County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland,” is a scenic gem in Ireland’s Ancient East, just south of Dublin. Renowned for its lush landscapes, historic sites, and coastal charm, Wicklow offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. With the Wicklow Mountains, pristine beaches, and historic estates, it’s a haven for hikers, history buffs, and families alike. Wicklow is Ireland’s 17th largest county by size (,025 sq km) and 16th largest by population (155,851).
Historical and Cultural Attractions
- Glendalough Monastic Settlement: This 6th-century monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, founded by St. Kevin, is a crown jewel, attracting over 732,000 visitors in 2018. The valley, meaning “valley of the two lakes,” features a 10th-century round tower, St. Kevin’s Church, Reefert Church, and a graveyard set against stunning lakes and mountains. The visitor center offers exhibits and a short film, while guided walks explore the Upper and Lower Lakes. Entry to the monastic site is free, though parking at the Upper Lake costs €4. The sense of peace and isolation, according to Discover Ireland, makes it a must-visit.
- Powerscourt House and Gardens: Near Enniscorthy, this 19th-century estate spans 47 acres with Italian and Japanese gardens, a 121m waterfall (Ireland’s highest), and a golf club. The Avoca café and shops add charm. Guided tours showcase its history as the Slazenger family seat, and its cinematic beauty has featured in films like Barry Lyndon. It’s one of Ireland’s top fee-charging attractions.
- Russborough House and Parklands: Near Blessington, this 1741 Palladian mansion, designed by Richard Cassels, boasts Ireland’s longest frontage (210m) and a private art collection with works by Gainsborough and Singer Sargent. Guided tours reveal its history, hosting figures like Coco Chanel and Mick Jagger. The estate includes a maze, fairy trail, and playground, ideal for families.
- Wicklow Gaol: In Wicklow Town, this 18th-century prison turned museum offers interactive tours detailing its role in the 1798 Rebellion, famine-era convictions, and War of Independence. Costumed guides and a virtual reality “Gates of Hell” tour bring its haunting past to life, with paranormal tours for thrill-seekers. It’s a top indoor activity for rainy days. Currently awaiting a new contractor so it can reopen to visitors.
- Avoca Mill: In Avoca village, Ireland’s oldest woolen mill (1723) offers guided tours of its handweaving heritage, a retail store for crafts, and a café. Known from BBC’s Ballykissangel, it’s a cultural hub in the “Garden of Ireland.”
- Victor’s Way Sculpture Park: Near Roundwood, this 20-acre meditative park features 45 black granite Indian sculptures symbolizing life’s phases. Designed for silent reflection, it’s a unique, introspective experience, best visited in soft morning light or late afternoon for mystical shadows. Sturdy shoes and a camera are recommended.
- Wicklow Head Lighthouse: This 18th-century octagonal lighthouse, now a unique accommodation, offers stunning coastal views near Wicklow Town. It’s a historical and scenic stop for those exploring the east coast.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
- Wicklow Mountains National Park: Spanning 23,000 hectares, Ireland’s largest national park offers rugged valleys, lakes, and trails like the Wicklow Way, a 131km long-distance route from Marlay Park to County Carlow. Glendalough is its most visited spot, with trails like the Spinc and Derrybawn routes. Other highlights include Lough Tay (Guinness Lake, featured in Vikings and P.S. I Love You), Lough Ouler’s heart-shaped lake, and the Sally Gap’s panoramic views. Responsible hiking is encouraged, with dogs on leads to protect wildlife.
- Powerscourt Waterfall: At 121m, Ireland’s highest waterfall, near Powerscourt Estate, is surrounded by wildlife and walking trails, perfect for picnics and nature photography.
- National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh: Near Rathdrum, these 19th-century gardens burst with rhododendrons in spring, featuring plants from China and the Himalayas. Voted among Wicklow’s best attractions, they offer peaceful strolls and botanical history.
- Mount Usher Gardens: In Ashford, this 22-acre garden along the River Vartry features 5,000 plant species, a fern walk, and a café. Self-guided tree trail maps enhance the experience, making it one of Ireland’s top garden attractions.
- Brittas Bay South Beach: A Blue Flag beach with golden sands, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watching boats on the Irish Sea. Nearby Bray Head Cliff Walk offers coastal views of Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains.
