45 best things to do in Wicklow (best places & budget)

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Wicklow is one of the 26 counties in Ireland and one of the most beautiful. No wonder then that the list of the best things to do in Wicklow is so long! Although you can definitely experience outdoor activities in Dublin such as meeting the Phoenix park deer, or going to beaches in Dublin, Wicklow is one of the best places in Europe for hiking, learning about Irish history, and meeting the wildlife.

You can also go to the beaches in Wicklow which is definitely a plus to us! You might even spy a couple seals on your way! Part of what makes county Wicklow so special is the Wicklow Mountains National Park. If you love open spaces, wild animals, nature, silence, and breathtaking views, you will most likely enjoy your stay in the Wicklow mountains! And the best part? Wicklow is only one hour away from Dublin! In this post, we will explain how to get from Dublin to Wicklow and share with you all the best things to do in Wicklow.

You can find more 8 days in Ireland itineraries in this post.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

How to get from Dublin to Wicklow

Although there are lots of things to do in Dublin, you might want to consider exploring more of Ireland and adding the Wicklow National Park to your Irish experience. The Wicklow Mountains National Park is located about an hour south of Dublin city in the County of Wicklow. Although you can catch a bus that will take you from Dublin to Wicklow town or Glendalough, there are no train or bus that would take you around the Wicklow Mountains National Park. That’s why, I would highly recommend that you rent a car. Renting a car to visit Wicklow will allow you to see much more than just the towns accessible by bus. There are lots of things to do in Wicklow including driving up the mountains, hiking, going to the lake, etc. If you want to enjoy Wicklow to the fullest, a car will be necessary.

In Ireland, you need a credit card to rent a car. Although some rental companies accept debit cards, they require you to take out insurance which more often than not will double the total amount of the rental cost! I would recommend that you check that your “credit” card is what the companies require. For instance, in France, we call our cards, “credit” cards, but they are considered as “debit” cards here…You can check all that on the rental companies’ websites.

Further, we rented our car with SIXT. SIXT is one of the companies which accept debit cards. I have always had a good experience with SIXT and I recommend them. 

One more thing to know when it comes to driving in Wicklow is that the roads can be quite narrow and of course, you will be driving on the left. Driving on the left (or the wrong side of the road as we like to call it) is really not that difficult but it might take a few minutes before you get used to it. Since you are driving on the left, everything in the car is backwards. You will be seating on the right of the car and passing gears with your left hand. The breaks and gas are in the same order as any car though which makes that part easy. When getting your car at the rental company, make sure you go around the parking lot a couple of times to get used to the car.

Driving in Dublin will probably be the most difficult part of your drive and it’s really not that bad either. Make sure you have a GPS on and go slow if you feel more comfortable. In the Wicklow Mountains, the roads won’t be as busy so it will be a bit easier to drive around.

When in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, you will see lots of animals on the side of the road and sometimes even on the road. That includes sheep and deer in particular. Deer can cross the road at any moment so always keep an eye on the side of the road to anticipate them crossing. You will probably see a few white tails in the bushes while you drive. Sheep are quite chill and they just think (and rightfully so) that the whole place is theirs. They will casually walk on the road and sometimes even lay there. Make sure you slow down and avoid them while driving. You might need to honk them out of the way or wait a few minutes for them to get out of the way. They are harmless though and truthfully, quite cute!

How long should you stay in Wicklow?

We stayed in the Wicklow Mountains National Park for one week. We had a couple days of rest at the Airbnb and a few days packed with hikes and visits we wanted to do. We believe that we saw most of the main things to do in Wicklow but there is definitely more to do as well. I would recommend a stay of at least 7 days if you want to have the time to really experience Wicklow.

Where to stay in Wicklow

There are lots of places to stay at in Wicklow and that includes lots of accommodations for glamping in Wicklow.

We stayed at the Cleevaun Cabin, a beautiful log cabin with a view on the mountains, right next to Blessington. We LOVED this Airbnb. The cabin was perfect, clean, well equipped, quite charming, and the location was very convenient. The hosts, their two kids and their dog Simba were very welcoming and gave us great recommendations. We booked our accommodation on Airbnb. If you book your first airbnb through my link, you will get 40€ off your accommodation and 10€ off an experience/activity. 

Our stay at this unique and charming cabin was lovely. We spent some time relaxing, playing games and listening to music. We also spent quite some time on the front porch just chilling, and having a drink while looking at the beautiful view.

