You’ll find County Wicklow (Cill Mhantáin) on the east coast of Ireland, just south of Dublin. Apparently it’s known as the Garden of Ireland. The area is bursting with rolling mountains, expanses of woodland, pristine beaches and numerous historic monuments. It’s also home to the country’s highest waterfall (which I did not see) and to the supposed landing site of Saint Patrick.
I’ve collated seven reasons to visit this scenic and idyllic part of the world.
1. it’s a hop, skip and a jump from Dublin
It’s literally a 30 minute drive from the centre of Dublin to the county. Hire a car and head to Enniskerry, best known for Powerscourt Estate and as a gateway town to Wicklow. It was created in the 19th century as a planned village for tenants of the estate. Enniskerry is a charming village and a great base for exploring the Wicklow area.
2. the palatial Powerscourt House and Gardens
The 18th-century Powerscourt country estate and its 47-acre gardens are a major attraction in the Wicklow area. The house as it stands now is a remodel of a former 13th-century castle, extensively renovated through the years and commanding a spectacular view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Also nearby is Powerscourt Waterfall – Ireland’s highest waterfall – 121 metres high in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.
Google tells me that the gardens at the estate have been named as one of the top three most beautiful gardens in the world by National Geographic. They include an Italian garden, a Japanese garden, and a walled garden.
3. The Wicklow Mountains National Park
It is the largest of the six Irish national parks, spanning 220 square kilometres, and is the site of the historic Glendalough monastic site (see below). The Wicklow Way is a self-guided walking trail in the national park and is one of the best loved in the whole of Ireland.
4. Glendalough
Glendalough is a glacial valley right in the heart of the Wicklow Mountain National Park. Known as the valley of the two lakes - (the upper and lower lake) it offers spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. It has numerous walking trails, gorgeous lakes and a 6th-century monastery.
Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City” - one of the country’s most significant early medieval monastic settlements. It was a major centre of religious learning and worship. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries.
5. Sally Gap
The Sally Gap is a mountain pass and scenic road that runs east-west through the middle of the Wicklow Mountains. It starts near Roundwood and passes the corrie (I had to look up the meaning of ‘corrie’ - it’s a circular hollow in the side of a hill or mountain) lake of Lough Tay (see info on Lough Tay below).
This road is a definite must-do when you’re in the area. The moody views of the windy road, the blanket bog, the lashings of heath and the tall mountains framing the scene are just magical.
6. Lough Tay
Lough Tay is a small but scenic lake also known as the Guinness Lake for two reasons apparently. 1. a member of the Guinness family lives there and 2. the shape of the lake with the white sand at the top makes it look like a pint of Guinness. I’m not convinced on the second reason - but you be the judge.
The stunning scenery of the Lake surrounded by the mountains makes it one of the most iconic location in Ireland. The best viewing point to see Lough Tay is along the Military Road above, at the junction with the Wicklow Way. From there, enjoy the stunning views over the Wicklow Mountains.
Note: Lough Tay itself is on private property and cannot be visited. Remember - the Guinness family?
7. The variety of accommodation options
We stayed in a lovely Airbnb in Annamoe (see photos below) .
There are so many beautiful places to stay. The Glendalough Hotel is one. Clone Country House looks pretty glam too!.
