County Wicklow offers a range of themes to consider when planning a trip: Glendalough’s early monastic history, the gardens at Kilmacurragh and Ashford, and nature and hiking opportunities. First, think about which of these interests you want to shape your stay. This can also help you narrow down your hotel search, without turning the different sights into a fixed itinerary.
Glendalough: early monastic history
St Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in County Wicklow in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Its founding story and surviving buildings give the site a distinct historical and cultural focus: those interested in early monastic history can explore both its founder and several different architectural forms.
Diving in the Upper Lake at Glendalough is permitted subject to approval from the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Restrictions may change, so check the service’s current requirements before diving.
National park and walking trails
Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. Wicklow has more than 50 walking trails. They can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty level—specific criteria that let you compare different routes according to your interests. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. As the range of routes may change, check the latest information before setting out.
Monastic history, gardens and April blooms
Kilmacurragh also has a long history: a monastery stood there in the 7th century. In 1996, a 21-hectare part of the former Kilmacurragh demesne became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. One seasonal highlight is Rhododendron Week, held every year in April. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to plan your stay around this event.
In the village of Ashford, Mount Usher Gardens extend across 22 acres along the River Vartry. The gardens are an example of Robinsonian-style planting. Nearby, visitors can explore the Avoca food market, which offers a selection of artisan foods; the selection may change. The gardens and market offer different reasons to visit: one focuses on landscape design, the other on food.
Treetop walkway and other experiences
In Rathdrum, Beyond the Trees Avondale offers a 1.4-kilometre treetop walkway. It ends at a 38-metre-high viewing tower with panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. The attraction also includes a 90-metre spiral slide from the viewing tower. Avondale was the site of Ireland’s first forestry school in 1904. The attraction thus combines a present-day visitor experience with a specific chapter in the history of forestry. Operating details may change; check them before your visit.
Greenan Maze offers families mazes, museums and encounters with farm animals. As visitor offerings and facilities may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before travelling. Together with the walking trails and treetop walkway, it offers a range of activities; which ones suit your trip depends on whether you want to focus on outdoor activity, history or designed landscapes.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Brittas Bay, Wicklow, Shillelagh, Enniskerry, Bray, Aughrim, Arklow, Blessington, Hollywood, Boystown, An Láithreach, Rathnew, Donard, Avoca, Newtownmountkennedy, Woodenbridge, Kilcoole, Dunlavin, Ballinalea, Ashford, Baltinglass, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Rathdrum, Ballyknockan, Greystones, Kilmacanoge, Kiltegan, Tinahely, Redcross, Roundwood, Oldbridge.
For the broader travel overview: Leinster.