I also really appreciated the hosts giving us bath robes ! It was super cozy and I felt like I was at the spa (which I love very much)!

When it comes to our budget, we payed 678,55€ for 7 nights and that also included some basic breakfast items.

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is big but not enormous. Wherever you stay, you will be about an hour from the farthest point of interest in the park. There are lots of places to visit in Wicklow so I wouldn’t worry too much about where the best place to stay in Wicklow is when it comes to the location. If you rent a car, you will be fine.

If you are not renting a car and only relying on buses and taxis, I would recommend staying either in Blessington, Glendalough or Wicklow. From there, you will be able to book a taxi to take you around although this wouldn’t be the most budget-friendly arrangement. That said, by staying in those towns, you will have access to shops, grocery stores and restaurants which can be convenient at night. There are also activities to do in each of those towns so you could make it into a road trip as well!

What to wear when visiting the best things to do in Wicklow

When visiting Wicklow, I would recommend that you come well equipped, especially if you are going to go hiking. But also, you need to be well equipped no matter what you do as the Irish weather can be quite uncertain (lol). In Ireland, we often go through the four seasons in one day. This means you can wake up with rain and by the time you are out of the door, the sun shining like never before. But it also means you can wake up with the sun and have rain the rest of the day. The weather is very unpredictable and I find that weather apps are not so good at predicting it even two days before. You understand that you will need to be prepared for any kind of weather when coming to Wicklow. That said, we do get some days where it is sunny the whole time with warm temperatures but that only happens a couple of times a year (I’m not joking).

This all weather spill means that hiking trails can be dry or muddy, and that you can start hiking under a beautiful sun and be completely soaked two hours later. I think you probably get it now, being well equipped is essential!.

Our hiking essentials are as follows:

• good waterproof hiking shoes
• a wind and rain jacket from Décathlon IE
• a backpack
• at least one water bottle and lots of snacks
• a fleece

One essential thing to keep in mind is that layering your clothes is key to be comfortable with the Irish weather! 

Walks, Visits and Hikes in Wicklow

During our one week visit in Wicklow, the weather was mainly good but we also had to deal with some rain, wind and a storm during our stay. We had to be flexible with our schedule and planned according to the weather. On days that it rained and stormed, we tried to do mainly indoor visits. On nice days, we focused on hikes and outdoor activities in Wicklow.

1. Powerscourt House and Gardens

On the rainy days, when it was not possible to go hiking, we visited the Powerscourt House and Gardens. The Powerscourt House is dated from the 18th century and is spread over 19 hectares. It is a beautiful estate worth seeing.It is not possible to visit the inside of the Powerscourt House, which has now been turned into a gallery of local shops. The visit happens outside in the beautiful and well maintained gardens. First, you will want to go towards the stairs and appreciate the view on the perfectly cut grass and fountain. Then, you can go down the stairs to your left and find the Japanese gardens. After walking around the Japanese gardens, walk around to the other side and go up the stairs. On your way, you can stop at the pet cemetery where all pets from the Wingfield and Slazenger families are resting. At the top back at the estate, you will also notice another garden on your left.

Powerscourt Estate is also one of the filming locations of Disney’s Enchanted sequel!

Tickets to visit the Powerscourt House & Gardens are 11,50€ per adult, 5€ per child under 16, 8,50€ per students et 9€ per seniors. Free for children under 5.

2. Powerscourt Waterfall

The list of the best places to visit in Wicklow include Powerscourt Waterfall. Powerscourt Waterfall is located a short 10 minute drive from Powerscourt House and Gardens. It is Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121m! Once parked at the Waterfall entrance, you will need to walk a little bit to reach the waterfall at the base of the Glensoulan Valley. You can also walk straight from Powerscourt Estate to the waterfall if you’re feeling in the mood for a 6 km hike on a scenic walking trail. The walk is easy and accessible with children. If you go around the waterfall, you will find a few spots where you can go in the water although don’t expect it to be warm!

Powerscourt Waterfall is also a great place to visit in the fall when the leaves change colour!

 Admission ticket are 6,50€.

