Wicklow

Known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow contains outstanding scenery of mountains, valleys, lakes and coastline. The mountainous landscape is bordered by golden sandy beaches in the east and Blessington Lakes in the west and provides a haven for nature lovers. With an abundance of top class accommodation, attractions and activities, Co. Wicklow is a must.

Exploring

Arklow
This viking town was a noted ship and boat building town. The fishing village character is still evident in an area called "The Fisheries" and the port still boasts a sizeable fleet of fishing boats. There are excellent beaches close to Arklow and boating facilities on the Avoca River and in the harbour.

Avoca
Born out of the copper mining industry, which thrived here in the last century before finally closing in 1982, this attractive village on the Avoca River is now more famous for the hand weaving looms and the craft shop of the Avoca handweavers. Avoca has also in recent years been recognised as the location for the well known series "Ballykissangle".

Blessington
A long established town which dates from c1682 when Michael Boyle, who was granted the manor by Charles II in 1669, laid out a one street village. The Protestant parish church dates back to this time. The nearby lakes are part of a hydro-electric scheme created when the valleys of the Liffey and Kings rivers were flooded. These lakes are now a huge recreational amenity incorporating a leisure pursuits centre where watersports skills and other activities can be learned, practiced and enjoyed.

Bray
One of the oldest seaside resorts in the country, much of the Victorian character of the original town is evident on the promenade and in the houses facing onto the sea front. The modern town of Bray is a busy business town with excellent amenities and east access to Dublin, which is only 25 minutes away on the Dart - the efficient electric train which runs from Bray to Howth via Dublin city.

Wicklow Town
The county town with a fine harbour, beautifully sandy beaches to the south and the extensive shingle beach with its bird life and marvellous shore angling to the north. The ruins of a 13th century friary lie to the west of the town centre, while the 18th century Protestant church occupies the site of an earlier medieval establishment of which only a 12th century Romanesque doorway remains.

Attractions

Wicklow's Historic Gaol, Wicklow
Experience history brought to life through the eyes of a prisoner in Wicklow Gaol.

Mount Usher Gardens, Ashford
These lovely gardens are laid out along the banks of the Varty River.

National Garden Exhibition Centre, Kilquade, Nr. Kilpedder
16 different show gardens depicting the styles available to home owners.

National Sealife Centre, Bray
Exciting close encounters with marvels of marine life from Shrimps to Shark, Octopus to Eels.

Russborough House, Blessington
The palladian house by Richard Cassells was built between 1740 and 1750. Now houses the famous Beit art collection.

Glenroe Open Farm, Ballygannon, Kilcoole
Visit the farm where Glenroe the series is filmed. See Dinny's cottage with jaccuzzi.

Avondale House, Rathdrum
Avondale was the birthplace and residence of Charles Stewart Parnell - one of Ireland's greatest political leaders.

Avoca Handweavers, Avoca
The oldest working woollen mill in Ireland located in beautiful surroundings.

Clara Lara Funpark, Rathdrum
Outdoor family adventure park including boating & crazy golf.

Powerscourt Gardens and House Exhibition
One of the worlds greatest gardens, stretching out over 45 acres. It is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The 18th century Palladian House incorporates a terrace restaurant and a house exhibition tracing the evolution of the Powerscourt Estate.

Glendalough Visitors Centre
The visitor centre is located beside the famous monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. It houses an exhibition, audio-visual show entitled "Ireland of the Monasteries" and guided tours of the monastic site are provided.

Activities

Golf
Choice of over 20 golf courses including Druids Glen, home of Murphys Irish Open.

Walking
Walk in the Wicklow Mountains, the longest mountain range in Ireland and home to the Wicklow Way (131 kms) - The first way marked route in Ireland.

Equestrian
Choose from trail riding, trekking, polo, horse caravans holidays to residential equestrian centre.

Angling
Sample extensive shore angling some of the best in Ireland.