Running Collection by Jen & Sim Benson
Running the Wicklow Way – From the city to the mountains
4 routes
17:10
142km
4,010m
Established in 1980, the Wicklow Way is part of Ireland’s network of long-distance self-guided trails. It combines easy accessibility with remote upland and mountainous areas, lakes, steep-sided glacial valleys, fast flowing mountain streams, forests and farmland. It’s also the most westerly section of the E8 European long distance path, which extends across much of Europe.
Setting out from Dublin's southern suburb of Rathfarnham, you’ll travel in a south-south-westerly direction across the Dublin and Wicklow uplands and through the rolling hill country of south-west County Wicklow, finishing in the delightful village of Clonegal. Whether you choose to run it in one, or split it into shorter sections with more time to appreciate the views, there’s plenty of interest along the way. You’ll visit Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s second-highest fall; the serene lakes at Lough Tay; and the extensive remains of an early Christian monastic settlement in beautiful Glendalough.
The route follows quiet country roads, unpaved farm and forestry tracks and some sections of trail. It’s not overly technical underfoot, so trail running shoes with decent cushioning and a shallower tread are ideal. There are several places to re-stock with food and water, and plenty of accessible places to meet a support crew, but we’d still recommend carrying waterproofs and warm clothing suitable for the weather conditions – the Emerald Isle is, after all, famous for its rain. It’s also advisable to carry basic emergency items including a first aid kit, torch, compass, whistle and sufficient food and drink.
This is a challenging route with over 3,700 metres (12,240 feet) of ascent and descent, a high point of over 600 metres (1,969 feet) and lots of steep climbs. The Fastest Known Times (FKT) for completing the trail were set during the official ultramarathon, taking advantage of the race support and competition. Robbie Britton ran 12h 11m 7s in 2019 and Aoife Mundow clocked 14h 33m 28s in 2025. At the time of writing there are no unsupported or self-supported times registered (Sep 2025) – a great opportunity to join the FKT hall of fame. See fastestknowntime.com/route/wicklow-way-ireland for more details.
This Collection splits the full route into four stages, starting in Dublin and heading south, although it’s equally enjoyable in the opposite direction.
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Wicklow Way
128km
3,730m
3,760m
Last updated: September 23, 2025
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Activities
1. Stage 1: Ballinteer to Roundwood - run the Wicklow Way
32.2km
03:59
1,210m
830m
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
2. Stage 2: Roundwood to Glenmalure - run the Wicklow Way
31.6km
03:48
860m
1,200m
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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3. Stage 3: Glenmalure to Tinahely - run the Wicklow Way
32.8km
04:10
980m
1,000m
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4. Stage 4: Tinahely to Clonegal - run the Wicklow Way
45.1km
05:13
960m
1,020m
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
4
Distance
142 km
Duration
17:10 h
Elevation
4,010 m
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