3. Russborough House & Parklands.

Russborough House is located near the Blessington lakes in the Wicklow mountains and was built between 1741 and 1755. I highly recommend doing this tour as it is one of the best things to do in wicklow in our experience. We really loved our visit of the Russborough House especially because you can tour the inside which sets it apart from Powerscourt Estate. We were able to see the furniture, wooden floors marked by heals worn during dancing balls back in the day, paintings, and more! All are true to the era which makes the visit even more interesting. Also, the visit was really well organised and we felt safe the whole time.

Admission tickets to Russborough House are 12€ per adult, 9€ per students, 6€ per children and free for children under 5.

You can watch the vlog of that day here.

4. The fairy trail at Russborough House

If you are coming to Russborough Parklands with kids, you should definitely take a walk on the fairy trail. From the front of Russborough House, you’ll want to join the walk that starts in the park and keep walking until you find the trail. You might even see some sheep on your way. The walk is really easy and makes up a loop that takes you back to the house.

If you don’t have kids, I would recommend the walk as it offers a nice view on the house once you reach the opposite side of the park. However, I would skip the fairy trail as it really is targeted at children.

5. Russborough House maze

Russborough also features a 2km beech hedge maze. It is a statue of Fame, a Greek goddess in the center of the maze that will help you find your way in the maze. Admission tickets to the maze can be bundled with your ticket for Russborough House or bought separately.

6. National Bird of Prey Centre

The National Bird of Prey Centre is located at Russborough House and is a great outdoor activity to do in Wicklow. During the tour, you will get to meet a lot of different birds including native Golden Eagles, White tailed Sea Eagle and Red Kite and birds from all over the world. You will also get the chance to hold some of the owls. You can book different tickets for different kinds of experiences. I would recommend booking tickets in advance to ensure availability.

7. Wicklow Gaol, the jail of Wicklow

The Wicklow Gaol is a former prison now turned into a museum. The tour takes you around the prison and tells the story of the people that were emprisoned under British rule. The museum is all indoors and offers interactive features to make your visit fun. This is a great option in case the weather is not up to your standards! Admission tickets for adults start at €9.50.

8. Coronation Plantation

The Coronation Plantation was planted in 1831 when William IV ascended to the throne as King of Britain & Ireland. At the time, planting timber was a good commercial move. This resulted in the importation of Pine trees from Scotland which were planted in the area.

As our accommodation was near the Coronation Plantation, we decided to have a look. The area is beautiful and definitely worth checking. From the road, you will need to join the trail that takes you along the Liffey River and then to the Plantation. On top of the plantation, you will most definitely find sheep and an obelisk.

To reach the obelisk, the trail is somewhat hidden by bushes and holes. I would recommend wearing good hiking shoes and pants to protect you for branches and tall grass. If you are trying to get away from the crowds, this is a great place to get a breathe of fresh air and appreciate silence!

9. Avon Ri

The Avon Ri is located in Blessington. It is a lakeshore family resort from which you can go on a few different walks along the Blessington lake with a nice view on the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Blessington Lake is actually one of the filming locations of the movie P.S: I love You!

The walks are really easy and you can park close by. In the summer, the Avon Ri is quite popular and parking spots are limited so you might want to anticipate a bit of wait before you can park. As for shoes, I did that walk in regular sneakers and Eric did it in flip flops!

On your walk around the lake, you can stop on the beach to admire the view, take a nap or even dip your toes in the (probably very cold) water.

Further, at the Avon Ri, you will find restaurants, ice cream shops and cafés. There are also two double decked buses parked by the lake a few meters from the parking lot. There you can order Mexican food or pizza. You can either eat in the bus or upstairs. If you are staying in Blessington, it is a great place to go for a walk around the lakes or to grab a bite.

10. Blessington Lake

Poulaphouca Reservoir is also known locally as Blessington lake. It is an active reservoir located right by Blessington. It is a man built lake which was formed by the building of the Poulaphouca Dam and the hydroelectric station and is opened since 1940. This installation supports the supply of electricity and water to many parts of Dublin. There are lots of outdoor activities you can do at Blessington lake and of course, you can take a scenic walk or drive around the lake.

The interesting thing about Blessington lake is that there is an entire village submerged under the lake: Ballinahown.

11. The White Spinc Hike

The White Spinc Hike is one of the most scenic hikes in Ireland and therefore one of the best things to do in Wicklow! This hike is close to the town of Glendalough where you can find parking. You can either park at the Upper Lake parking lot or at the Lower Lake parking lot. Parking at the Lower Lake parking lot will make the hike a bit longer. There are facilities on both parking lots including a visitor centre, washrooms, and food trucks sometimes. Parking is about €4.

