I wonder if anyone has any tips on what we can expect for the weather and what type of gear we should be packing? I’m assuming that we can expect it to be quite rainy.
Any other general tips for the Wicklow Way I’d also love to hear!
In late October, the sunset will be about 5pm, so don’t leave it too late to get on the road each day, or just make sure to pack visiblity gear with that in mind.
Like @BigAndyC said, bring some good rainwear (can be relatively light) and be prepared for all four seasons in one day.
Your itinerary takes you from Marley Park to Enniskerry… if that’s the way I think it is, then be sure to visit either Johnny Foxes or the Blue Light Pub - two of the best pubs in Ireland and both in the Dublin Mountains.
I love it! Not Irish, but having lived there and been to most of the places you’ll visit, you’re in for a treat. Glad to see there’s already been some great pub recommendations for you!
This is an age-old hiking debate, but seeing as your main luggage is being transferred by the company you have the luxury of limiting / choosing what you carry each day. Because you won’t be overloaded, I suggest taking an umbrella. Seems odd for hiking, but if the weather does get up to 15+ degrees and if the rain is stop / start like it can be there, you don’t always want your rain gear on (gets hot) and you don’t always want to be pulling your rain jacket on and off
Layers is what wins: keep a thermal undershirt in your pack and have your hiking shirt (sports top / whatever) for over that and then a light long-sleeve plus your rain top and a warmer jacket. It’s all light-weight kit which is easy to carry.
Be bold… start cold. IMO it’s always best not to over-dress. Once you start sweating early in a hike if the rain / wind comes in then you’ll get cold faster. Plus it’s just uncomfortable to be sweating too much.
Don’t be afraid to consider hiking poles to take some pressure off knees and ankles over the course the 4 or 5 days you’ll be on the move. Also gaiters could be worth considering to keep water out of your shoes (especially if you don’t have high boots where the top will get under your hiking pants.
Just to add that you should bookmark the National Park website https://www.nationalparks.ie/wicklow/ . It has all the most up to date information around trail closures, weather conditions etc.
