This section covers the opening 12km of the 127km Wicklow Way, Ireland's oldest long-distance walking trail. From Marlay Park's formal grounds the route climbs through Kilmashogue pine forest to open hillside, passing the Fairy Castle passage tomb on Two Rock Mountain — at 536m the high point of the day — before descending into the Glencullen Valley. Yellow arrow waymarkers (a walking figure on a yellow background) mark the entire Wicklow Way.
| Distance | 12 km one-way to Glencullen (~7.5 miles) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5–4.5 hours one-way |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trailhead | Dublin Bus 16 from O'Connell Street to Marlay Park (40 min, ~€2.50 / ~$2.75); return from Glencullen via Bus 44B to Dundrum Luas |
| Best season | April–October; the first section through pine forest and open hillside is exceptional in spring |
| Address | Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 Ireland |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
- Terrain
- Forest track, then open moorland hillside with rocky sections near the Two Rock summit; waymarked throughout
What to bring
- Waterproof boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Map/GPS (Wicklow Way is waymarked with yellow arrows but map backup advised)
- Water 2L
- Packed lunch
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Marlay Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 Ireland
53.2746, -6.2606 View on map
Highlights
- Fairy Castle Bronze Age passage cairn on Two Rock Mountain summit
- Panoramic views over Dublin city and bay from the open hillside sections
- Kilmashogue pine forest on the lower slopes
- First official stage of the 127km Wicklow Way to Clonegal
Tips for visiting
- This is a one-way point-to-point hike, not a loop — confirm the Bus 44B timetable at Glencullen before setting out so the return connection is not missed
- The forest sections are muddy year-round; waterproof boots matter more here than on coastal walks
- There is no shop, cafe, or water source between Marlay Park and Glencullen — carry everything needed
- Exposed hillside sections above the treeline get strong wind even on calm city days