Location: Wicklow
Top Things to do in Wicklow
The 10 Best Things to Do in Wicklow, Ireland
Wicklow (Irish: Cill Mhantáin, meaning "church of the toothless one") is the county town of County Wicklow and the capital of the Mid-East Region in Ireland. Located south of Dublin on the east coast of the island, it has a population of 10,584 according to the 2016 census. The town is to the east of the N11 route between Dublin and Wexford. Wicklow is also linked to the rail network, with Dublin commuter services now extending to the town. Additional services connect with Arklow, Wexford and Rosslare Europort, a main ferry port. There is also a commercial port, mainly importing timber and textiles. The River Vartry is the main river which flows through the town.
Restaurants in Wicklow
1. Vagabond Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 518 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy O - Libertyville, Illinois
My husband and I had a FANTASTIC time on our 8-Day Wild Irish Rover Tour in mid-September! We had looked forward to it for so long, and it met and far exceeded any expectations we may have had! We felt like we had been totally immersed in the Irish culture and history, folklore, music, people. Our guide's (Darran) passion for his country was amazing. His gift of story telling and knowledge of Irish history, folklore, music, culture was incredible. His energy, positive attitude, ready smile, easy laugh and sense of humor set the tone for our group dynamics all 8 days of the tour ~ and it was fantastic! No one wanted it to end. Your attention to every detail did not go unnoticed. The van was comfortable, always clean-inside and out. Flexible planning, prompt departures (it's not easy to mobilize 12 people) anticipating our needs, calls to set up experiences (the sheep farm, Dingle Crystal), dinner and lunch Reservations, irish coffee and biscuits at "the top of the world", a dip in the sea, off the beaten path drives....took advantage of every opportunity to experience Ireland. We loved every outdoor/active experience from visiting historical ruins and sites, hiking, scenery stops, kayaking, biking, picnics, pub visits. Each day's plan was perfectly orchestrated to take advantage of every opportunity and get us out of the bus and active! The accommodations, breakfasts, and lodging hosts were all so comfortable, well prepared and warmly welcoming! I can't think of a single flaw to the whole experience. We will be talking about this to our friends, neighbors and family and encouraging any/all to visit and experience Ireland with Vagabond! We are so sad that it's over and wish we could do it all over again! THANK you, thank you, thank you, Darran, and the Vagabond team, for a travel experience of a lifetime. We really did fall in love with your beautiful country of Ireland!
2. The Wicklow Way
Overall Ratings
5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By daymoLiverpool - Liverpool, United Kingdom
A mild Sunday afternoon we set off from Stepaside for a shortish drive up Crone Woods - on the Wicklow Way. The drive up is quite impressive with different hills and scenes over Dublin bay. The mist was rolling in on the top of some the hills which made it more atmospheric.
We parked up at the Crone Woods carpark and set off on our walk which is fairly up hill, we were struck by the range of different colours in the trees shades of orange, brown, and greens and as the sun was coming down it seemed even more dramatic. We continued to encourage each other up the hill to the gorgeous view of Powercourt waterfall were we rested taking in views of the scenery before continuing our descent down. again noticing the different landscapes and diversity of trees. In total the walk lasted about an hour and to the total of about 9000 steps. A good head clearing experience and now for the Sunday roast.....
3. Mount Usher Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By mikefagan1 - Foxrock, Dublin 18.
Every Christmas our daughters present us with an annual season ticket (exceptional value, btw, given that the Gardens are open all year round). We love these Gardens because, even when it's busy at weekends & on Bank Holidays etc., it's always possible to wander off the beaten track & soak up the peace & quiet of these beautiful Gardens. The Gardens themselves are a credit to the gardening staff, my wife & I keep thinking back to about 30/40 (?) years ago when, it seemed to us, they were starting to deteriorate. We enjoy seeing the many painters & photographers setting up their equipment in their favourite places & the numerous enthusiasts taking close-up photographs with their mobiles of the flowers & the birds & the bees. Last weekend we spotted a camera crew from a well known TV station shooting models in front of several beautiful trees & shrubs in all of their autumnal glory - we couldn't help but feel that the beautiful models & clothes paled into utter insignificance when compared to nature's glory. This is our Top Favourite garden in Ireland & we cannot re mom end it too highly.
4. Bray Head Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 924 reviews
Reviewed By Mike F - Dublin, Ireland
While I heard that this walk was a great hike, I found it a little disappointing. The start from Bray is nice along the sea front but towards the end at Greystones, it just seems to be flat farmland and nothing really of interest. It ran into more scrub land and then into a building site with metal fencing. What an eye sore. Greystones seems an ok village. Got the train back as one member of the group had sore feet. Just beware when buying a train ticket as the machine is rather rmisleading. The first option is for a return ticket rather than singles, so just be careful what your buying. While the walk was ok, the Howth cliff walk is better.
5. Druids Glen Golf Resort
Overall Ratings
5 based on 142 reviews
Welcome to Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort - the perfect location for a golfing break in Ireland, where you can tee off on a course of champions in surroundings rich in history and prestige. Whether you are staying at our luxury Wicklow hotel or visiting for the day, our two championship golf courses allow our golfing guests enjoy varied play over equally exhilarating landscapes - both of which are renowned as being amongst the finest, most challenging and most enjoyable in Europe.