The hike takes you passed a first bridge and then passed the Poulanass Waterfall. It then takes you through a zig-zag trail all the way up the hill to lead you to one of the best views on the Upper lake in Wicklow. The hike then continues on a cliff boardwalk and takes you down into the Glenealo Valley. Keep your eyes open as this section of the hike is home to a herd of deer. On our hike, we were lucky enough to see deer and bucks several times!

At the end of the hike, you will see some ruins which are part of the Old Miner Village. Take some time to check it out.

The hike is rated as moderate. It is fairly easy from our experience although the first bit of it is uphill the whole time. When we checked, websites and books recommended about 3.5 hours to complete the Spinc. But honestly, we walk fast but not that fast, I take photos, I vlog, I look at the sheep, the deer, we stop for food etc… you get the picture. In the end, we started around 9:30am and came back to the car at 6pm. All together, we walked 15km.

I recommend this hike 100%, you will be blown away by the views!

12. The Blue Spinc Hike

If you’re in the mood for a shorter hike, you may want to try the blue route of the Spinc. It will take you to the Poulanass Waterfall and then into the Lugduff Valley. Then you will be taken up to the ciff boardwalk and back to the Information Office through the forest. This hike is only 5.5km with a bit of a steep climb for the first bit.

13. The Lower Lake trail

After hiking the Spinc, we decided we still had a bit of energy to follow the trail around Lower Lake. This trail is beautiful and very easy. If you can’t climb or don’t have the time to do a long hike, then this might be just what you need to do.

The Lower Lake trail takes you around Lower Lake on a boardwalk. You don’t need to wear hiking shoes to do it. You can walk or cycle the trail and it is also accessible with a stroller or a wheelchair. The views around the lake are beautiful. Again, you will want to keep your eyes open as you will most likely see some deer there. Some of the views made me think of Yosemite National Park in the USA!

14. Glendalough Cathedral

On your way back to the parking lot, you will want to stop at the ruins of Glendalough Cathedral on your left. There you will find St Kevin’s Church, a monastic site, and Glendalough Roundtower.

15. Lake Ouler, the heart-shaped lake

Lough Ouler is located on the side of the Tonelagee Mountain. This hike, if you can call it that, takes you to the top of the mountain with a breathtaking view on Lough (lake) Ouler, a heart-shaped lake. It is such a romantic view that I definitely recommend it for couples! The hike takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip and is not for the faint of heart!

There are two ways to get to Lake Ouler. First, you can park at a small parking lot near the beautiful Glenmacnass Waterfall. Once parked, you will need to cross the river. Make sure you do so at the beginning of the river. We tried to find a different spot to cross further down the trail and it just ended up in our shoes being soaked and still on the same side of the river! Once you have crossed the river, make your way to the top. There isn’t a trail as such so you will have to make your way through the holes, bumps and bushes. But you should also be able to follow the trace of other people visiting. From this side of the mountain, you will be able to admire the heart right side up. This might be a good opportunity to pledge your love to your partner!

There is another parking lot at Turlough Hill Car Park. This one is a bit bigger so if the first one is full, this might be your best bet. The trail from Turlough Hill Car Park is a bit better and more straightforward. That said, you will see the heart upside down once you reach the top.

I recommended that you wear good hiking shoes and rain resistant gear. The “trails” are really bumpy so take your time making your way up. I fell both feet in a puddle of mud and trust me that wasn’t great. Although the hike isn’t the easiest, you will be rewarded by the views on the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the silence while you go up the trail. Obviously, the spectacular view on Lough Ouler is the best reward!

When coming back down, be careful not to slip and fall. Take a minute to rinse the mud off your shoes in the river and then take a second to have a snack by the river if the weather is nice. You will probably be visited by a few sheep too!

16. Sally Gap

The Sally Gap is a loop scenic drive that links Glendalough, Dublin, Blessington and Roundwood and that takes you along the main attractions of the Wicklow Mountains. Taking a drive on the Sally Gap is one of the bets things to do in Wicklow.

I recommend starting in Roundwood and then making your way towards the Lough Tay view point. Take your time as you drive as you want to make sure you can take in the views. The first thing you will see is the view on Lough Tay. There aren’t lots of pull outs on this road but if you find one, don’t hesitate and get out of the car to appreciate the view even more.

