@timr
I am totally discouraged about walking the Wicklow Way and about walking in Ireland in general. There is one youth hostel at the end of the first day's walk and otherwise accommodation is generally quite distant from the route, and very expensive. Every possible way to get more cash from the walker has been employed and the charges for everything are large. The route itself looks well worth walking and transportation is available, but my general feeling about the services is not favourable. I could sum it up by the title of an article in an Irish newspaper which refers to the proliferation of country walks as a way to provide cash for the countryside. But the places which are getting the cash are not even close to the actual route, and are getting even more cash by requiring potential guests to book and pay for transport to their accommodation: definitely not for me. When I walk, I walk. Fortunately, there are lots of places in Spain to do so. I shall still go to Dublin in the fall of 2021, but at the moment it looks like I shall stay in the city until I am ready to leave for Spain. I may take a day to wander in the Wicklow Hills and remember my youth.
This may be a moot point in the present circumstances but....
I'm just now, looking back over this thread and I'm sorry that your impression of walking in Ireland, and in particular the Wicklow Way, is less than positive. I've walked it a number of times over the years and in all weathers, alone and with visiting camino friends. It's short at just 130km, but can be quite challenging...it's also remote and breathtakingly beautiful in parts.... ok, I'm a little biased, I live just a few km from the northern end. But if I could make just a couple of observations for anyone considering it:
Yes accomodation is limited; there are just two 'albergues' along the way, one at Knockree at about 20km, the second at Glendalough about 30km further along (walking south). Both these places are affordable at around €20 for a dorm bed with full use of really decent facilities for cooking and relaxing. In addition, there are a couple of free basic shelters in the mountains for campers. Many people camp wild, and as long as you're respectful and discreet, it shouldn't be a problem. There are other private accomodation options on or close to the way, at least 10 that I know of, easy to find and book online.
In my view, the first 50km of the Wicklow Way walking south is by far the most scenic and interesting, and there is public transport by bus to and from both locations (Marley Park and Glendalough). Further south it levels out and there is more asphalt, and it's less accessible without your own transport.
Yes, Ireland like the rest of Northern Europe is expensive, especially for tourists, and more especially if you compare it to Spain or Portugal, but please don't dismiss it as a rip off (bear in mind that Glendalough, as well as an important historical site is a major tourist attraction). People are warm and friendly and will often go out of their way to help you.
As I said, the Wicklow Way is probably more challenging than any of the Spanish caminos and you need a little forward planning, food supplies and good clothing (you can get four seasons in an afternoon in the Wicklow mountains!)
If you do consider it in the future, let me know if you want any help with planning or info, I would be happy to help...
so you could do several in a week!
)