Reviewed By finchymyboy - Bedford. England
This was our second consecutive year that we stayed and played at Druids Glen. The hotel is luxurious and worth its 5 star rating. The bedrooms are very spacious and very well appointed, the breakfast and bar food was excellent, good choice and not over-priced. All the staff in every area of the hotel were so helpful and friendly, you cannot fail to have a really good experience. We went as part of a golf package so we had golf included and played on the Druids Glen course twice in our 5 days. The course is the Irish Augusta, very picturesque and in stunning condition, greens are quick and will catch you out if not careful. The second course is The Heath and also excellent but very different - it is long and when the wind blows (which it does) and the rain comes in this is a real test for the very best golfer. Good practice facilities by the side of the Heath course by way of a driving range, you can get tokens for balls from the hotel Reception desk when the pro shop is closed. Altogether a really great venue, the only thing you need a bit of luck with is the weather and when the sun shines (which it did) the place looks even more beautiful. Enjoy.
6. Irish Working Sheepdogs
Overall Ratings
5 based on 73 reviews
There’s nothing a sheepdog likes more than to hunt sheep, and Michael will prove this as he puts his dogs to work. Throughout the demonstration, he will explain what each command means, giving a good insight into the dog training technique. This demonstration is a must see for all. You will witness the intelligence of these sheepdogs as they follow the commands obediently. This is a perfect opportunity for you to capture the true essence of Irish country living. Our sheepdog demonstrations showcase the process of sheep herding, and we have specially designed packages for corporate team building, so if you fancy a break from the office and a fun day out with your colleagues, look no further!
Reviewed By jihuff - Fairview, Texas
It was the last stop on our Wild Rover Tour of Kilkenny, Glendalough, and Wicklow Mts. The day had been rainy, but our tour guide Richard and bus driver Sarah, had filled our day with lots of great experiences. Our last stop was to view...MoreI am glad you enjoyed it. It is always great to get positive feedback. Make sure to tell all your pals!! to visit me 'Irish Working Sheepdogs' at Annamoe! Regards Michael
7. Olde Shillelagh Stick Maker
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By OzBrian - Sydney, Australia
We didn't visit in person, but ordered from their web site. The communication was excellent and the whole experience was not only trouble free, but also a pleasure. We selected our stick and it arrived safely within 10 days of ordering (we are in Australia).
The walking stick itself exceeded our expectations. We are planning a trip to Ireland and Shillelagh is now firmly on the itinerary.
8. National Garden Exhibition Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Arboretum Kilquade National Garden Exhibition Centre, is a family run business offering not only 18 inspirational Gardens but it is also a garden & lifestyle centre. There is Rachel's Secret Garden Café onsite, with children's menu, free WIFI and wheelchair accessibility. There is also a children's playground onsite too.
Reviewed By JeanDublin m - Dublin, Ireland
I visited here with my family on a sunny day to buy some plants for the garden. Everything is laid out beautifully and the variety gives you a lot of choice. We bought plants we hadn't seen before in other garden centres. The staff were friendly and knowledgable. There is a nice looking cafe which we didn't have time to eat in so we will go back another day to try the tasty looking food. This was a very pleasant place to spend an hour and we will return
9. The Mill at Avoca Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
On the banks of the Avoca river, you’ll find the Avoca store, cafe and mill. This location is the birthplace of the Avoca experience, and the origin of the family’s company name. Dating from 1723, this very special Avoca location is home to the handweaving mill, a large Avoca Store and Cafe and a visitor centre (admission free) which tells the story of the mill from the beginning. The Mill Tour invites people to see firsthand where our very own throws, rugs and scarves come from, and to see them being made by hand. Some of our weavers who work here are third generation.
Reviewed By ALISON H - Harrogate, United Kingdom
A good stopping off place combining tasty homemade food with an insight into modern weaving techniques . There is also a gift shop selling some beautiful woollen products from the mill , which are quite expensive . But we enjoyed our refreshments , particularly the cheese , tomato and herb scones , and having a glimpse of the weaving shed , where most of the process is automated nowadays .
10. Glenroe Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 63 reviews
Glenroe Farm is a family run open farm located along the coast of North Wicklow and less than 1 hour from Dublin City Centre. It is an ideal location for a great family day out. The farm has lots of friendly farm animals, Pets' Corner where children can hold and pet smaller animals, a fabulous outdoor playground overlooks the farm, a nature walk with sensory garden and secret garden, a 400 year old thatch cottage with exhibits, a coffee shop, gift shop and lots of indoor/outdoor picnic areas.
Reviewed By IrelandMeath - Dublin, Ireland
Visited here with our toddler on a lovely sunny day. Entry cost €21 and this was our first visit. The little museum at the beginning isn't that great. Glenroe Farm is more about the Playgrounds and animals that are there. There are two Playgrounds that have lots of different slides, swings, etc. The usual array of farm animals are present and there is a petting area where children get to hold different small animals if they wish (e.g. rabbits, Guinea pigs, chicks). We brought a picnic with us and got coffee in the cafe. The cafe has a selection of lovely cakes, as well as freshly made sandwiches and soup available. There are plenty of picnic tables for visitors.
To sum, we enjoyed our visit to Glenroe farm, but it is quite pricey for €21 for a family of three as the main attraction and interest for our toddler was the playground.
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