.5 km, 4 hrs 30 mins, 300 m climb 

Day 2 — Djouce Mountain & high boardwalk panoramas (with optional Lough Tay viewpoints)

Djouce is a superb “views day” of our Wicklow Mountains hiking tour: open mountain, big skies and 360 views, and that classic Wicklow feel of moving from forest/track onto high, airy ground. Depending on the variant we choose, you’ll get long stretches of boardwalk and wide views across the Wicklow uplands—and we can add carefully chosen viewpoints of Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) if conditions suit.

What you can expect

• A steady climb onto open ground with wide panoramas
• Boardwalk and upland trails that can be wet or windy (proper layers matter)
• A flexible day that can be short and sharp or longer and more committing

Typical stats (variant dependent)

• Out-and-back style: ~10 km, ~345 m ascent, ~2.5–3.5 hrs moving time 
• Longer loop option: ~12.9 km, ~586 m ascent, ~5-6 hrs 

Day 3 — Tonelagee & Lough Ouler (the famous heart-shaped lake)

This is the classic “Wicklow wow” day. Lough Ouler sits in a glacial corrie beneath Tonelagee, and the best views come from above—so we pace the climb to hit the viewpoints at the right moment. Expect some muddier/boggier sections, especially after rain, plus exposed terrain near the top.

What you can expect

• A dramatic corrie lake and the best “heart-shaped” perspective from higher ground
• Muddy, uneven underfoot conditions in places (great boot day)
• A satisfying summit finish with big open views

Typical stats

• ~7.9–8 km, ~4 hrs, ~505 m climb (from the usual Glenmacnass start area) 

Day 4 — Lugnaquilla (Wicklow’s highest summit) — the big objective day

This is your “proper mountain day” of your Wicklow Mountains hiking tour. Lugnaquilla is broad-topped and can feel very different depending on conditions—clear days give vast views; misty days demand strong navigation and conservative decision-making. We’ll choose the most appropriate approach on the day (and keep contingency routes ready), building in time for steady pacing, breaks, and safe navigation.

What you can expect

• A bigger day with a “summit plateau” feel and long horizons (on clear days)
• More exposure to wind/weather—this is where local planning really pays off
• Route choice tailored to conditions, access, and your preferred challenge level

Typical stats (route dependent)

• ~10–16 km, ~5–8 hrs, ~700 m climb (unmarked mountain; route selection matters) 

Day 5 — Great Sugar Loaf + Crone Woods & Maulin Mountain loop (a brilliant finale)

We finish our Wicklow Mountains hiking tour with a day that blends iconic Wicklow views with a gorgeous woodland-and-mountain loop.

Part A: Great Sugar Loaf (big views for a short effort)

The Great Sugar Loaf is a distinctive quartzite cone with a rewarding, punchy climb. It’s short enough to fit alongside another hike, but still delivers huge views—often across the Wicklow coast and inland peaks. The final section can involve hands-on rock in places, so if it’s wet/windy we’ll adjust the route or timing.

Typical stats

• ~7 km loop with ~275 m climb (route dependent; options exist) 

Part B: Crone Woods & Maulin Mountain loop (forest tracks + heather slopes)

Crone Woods is a local favourite: beautiful forest trails, then a climb onto the heathery slopes of Maulin Mountain for superb views (often out toward Dublin Bay on clear days). It’s a perfect “second hike” to round out the week—scenic, varied, and satisfying without being as big as Lugnaquilla.

Typical stats

• ~6.6 km, ~3.5 hrs 

Day 5 can be done either way around (Crone Woods first, Sugar Loaf second, or vice versa) depending on weather, crowds, and how your legs feel after the week.

Your week, tuned daily: The hikes above are our “best-of Wicklow” framework. Each morning, we’ll fine-tune the exact route and timing for the best combination of views, safety and overall experience.

What’s included in Wicklow Mountains hiking tour

• Dedicated private hiking guide for 5 consecutive days
• SPSV-licensed vehicle + daily transfers from Laragh/Glendalough to trailheads
• Weather-led route planning (with alternatives ready every day)
• Guided hiking with local context: landscapes, geology, wildlife and history
• Safety-first pacing, navigation, and decision-making

Not included: accommodation, meals, personal hiking gear, travel insurance and any optional entry fees outside the hikes.

Good to know

Wicklow weather can shift quickly—even in July. That’s exactly why the private format of our Wicklow Mountains hiking tour works so well: we adapt day-by-day to get you the best possible combination of challenge, views and overall experience.

Pricing & booking

Pricing depends on dates and any add-ons (such as Dublin ⇄ Laragh transfers). Send us:

• your preferred dates
• your accommodation location (or shortlist)
• your must-do peaks (e.g., Lugnaquilla)
  …and we’ll reply with a clear quote and a proposed day-by-day plan.

