What is the best Wicklow Way map for your hike?
The best Wicklow Way map is the purpose-made 1:25,000 scale waterproof map from EastWest Mapping, which covers the entire route. While GPS apps are useful, a physical map is essential for safety. You could also use multiple Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) maps, but this is less convenient for the trail.
What are the official physical maps for the Wicklow Way?
Short answer: The two main options for physical maps are the dedicated Wicklow Way map from EastWest Mapping or a series of maps from Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi).
Choosing a physical map is a critical first step in planning your walk. A paper map doesn't run out of battery and gives you a much better sense of the overall terrain than a small phone screen. You have two excellent choices, each with its own advantages.
EastWest Mapping: the specialist's choice
Most seasoned walkers on the Wicklow Way recommend the map produced by EastWest Mapping. It's a single, double-sided sheet designed specifically for the trail. Its 1:25,000 scale provides fantastic detail, showing field boundaries, forest tracks, and small streams that are often missing on other maps. The entire 131-kilometre route from Marlay Park to Clonegal is included. It is also printed on waterproof paper, which is a huge benefit in the often-damp Irish climate. You won't have to worry about it falling apart in a sudden downpour.
Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi): the traditional option
Ordnance Survey Ireland is the national mapping agency. Their Discovery Series maps are very reliable and widely available. The main downside is that you'll need three separate maps to cover the entire Wicklow Way: sheets 50, 56, and 62. Juggling three different maps can be a bit clumsy on the trail. While the detail is good, they aren't specifically focused on the trail itself, and they usually aren't printed on waterproof paper, so you'll need a protective map case.
Can you use a GPS app instead of a paper map?
Short answer: Yes, you can use GPS apps with downloaded GPX files, but you should not rely on them exclusively due to risks like battery failure and poor signal.
In an age of smartphones, it’s tempting to think a physical map is obsolete. While a phone is a great tool, it comes with serious reliability issues in a mountain environment. Your phone is not a replacement for a map and compass.
Popular hiking apps and GPX files
Many hikers use apps like AllTrails, Komoot, or Gaia GPS for navigation. You can easily find and download a GPX file for the entire Wicklow Way. This file overlays the route onto a digital map on your phone, showing your real-time location as a blue dot. It's very convenient for checking if you are on the right path, especially at confusing trail junctions. It can feel like having a personal guide in your pocket.
The risks of relying only on your phone
The problem with a phone is its fragility. Batteries drain very quickly in cold weather or when the GPS is constantly running. A full day of hiking can easily kill a phone battery, leaving you with no map. Phone signals are also notoriously unreliable in the valleys of the Wicklow Mountains, such as around Glendalough. If you haven't downloaded the maps for offline use, your app will be useless. Screens can be hard to read in bright sun or driving rain. Your phone is a great tool, but it's not a reliable safety device in the mountains. A good rule of thumb is to always have a physical map and know how to read it, just in case.
How well is the Wicklow Way signposted?
Short answer: The Wicklow Way is generally well-signposted with yellow walking man symbols on black waymarkers, but you cannot rely on them alone.
The trail is marked from start to finish. The iconic yellow walker symbol is your guide, appearing on posts, trees, and rocks. In most sections, especially through forests and on farmland, these markers are frequent and easy to follow. You could walk for long stretches without ever needing to consult your map. However, this can lead to a false sense of security. Markers can be damaged by weather, hidden by overgrown vegetation, or simply sparse in open mountain areas like the section near the JB Malone memorial. In thick fog, finding the next waymarker can become impossible. It's at these moments that a map and compass are not just useful, they are essential for your safety.
Where to buy your Wicklow Way map
Short answer: You can buy maps online directly from publishers like EastWest Mapping or OSi, or from outdoor adventure stores in Dublin or towns near the trail.
It's best to get your map before you start your hike. The easiest way is to order it online from the EastWest Mapping website or other online map retailers. If you prefer to buy in person, major outdoor shops in Dublin like The Great Outdoors or 53 Degrees North always have them in stock. Some bookshops and tourist information offices in Wicklow towns may also carry them, but availability can be less certain. Buying in advance gives you time to study the route and plan your daily stages.
| Pros of a physical map | Cons of a physical map |
|---|---|
| No batteries required; it never fails. | Can be bulky to carry and fold. |
| Provides a large-scale overview of the area. | Requires basic map-reading skills. |
| Works in all weather conditions. | Can be damaged by rain if not waterproof. |
| A reliable safety backup. | You have to manually locate yourself. |
Common map and navigation mistakes to avoid
- Relying only on your phone: The biggest mistake is not carrying a physical map and compass. Your phone can and will fail. Always have a non-digital backup and know how to use it.
- Forgetting a map case: If your map isn't waterproof, it can turn to pulp in a single downpour. A simple, transparent map case keeps it dry and usable.
- Not looking at the map enough: It's easy to just follow the signs, but you should regularly check your map to confirm your location. This helps you spot a wrong turn quickly before you've gone too far.
- Trusting signs blindly: Trail markers can sometimes be turned or damaged. If the path on the ground doesn't seem to match what your map says, trust your map.
Alternatives to walking the full route
Short answer: You can easily walk shorter sections of the Wicklow Way, such as the popular mountain stages or the gentler southern parts.
Not everyone has a week to walk the entire 131 km. The Wicklow Way is perfect for shorter trips.
- The northern mountains: The section from Marlay Park to Glendalough is the most popular. It takes about 2-3 days and covers the highest and most scenic mountain terrain, including the view over Lough Tay.
- Glendalough and surrounds: You can base yourself in the historic valley of Glendalough and do day hikes on the Wicklow Way path in either direction. This is a great option for a weekend trip.
- The southern lowlands: The final stages from Moyne to Clonegal are much gentler, passing through rolling hills, forests, and quiet country roads. This offers a more peaceful walking experience.
Quick recap
- The EastWest Mapping 1:25,000 scale map is the best single map for the entire Wicklow Way.
- A physical map is an essential safety item; do not rely only on a GPS app or your phone.
- The trail is well-signposted, but markers can be missing or confusing, especially in bad weather.
- Buy your map in advance to help you plan your daily stages and accommodation.
- Always carry a compass and know the basics of how to use it with your map.
How long does it take to walk the Wicklow Way?
Most people take 5 to 7 days to complete the full 131-kilometre trail. Your final time will depend on your fitness level and how many kilometres you want to cover each day.
Is the Wicklow Way well marked?
Yes, it is generally well-marked with a yellow "walking man" symbol on black background posts. However, you should not rely on the markers alone as they can be missing or hard to spot in poor visibility.
How difficult is the Wicklow Way?
The route is considered moderately difficult. It involves a total ascent of over 3,200 meters, with some long and remote sections. It requires good fitness but no technical climbing skills are needed.
Where does the Wicklow Way start and finish?
The trail traditionally starts in Marlay Park in south Dublin and finishes 131 kilometres away in the small village of Clonegal, County Carlow.