At the next crossroads, take a left and continue your drive with beautiful views on the Wicklow Mountains.

17. Lough Tay

You might have heard of the famous Guinness Lake in Ireland! Stop looking, you’ve found it. Lough Tay is indeed commonly known as the Guinness Lake. It is located between Djouce mountain and Luggala mountain and is set on a private property. On the northern side of the lake, you will notice a small beach of white sand. This makes the lake look like a pint of Guinness where the beach is the foam! It is definitely one of the places to visit in Wicklow.

The best spot to see Lough Tay is on Military Road. As it is a private property, unfortunately, Lough tay cannot be visited.

18. Ballinastoe Woods Walk

The Ballinastoe Woods Walk is located in the Ballinastoes Woods, at Sraghmore, Oldtown. Ballinastoe Woods walk is one of the most popular walks in Ireland and you might even have seen photos of it on social media. The boardwalk takes your through the forest between the trees and the landscape looks like something straight out of the Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter!

To reach the boardwalk and this magical landscape, you will need to park at the Pier Head Gates carpark. From there, you will need to cut through the forest towards the JB Malone Memorial. From there you have two options. you can either follow the short walk or the long walk. Either way, you will be able to see the now famous boardwalk section of this walk!

19. Glenmacnass Waterfall

The Glenmacnass Waterfall is located right off Military Road on the Sally Gap scenic drive. It is a 80 metre high waterfall and is one of the most popular attractions in the Wicklow Mountains. It is fed by the Glenmacnass River which begins on Mullaghcleevaun mountain, one of the highest peaks of the country.

To access the Glenmacnass Waterfall, you can park at the carpack right above the waterfall. Then you will need to walk for a couple of minutes towards the waterfall.

20. Djouce Woods Walk

Djouce mountain is one of the highest peaks in Ireland. It is located near the Powerscourt Estate. Actually Djouce used to be part of the Powerscourt Estate! There are two walks you can do on Djouce mountain. The Blue Loop is the easy one and is only 4.5km. It takes you to the Deer Park and to the Powerscourt Waterfall.

The second one is called the Deerpark Loop and is 9km long. It is rated as a moderate walk. It takes you to the Paddock ponds and offers a panoramic view on the Sugarloaf, the town of Bray, Killiney Hill and Dublin Bay.

As you would have understood, there are lots of deer in the forest. The best time to see them is early in the morning.

21. The Devil’s Glen

The Devil’s Glen is only a 20 minute drive south from Roundwood. The Devil’s Glen is a unique landscape that will make you feel like you just got transported to a magical forest. There are two loops walks that take you around. One if 4km long while the other is 5km long. While the first one takes you through a magical forest straight out of Harry Potter, the second one takes you to the Devil’s Glen Waterfall. Count about 2 to 3 hours to complete the walks. First you will want to park at the Devil’s Glen carpark. Then just follow the coloured marks depending on which trail you want to follow.

The Devil’s Glen are rock formations that formed at the end of Ice Age. If you are looking for some time away from the crowds, then this visit is for you! It is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Wicklow!

22. Wicklow Wolf Brewery craft beer

If you like craft beer, then a tour of the Wicklow Wolf Brewery will suit you! The hops used by the brewery are locally grown and harvested by hand. Wicklow Wolf brewery beers are sold in pubs in Bray so go ahead and try these unique beers!

23. Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery

A visit in Ireland would not be complete without a distillery tour! The distillery operates from the Old Mill House which can be dated from the 9th century. The 60 minutes tour will take you around the distillery and includes a tasting of samples. Admission tickets start at €25. If you are going to visit the Powerscourt Estate, a stop at the distillery is a great idea!

24. Wicklow way

Now, I have talked about quite a few walks that are worth doing in Wicklow. Well, the Wicklow Way is definitely one of them but is also at a different level. The Wicklow Way is a 131-kilometre trail that takes you across the Wicklow Mountains National Park and which ends in Clonegal in County Carlow. This is a 7 day hike so make sure you are in shape and well equipped for it! If you are, there is no doubt that you will have the best time and that you will see the best views !

25. Lugnaquilla hike 

Lugnaquilla mountain is the highest peak in Ireland outside of Kerry and sits at 925m high. It is located west of Gelndalough. climbing this mountain is not for the faint of heart and if you thought the climb to Lough Ouler was difficult, you might not want to attempt this one! The Lugnaquilla hike is about 15 km long that can take from 5 to 8 hours to climb. This hike is only for confirmed hikers that are well equipped and know how to use their equipment, including their compass.

