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Scenic Drives: Wicklow Gap (Hollywood to Laragh 26km) & Sally
Gap (Enniskerry to Lough Tay)
There are two spectacular scenic drives through the Wicklow
mountains. The narrow roads pass through wild landscape, marked by
small waterfalls coming out of the sides of the hills, mature
forests and blanket bog. This beautiful area has been the location
for scenes from several films including 'P.S. I Love You', 'Braveheart'
and 'Excalibur'.
Wicklow Mountains National Park,
www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/
The purpose of the National Park is to conserve local biodiversity
and landscape. It covers over 20,000 hectares – the most visited
area of which is the Glendalough Valley. The park arranges a variety
of free events throughout the year from star gazing to nature walks.
See website for details and booking information.
National Sea Life Centre, Bray 01 2866939
http://www.sealife.co.uk/local/index.php?loc=bray
Located on Bray's Seafront, this is one of the country's largest
all-weather Marine and Freshwater Zoos. Its collection of over 90
species of underwater animals is displayed in a range of exciting
exhibits. A great trip for the family – especially for one of those
rainy days.
Bray
Cliff Walk to Greystones.
Stunning 8 kilometre walk taking in spectacular sea and mountain
views. After your invigorating walk relax in one of Greystones' fine
coffee shops and if you've done enough walking for one day you can
return to Bray on the DART. (http://www.irishrail.ie/home/
for timetables).
Glenroe Open Farm , Kilcoole (01) 287 2288
www.glenroefarm.com/
For both a fun and educational family day out visit Glenroe. Observe
and pet the farm animals, visit the museum, go for a nature walk,
discover the secret and sensory gardens and enjoy the playground.
Indoor and outdoor picnic facilities available or taste the home
baking in the coffee shop.
National Garden Exhibition Centre, Kilquade 01 2819890
http://www.gardenexhibition.ie/
A great place to come for inspiration
for your garden or just to enjoy the beauty of a well designed
garden. With 22 exhibition gardens created by leading garden
designers and several medal winners showing over 15,000 plant
species you're sure to bring home some new ideas. Coffee shop on
site.
Kilruddery House & Gardens, Bray 00 353 (0) 1 286 3405
http://www.killruddery.com/
This fine Elizabethan-Revival mansion has been home to the Brabazon
family since 1618 with one of the oldest gardens in Ireland. The
Orangery built in 1852 and restored in 2000 houses an impressive
collection of marble statues.
Mt.Usher Gardens Ashford 0404 40205 / 40116
www.mountushergardens.ie/index.html
Located along the River Vartry these eight hectares of gardens
designed in the Robinsonian style attract horticulturists from all
over the world.
Like all the great
gardens of Ireland, Mount Usher offers varying pleasures at
different seasons of the year. Rhododendrons in Spring, a blaze of
Summer colour and the wistful tints of Autumn, all elegantly set off
by the crystal waters of the river.
Devil's Glen
Ashford
http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/index.php?id=53&rec_site=25&no_cache=1
Dramatic wooded walks with a choice of two trails: the 5 km
waterfall walk descends down the gorge to the Vartry river or
The Seamus Heaney Walk - approximately
4 km of rough walking with steep sections taking in views over the
surrounding countryside, diverse woodland cover and 'Sculpture in
Woodland' pieces. This is a unique outdoor gallery displaying a
variety of large woodland sculptures created by artists from around
the world.
Wicklow's Historic Gaol 0404 61599
http://www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com/history.htm
Infamous gaol built at the beginning of the 18th century.
Its history is brought to life through audio visual displays,
figures, graphics and actors. Gain insight into the practice of
transporting convicts to Australia and board the model of the
convict ship HMS Hercules. If you're brave enough you can take the
tour in the dark and mingle with the ghosts! (adults only). Craft
shop and cafe complete your visit.
Avondale House & Gardens, Rathdrum 0404 46111
www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&rec_site=4
Avondale House, the birthplace and family residence of Charles
Stewart Parnell, is set in a 214 hectare estate. The park has six
way-marked walks and trails or varying distances: river walk, cairn
walk, exotic tree trail, pine tree trail, centenary trail and Slí na
Slainte (Path to Health) . Other facilities include a restaurant,
book shop, picnic areas and children’s play area.
Greenan Farm Museums & Maze, Rathdrum 0404 46000
http://greenanmaze.com
A collection of museums displaying exhibits related to a traditional
hill-farm and dating back over 200 years. The Celtic Maze is a
tricky hedge maze covering half an acre. Follow the Celtic spirals
to find the pond in the centre. Or for a more contemplative
experience try the Solstice Maze with its 21 stones. Also on site
enjoy the nature/farm walk and home baking in the tearooms.
Clara-Lara Fun Park , Rathdrum 0404 46161
http://www.claralara.com/
A unique outdoor adventure park located on 60 acres dedicated to
providing healthy and creative fun for children of all ages.
Be prepared for a soaking as you enjoy water slides, rowing boats,
walk the plank off the pirate ship, amphicats, aqua shuttle, rope
swings, radio controlled boats, mini-golf, go-karts and more. Picnic
and barbeque facilities on site.
Avoca
Handweavers, Avoca, +353-402-35105 also Kilmacanogue 353-1-274
6900 www.avoca.ie
Avoca village is the birthplace of what has become a very successful
Irish brand in fashion, food, gifts and homeware. You can visit the
mill and tour the weaving sheds . To experience the excellent food
and retail range you can visit any of 4 locations in Co.Wicklow:
Avoca village. Kilmacanogue, Powerscourt House (see above) and Mount
Usher Gardens (see above).
Maritime Museum, Arklow 086 3843283
http://www.arklowmaritimemuseum.com/
Explore Arklow's seafaring past with a diverse range of maritime
exhibits including shipbuilders models, old navigational
instruments, a navy officer uniform as well as mementoes collected
by seamen from around the world. The museum also records the work of
The RNLI with Arklow being the first lifeboat station opened in
Ireland in 1826.
Baltinglass Abbey
Baltinglass Abbey is one of the most important Cistercian abbeys of
Leinster. and was founded in 1148 by Dermot McMurrough, king of
Leinster. The six beautiful Gothic arches on either side of the
nave, supported by alternate round and square pillars, are a
noteworthy feature of the ruins.
Kippure Estate Adventure
www.adventurewicklow.com/
01 4592889
240 acres of mature woodland and wilderness make the perfect place
for an afternoon (or more) of adventure: including a High Ropes
Course, Climbing and Abseiling, Orienteering, Archery and
Hillwalking.
Blessington Lakes
These man-made lakes were created during the building of the
Poulaphouca Dam and hydroelectric station and are still maintained
by the Electricity Supply Board. They are a popular spot for coarse
fishing (permit required: see www.fishingireland.net/fishing/coarse/dublin/blessington.htm),
walking and other water based activities.
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