Deluxe Hiking - Ireland Coast To Coast

From the cosmopolitan centre of Dublin, we start our high points hiking adventure by heading into the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Full of emerald hills topped with purple heather and framed by lush forests, Wicklow is a special place. A 6th century monk called Saint Kevin, who was seeking solace and contemplation, stumbled across the idyllic surroundings of Glendalough, inspiring him to found what became one of Ireland’s greatest monasteries. Today’s hike explores the quiet hills beyond Glendalough’s ancient monastic centre following the Glenealo River through a stunning glaciated valley. (L,D) Hike details: 9km/ 4 miles 

Our goal for today is reaching the summit of Lugnaquilla Mountain. The highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains – one of Ireland’s six national parks – as well as in the entire province of Leinster, majestic Lugnaquilla proudly overlooks the glittering green valley of Glenmalure. We follow an exceptionally scenic route to the top of Lugnaquilla via a cliff-fringed hanging valley to arrive at the plateau summit named after a 17th century local character. (B,L) Hike details: 17km/ 10 miles 

This morning we hit the road westwards towards Connemara, where Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way coast beckons. Famous Irish playwright and wit Oscar Wilde once described the Connemara region as a ‘savage beauty’ and it’s easy to see why as the gentle green fields of Ireland’s interior gives way to the rugged west coast. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a lovely hike into the wild Mamturks Mountains, the wilder and less-known of Connemara’s two distinct mountain ranges. Characterised by its glittering quartzite rocks and boggy slopes, the Mamturks contrast sharply with the gentler Wicklow Mountains. (B,L) Hike details: 8-10km/ 5-7 miles