"Garden of Ireland" Top 5 Page for this destination Wicklow by Ruai

Wicklow Travel Guide: 79 reviews and 234 photos

Its a cliche but . . . .

Wicklow is both a green lung for the ever encroaching urban sprawl of Dublin and a beautiful, historic place in its own right. Increasingly its towns such as Bray, Arklow and Wicklow town itself have been forced into the role of commuter suburbs for Dublin but Wicklow County Council continues to fight a gallant battle to retain the separate identity of the county. Needless to say, all Dubliners love Wicklow as do any tourists who go there. But the fear is that it'll become too popular for its own good.

Range of attractions

While the primary attraction is the great outdoors, Wicklow has something for most tastes: ancient monastic settlements (Glendalough); beautiful gardens (Mt Usher, Powerscourt); pretty villages (Enniskerry); old Hotels (Hunters); quiet valleys (Glenmalure); excellent walking (the Wicklow 'Mountains' and the excellent way-marked wicklow way); peaceful lakes (Blessington). The Towns are not bad either :-)and if you're into sports theres plenty of choice there too, with riding and Golf particularly well-catered for. When you get hungry, you'll be well looked after and the area boasts many snug and quirky pubs. If I sound like I work for the Wicklow Tourist Board its because I grew up with Wicklow as my playground and think that everybody else should enjoy it too :-)

Last visit to Wicklow: Apr 2006
Intro Updated Dec 28, 2006
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Reviews (13)

The Round tower at Glendalough - Wicklow

Perfection Things to Do (6)

To me, Glendalough is a special place, combining the ancient ruins of the early St Kevins monastery with the two lakes... more travel advice

Where everybody goes to eat Restaurants (2)

Poppies serve good, simple food in convivial surroundings. Their coffee is great and the sweets aren't bad either :-)... more travel advice

This folly comes with cannon and a view! - Wicklow

Powerscourt House and Gardens Things to Do (6)

This spot is on the itinerary of all tourists to Wicklow. Once one of the most magnificent Palladian mansions in Ireland... more travel advice

Good for the family Restaurants (2)

The Heathers restaurant is a pleasant place to pile into for lunch after a bracing walk in Glendalough. The food is... more travel advice

Hotels (3)
See All Probably the best hostel in Wicklow

Nightlife (2)
See All Germany calling

Comments (5)

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lomi Apr 6, 2010 at 3:04 PM

I loved your tips and am tempted into a month long trip to Ireland this summer. What's the summer weather like?
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wandabendik Nov 17, 2008 at 5:30 AM

Great tips from a man who knows. Tried and tested now. Thanks Ruaidhri.
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Marisola Mar 13, 2008 at 1:33 PM

My friend Amy is getting married there in June. Know any good photographers?
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mariaschmidt Jul 29, 2007 at 2:35 AM

I like Avoca really very much. Been there twice . I think if I would live in Ireland I will chose to live in Avoca and commute to work in Dublin :-)) Mary
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BeatChick Aug 19, 2006 at 5:54 PM

Excellent page on the Wicklow area! When we visit Eire this is one place we definitely plan to visit as my daughter wants to hike the hills of Ireland. :)