Attractions
The following is a list of local attractions and amenities:
General
Wicklow is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. It is one of Ireland's best loved areas for hill walkers with magnificent walks available throughout the county.
As Ireland's "Garden County", Wicklow is also know for its wonderful houses & gardens. Some of the country's most magnificent and best known gardens can be found here, such as Russborough House - only five minutes drive(Blessington), Powerscourt (Enniskerry), Mount Usher (Ashford) and Kilruddery (Bray).
Avoca Village was the location of the very popular BBC Television Series "Ballykissangel" and you can visit "Fitzgeralds" the local pub. The village also has the most popular Avoca Handweavers and try their lovely home made products in the cafe.
Garden Lovers
Russborough House
The house, which is beautifully maintained and lavishly furnished, contains fine furniture, carpets, porcelain and silver. Maze open daily June-August.
Kilruddery House & Gardens
Kilruddery House & Gardens has been home to the Brabazon family (the Earls of Meath) since 1618. The house was remodelled in the 1820's. Killruddery has the most extensive early formal gardens dating from the 1680's adn are still in their original style.
Mount Usher Gardens
It covers twenty acres along the Vartry River and is renowned for its collection of rare flowering plants and trees. Cafe & Crafts. www.mount-usher-gardens.com
National Gardens Exhibition Centre (Kilquade)
20 different themed gardens designed by different landscapers and designers. Open all year.
Wicklow/Carlow Garden Tour
- Start with a trip to the Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, at the foot of the looming Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. These captivating gardens are among the most impressive in Europe, with giant sequoias and dwarf copper chestnuts jostling for space with azaleas, magnolia and rhododendrons. And there's even a pet cemetery!
- Down the road on the banks of the Vartry River lies Mount Usher at Ashford, with exotic flowers from around the globe, truly spectacular magnolias in spring, trees and shrubs and a beautifully classic rose garden.
- Continue the tour in the smallest county in Ireland, Carlow. The Altamont Gardens near the village of Ballon is a fascinating collection of ornamental gardens and lakeside walks with soaring redwood trees and the atmospheric multi-coloured Chinese dawn redwood.
- Finish off your tour by heading south to the village of Clonegal and the magnificent Huntington Castle. Part of an ancient hallowed site, nearby is a little Neolithic stone, used in pre-Celtic times for healing, and the River Slaney, known as the river of healing. The castle itself is located at what's known as the Crow's Foot, the confluence of the River Slaney and the River Derry, named after the druid oak.
Family Activies
National Sea Life Centre - Bray
A journey through the magical world of underwater wildlife. Featuring over 24 spectacular displays. www.sealife.ie
Brittas Bay
Is one of the finest sandy beaches on the East Coast and is the most popular for families. Brittas Bay has achieved the Blue Flag for five consecutive years. Ideal for bathing, sailing and walking.
Glenroe Open Farm
This family run farm is one of Wicklow's favourite tourist attraction and here you will find lots of farm animals and pets, outdoor playground, traditional thatched cottage, coffed and gift shop. Open March - April weekends. May - Sep - Daily. www.glenroefarm.com
Clara Lara Funpark
Wonderful kids favourite. Small shallow lakes with miniture boats. Lots of activity. Open May - August daily. www.claralarafunpark.com
Greenan Farm Museums & Maze
The farmhouse museum houses a bottle museum and displays typical 19th & 20th century interiors. The maze is a large, mature, difficult to solve, fun for everyone. Open April - Oct. www.greenanmaze.com
Wicklow Historic Goal
Experience the harshness of prision life in the 18th Century, the passion of the 1798 rebellion, the cruelty of the transportation ships and hope of a new life in Australia. Open Mar-Oct 10 am - 6pm www.wicklowhistoricgaol.com
Hilltop Quad & Sporting Club
Lots of sporting activities for the get active guest. Visit www.pcquad.com
Blessington Equestrian Centre
Horse Riding & Pony Treking Centre. Visit www.blessingtonequestrian.com
Calliaghstown Riding Centre
The centre's excellent indoor or outdoor facilities provide comfortable all weather conditions for the beginner or more experienced rider or try the Wicklow Trail Ride.
Dublin
Explore Dublin by travelling on the 65 Bus from Blessington right to city centre O'Connell street. Or why not travel on the our light rail Luas from Tallaght to city centre. The Luas departs every five minutes and its only 30 minutes drive to Tallaght on the outskirts of Dublin City.
Visit the many attractions on City Sight Seeing Dublin www.irishcitytours.com
This is an open top bus with Hop On / Hop Off facility. Visit famous locations such as Trinity College, The Book of Kells, National Gallery, Christ Church Cathedral, Guinness Store House, Phoenix Park Dublin Zoo, National Museum and many more favourites. Our guests love using the open top bus facility.
Lots of information available in our information packs for our guests.
Glendalough
With its famous round tower is one of the most enduring images of County Wicklow. A truly beautiful location which is steeped history.
The English name Glendalough comes from the Irish Gleann Dá Locha which translates to "The valley of the two lakes".
It was here that St. Kevin founded a monastery in the sixth century. From this beginning the site grew to become famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe. Indeed, Ireland was known as the "Island of Saints and Scholars". Standing amid the remains of this monastic settlement, one can feel a powerful sense of peace and tranquility.
Russborough House
www.12travel.ie/ie/Midlands_East/attractions/russborough.html
Russborough House in Blessington, is situated near the borders of counties Kildare and Wicklow. Nestled in spectacular natural surrounding, there is no other Palladian house in Ireland to rival it aesthetically or architecturally. It was designed by the renowned German architect, Richard Castles. Sir Alfred Beit bought Russborough in 1952 as a home for the Beit Collection. In 1976 he established the Alfred Beit Foundation and in 1978 the house was opened to the public. The house is beautifully maintained and contains fine furniture, tapestries, carpets, porcelain, silver and bronzes. Wonderful childrens maze open April - October & lovely natural walks. Only 5 minute drive from the cottages.
Druid's Glen Golf Resort
Located within the 400-acre Druids Glen Golf resort, and nestling between the Irish Sea and stunning Wicklow mountains lies Marriott Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club. This relaxed elegant hotel features deluxe guest accommodation, a full business centre, extensive meeting facilities as well as on if the finest Spa & Health Clubs in Ireland.
Golf facilities at the property are extensive. In recent years Druids Glen has played host to numerous championship events including four Irish Opens and the Seve Ballesteros Trophy. Voted European Golf Course of the Year 2005, Druids Glen Golf Course remains a modern classic with the 17th hole’s island green providing one of the most exhilarating tests in world golf.