Things to Do in County Wicklow: Ireland's Garden County

Wicklow is Ireland's Garden County and a great place for a family day out. I've spent many a Sunday afternoon cycling around Wicklow.

Fun fact: Wicklow was one the last county to be officially "shired" in 1606, making it Ireland's youngest county.

This late formal recognition comes from Wicklow's mountainous terrain, which served as a stronghold for Irish clans resisting English rule. The O'Byrne and O'Toole families used these natural defenses to maintain independence long after other regions had fallen.

Unlike many Leinster towns that developed around Norman settlements, Wicklow's growth patterns were shaped by its dramatic geography. The county's name originates from the Viking "Vikinglo" or "Viking Meadow. It's one of the few Irish counties with direct Norse naming origins, rather than the Gaelic or Norman influences found elsewhere in Leinster.

Why is Wicklow Famous?

Wicklow, the "Garden of Ireland," dazzles with its dramatic landscape of towering mountains, pristine beaches, and lush valleys just 30 minutes from Dublin. The crown jewel is Glendalough, where St. Kevin's 5th-century monastic settlement sits between two mirror-like lakes. At the same time, the magnificent Powerscourt Estate and the golden stretches of Brittas Bay draw tourists year-round.

This picturesque county boasts a colorful past as both Viking settlement and rebel stronghold, with raiders long tormenting Dublin from mountain hideouts. Famous for Ireland's oldest working mill at Avoca (dating to 1723) and as birthplace of statesman Charles Stewart Parnell, Wicklow packs centuries of Irish history and breathtaking scenery into a single, accessible destination.

Wicklow's Must-See Attractions

Glendalough Monastic City

This 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin offers much more than just a quick photo opportunity. Most visitors make the mistake of seeing only the iconic round tower without exploring the upper lake and surrounding woodland trails.

Visitor Info: Arrive before 10am to avoid coach tours. The visitor center opens at 9:30am daily and provides essential context through its exhibition. Allow at least 3 hours to experience both the monastic site and the surrounding valley properly.

Unlike similar monastic sites like Clonmacnoise in Offaly, Glendalough offers the rare combination of historical significance and extraordinary natural beauty. The site is situated in a glacial valley with two lakes.

Glendalough Visitor Centre

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens

These meticulously maintained gardens span 47 acres and feature distinct sections including an Italian garden, Japanese gardens, and the Pepperpot Tower. The walled gardens provide seasonal interest throughout the year.

Visitor Info: The gardens open at 9:30am with last entry at 5:30pm during summer. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the gardens and house fully. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

While Kilruddery House in north Wicklow also boasts impressive gardens, Powerscourt's dramatic setting beneath the Great Sugarloaf mountain gives it an edge that few estates in Leinster can match.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Covering over 20,000 hectares, this is Ireland's largest national park. While many visitors drive the Military Road for views, the real treasures lie in the network of walking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.

Visitor Info: The Sally Gap often experiences low cloud cover in mornings that clears by midday. For the best photography conditions, visit between 2-4pm when the light hits the heather-covered slopes.

Unlike the more manicured Killarney National Park, Wicklow Mountains National Park offers a wilder, more rugged landscape that feels remote despite being less than an hour from Dublin.

Wicklow Gaol

This former prison provides an immersive experience of Irish penal history. The guided tours include actor interpretations that bring to life the stories of inmates from the 1798 rebellion through to the famine years.

Visitor Info: Book the evening tours (Friday/Saturday at 7pm) for a more atmospheric experience with smaller groups. Allow 1.5 hours for the full tour.

Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin may be better known, but Wicklow Gaol offers a more intimate experience with better storytelling and fewer crowds.

Brittas Bay

This Blue Flag beach stretches for 5km with pristine white sand dunes. The southern end of the beach near the Buckroney dunes offers more seclusion than the main entrance points.

Visitor Info: Parking fills quickly on summer weekends - arrive before 11am or after 4pm. The beach faces east, making it ideal for morning swims and early picnics.

While Curracloe in Wexford might be more famous for Saving Private Ryan, locals know Brittas has better facilities... and fewer tourists.

Wicklow's Lesser-Known Treasures

Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens

While everyone visits Powerscourt, these gardens remain relatively unknown despite housing some of Europe's most important plant collections. The arboretum contains massive Himalayan rhododendrons and the oldest known specimens of Chilean fire trees in Europe.

During the Great Famine, the Acton family who owned Kilmacurragh refused to evict their tenants and instead employed them in developing these gardens.

Victor's Way Indian Sculpture Park

This unusual attraction near Roundwood contains large granite sculptures created by an eccentric German artist. The sculptures represent stages of spiritual enlightenment and create an unexpected meditation space in the Wicklow countryside.