26. Avondale Forest

Avondale House and Forest Park is located near Rathdrum in the south of Dublin. It was built in the 1770s and is 505 acre big. It is home to trees from all over the world. If you are interested in forestry, this can be the perfect visit for you.

27. Killruddery House and Gardens

Killruddery House and Gardens is a beautiful visits that you shouldn’t miss when in Wicklow. The House is a beautiful mansion located on the outskirts of Bray and dated from the 17th century. The Estate doubles as a farm that produces free range meat, fruits and vegetables. You can purchase their products directly on site. It is possible to visit both the house and the gardens. However, note that the Estate is also a wedding venue and that visits are not possible on wedding days. It is best to call in advance to ensure that visits are possible.

28. Mount Usher Gardens

Located in Ashford, Mount Usher Gardens were built in 1868. Between trees, flowers and scents, there is lots to discover here. The garden has been cultivated by organic principles since the 80s. On site you will find a café and shops that offer a variety of products.

29. Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh is located outside of Wiclow town. Admission is free and you can take walking guided tours around the gardens. The gardens include rare trees and flowers and the site comes with a lot of history. This is a great visit if you’re looking for a break from the city and to be transported in a Garden of Eden!

30. Blessington Greenway on the Blessington Lakes

The Blessington Greenway walk takes you from Blessington to Russborough. It is a 5.5km trail and takes about an hour and a half to complete. The Blessington Greenway is a great way to visit wicklow and see some of the best spots in Wicklow such as the Poulaphouca Reservoir. You can walk the trail or rent a bike at the Avon Ri for example.

31. Avoca Miner’s Cross

Avoca was the largest copper mine in Ireland and was used from around 1720 to the 1980s. It is located 12 km away from Arklow. The Miner’s Cross was built in the 1950s and provides a majestic view on the Avoca valley. It was erected to commemorate the miners working in the Avoca area. To access Miner’s Cross, enter Avoca White Cross in Google maps. There you will be able to park on the side of the road. Then it is a short uphill walk to the cross. Take your time and enjoy the views!

32. Mottee Stone

Rumour has it that from the top of Mottee Stone, you can see the five counties surrounding Wicklow! But what is Mottee Stone? Well, it is a 3 meter high stone located on the top of Cronebane Ridge at 800m. It provides an amazing view over the Irish countryside. Parking is available at the stone. Legend has it that Mottee Stone will grant you wishes so you know what to do !

33. Roundwood

Roundwood is a small village in Wicklow and is also the start of some of the hikes I have listed in this post. From visiting the Church of St. Laurence O’Toole to Victor’s Way and the Vartry Reservoir, Roundwood offers a great outdoor experience.

34. Meeting of the Waters

The meeting of the waters is a beautiful spot is located in the Avoca valley near Miner’s Cross and the Mottee Stone. You will find it in Thomas Moore Memorial Park. This is the spot where the Avonbeg river and the Avonmore river come together to become the one Avoca River. Access is easy as there is a parking lot right by the park.

35. Greenane Maze

The Greenane Maze is located on a farm only one hour south of Dublin in Wicklow. It is closed during winter but reopens in the spring. The maze is 1/2 acre hedge and 2 meter tall. From the museums to the animals, there is lots to do on site in addition to the maze. Admission tickets are €8 for adults and children.

36. Croghan Mountain Climb

Croghan Mountain is located on te southeastern side of Wicklow right on the border of County Wicklow and County Wexford. To go to the summit of Croghan Mountain, one option is the trail that starts in Rahleenleagh Wood. On this trail, you will come up to red arrow marks that will indicate the way to the summit. Keep walking up until you see a concrete marker. You’re here! The reward of this walk is definitely the view which looks over the Wicklow Mountains National Park from Sugarloaf to the west of the park. The full trail takes about 5 hours but the shorter one only takes three hours and a half.

37. K2 alpaca trekking

Recently alpaca farms in Ireland have multiplied and it is amazing! K2 alpacas is an alpaca farm located in Wicklow that offers several experiences with Alpaca. You can book and alpaca meet and greet or an alpaca trekking. We did an alpaca trekking when we visited Kerry and it was the best thing to do ever so I would recommend trying it out if you’re in Wicklow.

