Top Things to do in County Wicklow
Top Hotels in County Wicklow
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in County Wicklow, Province of Leinster
Discover the best top things to do in County Wicklow, Ireland including The Wicklow Way, National Bird of Prey Centre, Vartry Reservoir, Powerscourt Distillery, Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Russborough House, Bray Head, Military Road, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Powerscourt Gardens and House.
Restaurants in County Wicklow
1. The Wicklow Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By Familiaturner
This area of Ireland is not to be missed. Very different from anything else we saw. If you start in Roundwood and take highway R759 you will go through some amazing countryside. Stop near Lough Tay and find the trailhead. (There are a few parking areas). You can take a spectacular hike on a beautifully maintained trail (much of which is raised boardwalk) and see amazing views in every direction. Then, drive towards Sally Gap. It's hauntingly beautiful and unique. So worthwhile. You can continue on to Dublin from there. Country roads (narrow) but typical of those in Ireland.
2. National Bird of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By GoreyLad - Gorey, Ireland
The real stars are the owl, hawks, falcons and eagles, truly amazing birds of prey. We booked the owl experience and started with an introduction to the birds from the extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastically staff, learning about each in turn. We then had time to don a handling glove and have the privilege of allowing four different owls perch on your arms and then to gently stroke their feathers or tickle under their chin. We ended our trip by flying the owl under the guidance of the staff. Bring you camera and wear sturdy shoes as you will be taking a short walk into the fields. This is an amazing experience and well worth the price tag as this is a nationally accredited centre and is working with other centres across Europe to preserve and breed some of the endangered species.
3. Vartry Reservoir
4. Powerscourt Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
The Powerscourt Distillery is the home of Fercullen Irish Whiskey. Located in an 18th century Mill House on Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, the Powerscourt Distillery is set against a backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Wicklow Mountains and The Great Sugarloaf. Only a two-minute walk from Powerscourt House, Gardens and Avoca. A seven-minute walk from Powerscourt Hotel and Powerscourt Golf Club. Globally recognised, award-winning Master Distiller Noel Sweeney oversees all aspect of spirit production and Irish Whiskey released from Powerscourt Distillery. This is a fully immersive Irish Whiskey experience as you visit an operating Irish Whiskey distillery and on-site bonded maturation warehouse before sampling some of the award-winning Fercullen Irish Whiskeys in one of the intimate tasting rooms. The visitor centre includes an AV room, six tasting rooms, gift shop and café/bar facilities with Whiskey tasting, cocktails and food pairings. FREE parking onsite.44 Bus to Enniskerry
Reviewed By SMurphyDublin - Dublin, Ireland
What can I say, we stumbled across this gem in powerscourt estate! We had a fantastic tour by Stephanie and a great whiskey tasting at the end of the tour. This place is lovely and the staff so friendly and accommodating! We ended up buying the 18yr old amazing whiskey! This distillery also holds events and would be perfect for an office / corporate event!
5. Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,114 reviews
This historic site, whose Gaelic name translates to “valley of the two lakes,” consists of the 6th-century monastery founded by St. Kevin and the famous round tower, standing 112 feet high with a base measuring 52 feet in circumference. Visitors: There is a car park at the Visitor Centre. It is recommended to see the informational video at the Visitor Centre before starting your explorations.
Reviewed By 296ashleel
We went on September 25th and it was our first stop after arriving in Dublin. It was the perfect way to kick off our Ireland vacation. It takes a little over an hour to get from Dublin airport to Glendalough (slightly more if you are learning to drive on the opposite side!), so you can definitely do this as a day trip from Dublin. There is parking lot and a small visitor center which contain restrooms. The people at the V.C. desk were able to direct us to the walkway. You can walk around the cemetery and ruins. There were smaller pathways that you could take, so we took one that seemed less traveled. Mainly because there was a large group of students on a field trip which were being quite loud (as high schoolers do). The path we took had benches scattered throughout to stop and really immerse yourself in the quiet and beauty of it all.
6. Russborough House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
A beautifully refurnished 18th century mansion housing the world-famous Albert Beit collection of art.
Reviewed By bethd60 - Fairview, United States
Our tour guide, Charles, was informative and more than willing to part with the family secrets as we made our way through this beautiful home filled with the most amazing furniture and art. This is the longest house in Ireland (700 fee of frontage) and given to the people of Ireland by the Beit famiy (heir to a portion of the DeBeer diamond fortune). Be sure tocheck out the interactive displays and 3D film in the basement. BTW we had a decent lunch in the cafe.
7. Bray Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 507 reviews
Reviewed By BrookeMorales - London, United Kingdom
Park your car in the car park below, pay car park and walk thr Bray head. Approximately 1 hour, easy and lovely walk along the coast.
8. Military Road
9. Wicklow Mountains National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,245 reviews
Reviewed By aralb2018 - Australia, null
The Wicklow Mountains National Park saw me return four times from all sides of the Ireland coastline. I loved the place so much that I cancelled non-refundable hotel bookings so I could stay at Glendalough Hotel just to be closer. The Wicklow Mountains has something for everyone: history; cinema references (the PS I Love You bridge) amongst many more; scenery for the photographer; hiking and silence for those craving it. My next trip to Ireland will be based in and around the Wicklow Mountains for a minimum of a week. This place is so far, one of the more beautiful places I've ventured.
10. Powerscourt Gardens and House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,694 reviews
Voted No. 3 In the Top 10 Gardens of the World - by National Geographic! One of the world's great Gardens, Powerscourt is situated 20km south of Dublin City Centre in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains.The Garden was begun by Richard Wingfield in the 1740's and stretches out over 47 acres. It is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. The House was gutted by fire in 1974 but recently has been reborn as an exceptional tourist destination. An audio visual brings to life the rich history of the Estate, while the double height Georgian Ballroom has been restored and hosts wedding and special events.The House is now home to the best in Irish design in gifts, clothes and furniture in the Avoca Stores and Interiors Gallery. Treat yourself to lunch at the Terrace Cafe where you can enjoy exceptional food, from each loaf of Irish bread to Mediterranean tarts or extraordinary salads. Come and explore all that Powerscourt House & Gardens has to offer, there's something for everyone from little explorers to garden enthusiasts!
Reviewed By L000R - Ireland, null
These house and gardens are wonderful to walk around. I would advise pick up a map when paying for ticket to ensure you know where you are going. Stunning views of the Sugar Loaf mountain and fantastic rose garden in full bloom. It was slightly hazy when we arrived but the sun burnt of the mist. Fabulous day for families and couples alike - loads to see and do
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