41 Things to do in Wicklow County

County Wicklow is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. Just a short drive from Dublin, It is known as the garden of Ireland because of it’s green and well-designed landscapes. There are numerous places in County Wicklow that attract tourists from all over the world, such as Wicklow Mountain National Park, Lough Tay, Glendalough medieval monastic settlement and Glendalough valley. Filmmakers also love the scenes Wicklow provides and have shot a few films and series in this County.

1| Glendalough Valley

Glendalough or Glendaloch is a valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is found within the Wicklow mountains range. The name means ‘valley of the two lakes; the two lakes being the upper lake and the lower lake. The lakes are so beautiful and perfect for a picnic.

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2| Glendalough Monastic Settlement

Near the lower lake, there are historical sites and ruins, a cathedral, as well as great walking trails. People come from all over the world to see how people settled a long time ago. 

3| Lough Tay

Lough Tay means ‘Lake Tay’ and is located on the Guinness Estates. Surrounded by Wicklow mountains, the lake presents such a magnificent and picturesque scenery that is arguably one of the best in the whole of Ireland. The Vikings series are filmed here. In my opinion, picnicking at the lake is one thing you must do when in Ireland. 

4| Powerscourt Estate & Gardens

At Powerscourt Estate & Gardens in Enniskerry, you will be mesmerized by a beautiful house and breathtaking gardens that surround a beautiful Triton Lake. Visiting Powerscourt is one of the best things to do in Wicklow and very popular amongst tourist from all over the world, it is wise to plan your trip wisely and avoid times that the gardens will be filled with people. 

5| Powerscourt Falls

Just 6km from Powerscourt Estate & Gardens you will find this beautiful waterfall that stands at  398 ft. Powerscourt Falls is considered Ireland’s highest waterfall. People sit around the waterfall and enjoy a picnic while admiring the beauty of this area.

6| Sugar Loaf Mountain

The ‘Great Sugar Loaf’ Mountain in County Wicklow can be viewed from various places around Wicklow. When you stand at the Powerscourt Estate House or in the Powerscourt Gardens, you can see Sugar Loaf Mountain.

7| Military Road

Military Road runs from Rathfarnham, Dublin through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains and Enniskerry, all the way to County Carlow border. The road was constructed by the British army in order to capture Michael Dwyer, an Irish rebel leader in the 1800’s.

8| Bray Seafront

Bray is in County Wicklow, about 30km from Wicklow mountains. When you are driving from Dublin you will get to Bray first before Wicklow Mountains National Park, Lough Tay, and Glendalough. The seaside town is vibrant and bright, it is perfect for a day trip. People sit outside pubs and restaurants along the seafront and enjoy fresh fish and chips. Eating fish and chips while strolling along the coast in Bray is one of the best things to do in Wicklow. 

Other things to do in Wicklow County:

9| Visit the famous Sally’s Gap in Enniskerry

10| See Russborough House & Parklands

11| Be mesmerized by the views from Wicklow Head

12| Take a scenic drive via Wicklow Way

13| Visit the filming location of the ‘Braveheart’ movie

14| See the bridge where ‘P.S. I Love You’ was filmed

15| Go to Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue

16| Visit The Mill at Avoca Village

17| Visit the National Sea Life Center in Bray

18| Take a Bray Head Cliff Walk

19| Take in the beautiful views at Bray Head

20| Visit the Festina Lente Equestrian Centre & Walled Gardens

21| Take a stroll in Mount Usher Gardens

22| Visit Brittas Bay

23| Another beautiful garden to Visit is the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh

24| Go to Killruddery House & Gardens

25| Enjoy Avondale House & Forest Park

26| Castleruddery Stone Circle

27| Enjoy the Victor’s Way

28| See the Avoca White Cross

29| See the Mottee Stone

30| Visit the Baltinglass Abbey

31| Enjoy the beauty of Glenmacnass Waterfall

32| Take a walking puzzle at Greenan Maze

33| Take a boat ride in Blessington Lakes

34| Visit the Hunting Brook Gardens

35| Watch birds at National Bird of Prey Centre

36| For golf lovers visit Arklow Golf Links

37| See beautiful birds at Falconry Ireland

38| Visit the National Garden Exhibition Centre

39| Enjoy the June Blake’s Garden

40| Enjoy an afternoon swim at Greystones Blue Flag Beach

41| Visit the Avondale House & Forest Park