Alpacas are quirky and fluffy animals that you will love. They are really sweet, cute and quite funny. The walks are easy and each farm will brief you beforehand on what to do and what not to do. If you are choosing to go alpaca trekking, make sure you wear the right gear for Ireland. I would recommend good hiking or walking shoes and a rain jacket as most walks go ahead even when it rains. Try to book in advance as those activities are very popular at the moment.

38. Squirrel Scramble

Need a break from hiking and looking for a different kind of adventure? Well, squirrel scramble is there to serve you! Squirrel Scramble is an adventure tree park located near Killruddery House and Gardens. Admission tickets are €18 per person and booking is required. the park is only opened from the spring.

39. Bray

Bray is a beautiful seaside town in the south of Dublin that is worth visiting for a couple of reasons. First, you will want to check out the seafront promenade which dates back to the Victorian Era. While on the promenade, take a minute to grab ice cream from the local ice cream trucks or check out some of the restaurants along the park.

One other thing to do in Bray is going up to Bray Head. If you’re not feeling up for an hours long hike to Greystones, then going to Bray Head is perfect for you. It is a short walk up that offers a beautiful view on Bray and the bay. You will find it at the end of Bray beach.

Bray is easily accessible either by car, by bus or by train. I would recommend taking the train from Dublin for a couple of euros and enjoying the ride and the views on the other coastal towns. That way you also won’t have to look for parking when in Bray.

40. Bray to Greystones Cliffs Walk

Bray is also the beginning of the Bray to Greystones cliff walk. This walk is easy and will take a couple of hours. Obviously, it’s best to do it on a nice day so you can enjoy the views on Bray beach and the sea. Once in Greystones, you can take the local train (the DART) back to Dublin.

Best Beaches in Wicklow

41. Bray beach

Bray is also home to a popular beach near Dublin. Althoough the beach is made of pebbles, you will find sand closer to the cliffs in the back and to the water. The beach is popular in the summer and you will see people going swimming (without suits!!).

42. Silver Strand Beach in Wicklow

The Silver Strand beach is a beautiful beach located between two cliffs in the south of Wicklow town. It is one of the best things to do in Wicklow for sure. Although beautiful, it is not easily accessible as the access belongs to the campsites there and is therefore private. It’s unclear whether you need to stay at the campsites to have access or if they will provide access regardless of whether you are staying there. Locals have told us that parking is available at some times of the year but is not guaranteed.

43. Upper Lake Beach

Upper Lake beach is located at the end of the White Spinc hike and trust me, you will be happy to dip your toes after such a long hike. However, it is also accessible without doing the hike as there is a carpark right by it. It is a small beach that offers incredible views on the Wicklow Mountains. On a nice sunny day, the light shine son the lake in a beautiful way. From the beach, you’re only a few minutes away from the Lower Lake walk and Glendalough Cathedral so you can easily bundle those activities on the same day.

If you fancy a snack while at the beach, there is an ice cream truck and a food truck stationed on the carpark in the summer. There are also washrooms available there.

44. Seal Beach in Wicklow

Glen Beach is located only 5 minutes in the south of Wicklow town. High up on my list of the best things to do in Wicklow, this beach is known as Seal beach as this is one of those cute puppies’ homes! This is one of the best beaches in Wicklow for that reason. The beach is closed from September to December in order to protect the seals and let them breed. However, the Glen beach cliff walk is open and you can observe the seals from up there whether they are laying on the beach or swimming in the water. This is a great walk to get some fresh air and add some cuteness to your day! To access the Glen beach cliff walk you can park at the Glen Beach Cliff Walk Car Park near Wicklow Golf Club.

45. Brittas bay beach

Brittas bay beach is 5km long and is made of very thin sand. Protected by sand dunes, it is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In the bathing season, the beach is life guarded so you can go in the water safely. There is lots to do at Brittas bay beach from taking long walks on the beach to learning how to surf at Brittas bay beach surf school. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Wicklow. The surf school is located between the North and South Carparks. An 80 minute surf lesson starts at €45 for adults. The school also offers lessons for kids.

There are of course lots of things to do in Ireland in addition to visiting Wicklow. You might want to come visit Dublin at Christmas or take a road trip to the Dingle Peninsula. Either way, you will be blown away by Ireland’s beauty.

Any questions on the best things to do in Wicklow? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.

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