- Beyond the Trees Avondale: In Rathdrum, this aerial treetop walk, opened in 2022, takes visitors above the forest canopy, culminating in a 38m viewing tower with vistas of the Wicklow Mountains and Vale of Avoca. A 90m slide adds family-friendly fun.
- Great Sugarloaf Mountain: This 501m conical peak near Kilmacanogue offers two trails: a steep 1-hour climb or a 2.5-hour rugged loop, both with panoramic views of Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Irish Sea.
- Outdoor Activities: Wicklow is a paradise for hikers, with trails like Djouce Mountain and Ballinastoe Woods. Sea swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (e.g., Brittas Bay Surf School), and forest bathing in Ballygannon Wood cater to adventurers. Golfers enjoy courses like Woodenbridge, Tulfarris, and Rathsallagh, known for scenic holes.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
- Food Scene: Wicklow’s culinary offerings shine at places like The Strawberry Tree in BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, Ireland’s first Organic Trust-certified restaurant, offering a 10-course tasting menu with foraged ingredients like sika venison tartare. The Hungry Monk in Greystones serves quality food in a friendly atmosphere, while The Wicklow Heather in Laragh is praised for locally sourced dishes and champagne. Wicklow Way Wines near Newtownmountkennedy offers tours and tastings of handcrafted berry wines, capturing the Irish summer.
- Pubs and Music: Traditional pubs like the Harbour Bar in Bray and Con Macken’s in Wicklow Town host lively music sessions. The Coach House in Roundwood offers hiker-friendly amenities like showers and bike parking.
- Festivals and Arts: Wicklow Town’s free guided heritage trail (Saturdays, 11 am, Fáilte Ireland Office) explores Viking and Norman history. Bray’s lively arts scene includes galleries and the Bray Head Walk, while the Schoolhouse for Art in Enniscorthy hosts workshops.
Family-Friendly and Adventure Activities
- Seal Rescue Ireland: In Courtown, this conservation center offers seal-feeding experiences and rehab tours, educating families on marine life.
- Glendalough Activities: Fatbike tours, bike rentals, and educational nature walks cater to families, with the Wicklow Passport encouraging exploration via stamps from attractions.
- Wicklow Bowl: In Wicklow Town, this bowling alley is a fun indoor option for families.
- Glamping and Camping: Pet-friendly glamping sites near Blessington Lakes and Brittas Bay offer unique stays with playgrounds and trails.
Practical Tips
- Accessibility: Wicklow is 30–60 minutes from Dublin via M11/N11 or Irish Rail (€10–€15) to Wicklow Town, Bray, or Greystones. St. Kevin’s Bus connects Dublin to Glendalough (1 hour). Car hire is ideal for rural sites like Sally Gap or Lough Ouler.
- Weather: Wicklow’s maritime climate is mild, with July highs of 20.4°C (68.7°F) and January highs of 9.2°C (48.6°F). Expect rain year-round (60% less than Ireland’s west coast), so pack waterproof gear. May and September offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Accommodation: Options range from the luxurious Tinakilly House overlooking the Irish Sea to family-friendly Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown (near the Wicklow Way) and budget B&Bs in Bray or Arklow. Glamping is popular near the coast. Book early for summer.
Visitors to County Wicklow in 2025 can expect a rich tapestry of experiences in the “Garden of Ireland.” Glendalough’s monastic ruins and lakes, Powerscourt’s manicured gardens, and Russborough’s art-filled mansion offer historical depth, while the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Brittas Bay provide hiking, sea swimming, and scenic beauty. Culinary highlights like The Strawberry Tree and cultural stops like Avoca Mill enhance the experience. New for 2025, Fáilte Ireland’s sustainable tourism plan improves Glendalough’s visitor management, a new outdoor primary school opens near Bray, and the Wicklow Christmas Market expands with a larger Eco Ice Rink. Forest bathing, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and the Wicklow Passport add fresh appeal, making Wicklow a vibrant destination for nature, history, and culture enthusiasts, just a stone’s throw from Dublin. For more details, visit www.visitwicklow.ie or www.discoverireland.ie
Wicklow:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
Destination Guide
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