Request a Quote for this Wicklow Mountains hiking tour

Hike difficulty & terrain (what it really feels like)

This Wicklow Mountains hiking tour is a moderate-to-challenging week designed for hikers who are comfortable being on trail for several hours a day. Wicklow can be surprisingly “mountainy” underfoot—often less manicured than people expect.

Underfoot & trail types you’ll experience

• Rocky steps & mountain paths: especially around Glendalough / The Spinc (steep sections with lots of stone steps).
• Boardwalk sections: common on upland routes (helps protect bog, but can be slippery when wet).
• Boggy / muddy ground: particularly on open mountain (notably around Tonalagee / Lough Ouler). Expect wet feet if footwear isn’t solid.
• Open, exposed terrain: Djouce and especially Lugnaquilla can be windy and cool even in July; visibility can change quickly.
• Light scramble / hands-on rock (optional): Great Sugar Loaf can involve hands for balance on the steeper rocky section (we can adjust route/timing based on comfort and conditions).

Navigation & safety

• Some days include open mountain where trails can be faint in mist. Your guide handles navigation, pacing, and route decisions, and will always have alternatives and turnaround points.

FAQ

Do we hike in rain?

Yes—light to moderate rain is normal in Ireland, and with the right waterproofs it’s often still an excellent day out.
If conditions are unsafe or simply miserable (very high winds, poor visibility on exposed ground, heavy persistent rain), we’ll switch to a better-sheltered route (woodland/valley options) or choose a hike that keeps the “best experience” while avoiding unnecessary risk.

What if Lugnaquilla access is restricted?

Lugnaquilla can be affected by access considerations in the wider area. If the best approach isn’t suitable on the day (for any reason—access, weather, visibility, wind), we’ll pivot to a top-tier alternative that still feels like a “big objective day.”
Typical alternatives (depending on conditions) include a longer Wicklow ridge route, a quieter summit day, or a high-views loop that gives you the same sense of challenge and payoff.

What level do I need?

You’ll enjoy this tour most if you can:

• hike 3–7 hours in a day (depending on route),
• handle uneven, wet, rocky terrain,
• manage steady ascents/descents and occasionally steep sections,
• stay comfortable hiking in changeable weather.

If you regularly hike mountainous trails (rocky, rooted, muddy, steep—like New England, the Alps, Iceland, etc.), you’ll be right at home. And because it’s private, we can dial intensity up or down: longer loops and extra summits when you want a push, or shorter scenic days if you prefer to keep it lighter.

Is Great Sugar Loaf technical?

Not technical in the mountaineering sense, but it can feel steep and rocky near the top, and some people naturally use their hands for balance. If it’s wet/windy or you’d prefer to avoid that feel, we’ll take the most comfortable variant and pace it carefully.

What should we pack each day?

At minimum: waterproof jacket + waterproof trousers, warm layer, hiking boots with good grip, daypack, water, snacks/lunch, hat/gloves (yes, even in summer), and a spare dry layer. Trekking poles are optional but very useful on muddy ground and steep descents.

Who this tour is for

This private 5-day Wicklow hiking week is best suited to active, experienced walkers who want a proper “best of” mountain experience without the hassle of trailhead logistics. You’ll enjoy it most if you’re comfortable with uneven ground, sustained climbs, and changing weather, and you like the idea of a guide who can fine-tune each day for the best views, the right level of challenge and the safest route choice. It’s ideal for couples and small groups who prefer a 1:1-style experience—with space to move at your own pace, ask questions and go deeper into the nature, history, geology and archaeology of the Wicklow Mountains. If you’re used to mountain terrain (rock, roots, mud, steep sections) and can hike for several hours a day, you’ll feel right at home.

What happens each morning on our Wicklow Mountains hiking tour (how the week runs)

Each day is designed to be smooth, simple, and weather-smart:

1. Quick conditions check
   We review the day’s forecast (wind, visibility, rainfall) and current trail conditions.
2. Pick the best hike for the day
   Based on your priorities (views, challenge, particular peaks), we select the most suitable route—and confirm a Plan B in case conditions shift.
3. Confirm timings + kit
   You’ll get a clear start time, expected time on trail and a quick kit check (layers, waterproofs, water/snacks).
4. Pick-up at your accommodation (Laragh/Glendalough)
   Your guide collects you in an SPSV-licensed vehicle and drives you to the best trailhead—no parking stress, no navigation hassle.
5. Guided hike + local context
   On the trail, you’ll get steady pacing, navigation support, and insights into what you’re seeing—wildlife, landscapes, geology, and the stories behind the place.
6. Return transfer + reset for tomorrow
   After the hike, you’re driven back to your accommodation, and we briefly preview the next day’s options.

Optional on this Wicklow Mountains hiking tour: If you’d like an all-in, car-free trip, we can also arrange transfers Dublin to Laragh and back as part of the package.

Please feel free to get in touch here with questions and comments – this itinerary is fully customisable and if necessary, we can adjust it to different levels of difficulty that would work for your group.