The park was initially designed only for those over 28 years old, as the owner believed spiritual contemplation wasn't possible for younger minds. After local protest, this restriction was removed, but the story adds to the park's quirky reputation.

Devil's Glen Sculpture Trail

This woodland walk combines natural beauty with contemporary art installations that change seasonally. The name comes from the narrow gorge where the River Vartry drops 100 meters, creating a roaring sound early settlers attributed to supernatural forces.

Wicklow folklore claims a chieftain's daughter was abducted by the devil here but escaped by tricking him into changing into a horse, which she then rode to exhaustion. The waterfall's distinctive red stones are said to be stained with the devil's blood.

Event Calendar

Spring Events

Wicklow Gardens Festival (April-May) This festival offers access to private gardens not normally open to the public. Many are attached to historic homes where owners provide personal tours and often tea on the lawn.

Wicklow Screaming Festival (Late May) This alternative music festival takes place in smaller venues across Wicklow Town. Local bands perform alongside more established acts, with many performances happening in unconventional spaces like converted warehouses and heritage buildings.

Summer Events

Wicklow Regatta (July) Ireland's oldest maritime festival features traditional boat races alongside swimming competitions and harbor-side entertainment. The highlight is the "Duck Derby" where thousands of numbered rubber ducks race down the Vartry River.

Blessington Lakes Festival (August) Celebrating water sports and lake ecology, this festival includes demonstrations from local clubs, folklore storytelling about the flooded villages beneath the reservoir, and evening music sessions on floating platforms.

Autumn Events

Wicklow Food Festival (September) Focusing on the county's reputation as "The Garden of Ireland," this festival showcases local producers with tastings, demonstrations, and farm visits. The mushroom foraging walks with local experts are particularly popular.

Wicklow Sailing Club's Turkey Shoot Series (October-November) This series of handicap sailing races takes place each Sunday morning in Wicklow Harbour. Spectators can enjoy the colorful sails from the harbor wall, with commentary often provided by retired sea captains.

Winter Events

Wicklow Christmas Market (December) This Alpine-style market transforms the Abbey Grounds with local crafts, food stalls and a vintage carousel. The market emphasizes sustainable gifts and zero-waste products from Wicklow producers.

Family Activities

Clara Lara Fun Park

This outdoor adventure park uses natural water features for slides, rope swings, and rowing activities. The canoe rides through miniature rapids are particularly thrilling for older children.

Age Range: Best for ages 5-14, though toddler areas are available All-Weather Note: Primarily outdoor, but more fun in light rain when water features flow faster!

Sea Life Bray

This aquarium focuses on Irish marine wildlife with excellent interactive touch pools. The conservation talks about local marine issues are genuinely educational rather than performative.

Age Range: Suitable for all ages, with special programs for ages 3-8 All-Weather Note: Fully indoor attraction, perfect for rainy days

Squirrel's Scramble Adventure Park

This treetop adventure course in Killruddery Estate features ziplines and climbing challenges of varying difficulties. The "Forest Floor" nature trail engages younger children not yet ready for heights.

Age Range: Courses available for ages 3+ All-Weather Note: Closes in high winds but operates in light rain

Wicklow's Historic Gaol Escape Room

Unlike standard escape rooms, this experience incorporates actual prison history into the puzzles. Families must solve challenges based on real escape attempts documented in prison records.

Age Range: Best for ages 10+ All-Weather Note: Fully indoor attraction

Local Business Highlights

The Strawberry Tree at BrookLodge

Laying claim as Ireland's first certified organic restaurant, it sources ingredients from its own gardens and local suppliers. Their wild garlic pesto made seasonally in spring has developed a cult following, with locals bringing their containers for takeaway portions.

The signature dish is slow-cooked Wicklow venison with foraged mushrooms, complemented by their homemade sloe gin that perfectly balances tart and sweet notes.

Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy

This artisan food store and delicatessen specializes in products from small Wicklow producers. Their cheese counter features varieties not distributed beyond county lines, including an ash-rolled goat cheese from a three-goat farm in the Wicklow hills.

Avoca Handweavers

While Avoca has become a national brand, their Avoca Village location remains special. The historic weaving mill continues to produce traditional throws and blankets using methods that date back to 1723. The onsite café pioneered farm-to-table dining in Ireland long before it became trendy.

Unlike other locations, the original Avoca store maintains a working relationship with locals who supply specific wool qualities for traditional patterns still woven on-site.

Is Wicklow Worth Visiting?

Wicklow is called the Garden County for a good reason. From ancient monasteries to contemporary art installations, Wicklow offers a rich tapestry of experiences that reward those willing to explore beyond the prominent attractions.

The Garden County's proximity to Dublin sometimes causes it to be overlooked as a destination, but if the weather is good, it's a great spot for hiking, driving, cycling, and a family day out.

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