Are you coming to Ireland soon? So don't miss visiting Wicklow County, an exceptional natural heritage region!
Located south of Dublin, on the east coast, the County of Wicklow is a magnificent wild and authentic region. The Dubliners often go there to take the air and walk for a weekend. This area of the Contae Chill Mhantáin offers spectacular scenery. In the mountains of Wicklow you can contemplate landscapes similar to Connemara or Kerry. In short, visiting Wicklow County puts your eyes on it!
Would you like to visit Wicklow County near Dublin? In this article, you will find all the necessary information to discover it in the best conditions. Practical information advice, you will know the essentials to plan and appreciate your visit at best!
History of Wicklow County
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Wicklow County was one of Ireland’s last traditional counties to be controlled by the British. Old Military Road , which crosses the mountains from north to south, attests to British efforts to defeat the Irish rebels.
The County of Wicklow is also known for the ruins of the former monastery of Glendalough. Dating from the sixth century, it was founded by the priest Saint Kevin . Over the years, many other places of worship have been built, as well as places of residence making Glendalough a true ecclesiastical cultural centre. The activity of the hamlet ended in 1398, when the English devastated it, leaving behind them real ruins.
In short, the region is rich in a fantastic natural, historical and cultural heritage. Several cities are worth a visit to their good foods, museums and also their delicious local cuisine. The inhabitants are very proud of their region, but especially attractive and welcoming!
Our tips to visit the County of Wicklow
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Are you coming to Ireland soon? To help you prepare your visit to Wicklow County, here are some practical tips to discover it at best.
The best time to visit Wicklow County
According to us, the best time to visit the County of Wicklow is May and June, as well as September and even October. The Irish weather is always random, but you can expect a relatively mild time, but especially the lower crowds and prices compared to the summer period. Summer is also a great time to discover the region. You will increase the chances of having a time more clement and warm. What can be appreciated when you're in the mountains!
Conversely, we advise you to avoid the extended period November to March, see April. Cold and rain can make the visit very unpleasant, especially in the Wicklow Mountain National Park.
What route to visit Wicklow County?
- We recommend visiting the cities of the coast before joining the National Park. So you can stop in Bray or Wiclow, or both, before joining Glendalough.
- From this city it is easy to discover the Wicklow mountains walking or cycling.
- Finally, you can complete your visit to the region by the Lac de la Liffey region.
What to take in your bag?
Wicklow County is obviously known for its hikes!
- We invite you to plan good walking shoes for this adventure
- One. Good cup. The rains are not rare!
- Think about it sun cream
- Water and water snacks.
- One. bag for your waste, as well as one map to spot you.
We recommend that you make a detour by the Glendalough Visitor Centre to recover the maximum information!
What to see and what to do during your visit to Wicklow County?
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As previously seen, the County of Wicklow is divided into three parts: the coast, the mountains of the National Park, and the lands. Wicklow National Mountain Park is obviously the highlight of the region. But we also recommend that you discover some towns on the coast, or the western part of the County.
Wicklow National Mountain Park
With its mountainous massif, lakes, rivers and green valleys, this National Park is a true paradise for hikers and archaeological discoverers!
Then you can walk along marked paths and discover beautiful views of the valley. Among the corners to be seen, we recommend the Lower Lake, Upper Lake and Lough Tay, the 3 main lakes in the park. But you should also discover Powerscourt Waterfall , a breathtaking stunt, the Old Military Road, and Sally Gap or the sublime village of Laragh. The Park offers several hiking tours allowing you to reach them. The latter vary according to the degree of difficulty desired.
Glendalough
Glendalough is a charming small hamlet at the entrance of Wicklow National Park. It is known for its ruins of an ancient monastery dating from the sixth century. This place is ideal to start beautiful hikes in the national park, as well as to discover Upper Lake and Lower Lake.
On site you will find a Visitor Centre. The latter houses a very interesting exhibition on the monastic life of the time in Ireland and Europe. He also presents the history of Glendalough and the life of St. Kevin’s priest, the founder of the monastery.
Bray
At the entrance of Wicklow County, coming from Dublin, you will find the charming little coastal town of Bray. This seaside resort is renowned throughout Ireland. It will allow you to discover the beaches of the region.
Near Bray, you can borrow the Cliff Walk . A length of 7 kilometres , this hike runs along the sea and offers magnificent views of the Irish coast. The city also houses the National Sea Life Centre in Bray, one of the most beautiful aquariums in Ireland!
Blessington Lakes
The Blessington Lakes are another magical place in Wicklow County! This place will delight lovers of wild nature.
Located west of Wicklow Mountain National Park, Here you will discover several lakes formed by the Liffey, the river that crosses Dublin. Around the lakes, charming hiking or cycling tours await you. The authentic and rather quiet place is also appreciated by the fishermen.
Excursions in Wicklow County from Dublin
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You will find many one day trips from Dublin to Wicklow County. These excursions usually last a good day, 8 - 9 a.m. according to the organizers. They usually offer a stop in Glendalough, in the national park to admire some beautiful landscapes, as well as some other traditional attractions. Some excursions also include Kilkenny, another must-see in Ireland!
Prices from Dublin
Tours to Wicklow County usually start in the morning, between 8 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. . For rates, count from 25 to 40€ on average to visit Wicklow County.
How to get to Wicklow County from Dublin?
To reach the different sites of Wicklow County from Dublin, several means of transport are available to you: buses and trains, car, bike or walk. You can obviously opt for a mix of these different ways!
By car
From Dublin, you can borrow M50 or N11 to Bray. In Kilmacanoge, cross the R755 to reach Laragh and then Glendalough with the R756. The journey lasts an hour and a half. To reach Wicklow, follow the N11 to Ashford and N750.
To reach Glendalough by the west, you can also follow the M50 and the N7 and the N81 to enter the County of Wicklow. Then borrow the R758 and the N756 that leads to Glendalough.
Public transport
The options to reach this County in public transport are quite limited.
Bray is easily accessible by bus and train. However, it will be less easy to reach Ashford, Wiclow, but especially Glendalough with the bus. You will likely need to change one or two lines before joining the national park for example.
Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus offer lines up to Wicklow, Arklow or Blessington. You can use Google Maps to guide you and easily view the different options available to you.
On foot or by bike
To reach and visit the County of Wicklow, we can only recommend you the Wicklow Way.
This 129-kilometre hiking tour will give you a sublime view of the Wicklow mountains! It starts in the southern suburbs of Dublin, in Rathfarnham, then goes southwest through the heights of Dublin and Wicklow. The path ends in the small village of Clonegal, in the county of Carlow.
Usually count between 8 and 10 days To close the circuit. It is primarily aimed at hikers with an average level of walking. Of course, you can stop on the way and return to Dublin easily via public transport.
Where to stay in Wicklow County?
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Each of the cities mentioned above is ideal to stay in Wicklow County.
If you would like to focus on the national park and the many hiking trails around it, we recommend Glendalough and nearby cities, such as Laragh or Glendasan. Bray, Wicklow and Ashford are also charming places to stay. The first two are close to the coast and the other is halfway between the mountains and the sea. Finally, we recommend the villages around the "lake" of the Liffey River: Blessington, Baltyboys or Valleymount.
In each of these places you will find accommodations for all prices: holiday homes, high-end hotels, campsites or more rooms at the living room.
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