Wicklow - 68 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Wicklow

County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. The last of the traditional 32 counties, having been formed as late as 1606, it is part of the Mid-East Region and the traditional province of Leinster. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the east and the counties of Wexford to the south, Carlow to the southwest, Kildare to the west, and Dublin to the north.

Types of Attractions in Wicklow

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Wicklow

National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh

This is a botanic garden outside Wicklow Town, County Wicklow, Ireland. It is a satellite of the main National Botanic Gardens located in Glasnevin, County Dublin. The 52 acre gardens are situated 5km from exit 18 on the M11 motorway. It is now part of the National Botanic Gardens, providing a complementary collection of plants to its parent garden at Glasnevin. Arrive in spring to witness the transformation of the walks, as fallen rhododendron blossoms form a stunning magenta carpet.

Old Kilcoole Church

Old Kilcoole Church

Churches

Old Ruins

Old Kilcoole Church is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century and was dedicated to St Mary. The Church consisted of a Nave and a Chancel and although in a ruinous state there is still quite an extensive amount of it remaining. The chancel probably once had a step-pitched stone roof, with a small attic roof over the chancel. The nave has a square baptismal font, a cross slab and a small round-headed window in the south wall

Poulanass Waterfall

The Poulanass waterfall is a small but scenic waterfall near Glendalough upper lake in the Republic of Ireland. After a short walk you will see the Poulanass waterfall cascading down the river Avonmore over 5 meter. Not very tall but the scenery and the views on the lake are gorgeous. The basin beneath the waterfall is a very clean and the water reflects the trees on it. Not sure why the water colour of this waterfall is different, but it made this little waterfall a unique one.

Poulaphouca Reservoir

Poulaphouca Reservoir

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Poulaphouca Reservoir is an active reservoir and area of wild bird conservation in west County Wicklow, Ireland. It is also known locally as Blessington Lake. It has a surface area 22.26 km2, making it the largest artificial reservoir in Ireland by capacity and surface area. It has a 27.5-mile shoreline, and is 24.6 miles from the sea.

Powerscourt House & Gardens

Powerscourt House & Gardens

Iconic Buildings

Botanical Gardens

This is one of the world’s great gardens set against the backdrop of the great Sugarloaf Mountain and is located 20km south of Dublin City Centre. The house, originally a 13th-century castle, was extensively altered during the 18th century by German architect Richard Cassels, starting in 1731 and finishing in 1741. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks.

Powerscourt Waterfall

This is the second highest waterfall in Ireland Set at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. The waterfall is a favourite destination for family picnics and visitors are also welcome to enjoy a barbecue. There is a vast amount of space to keep children entertained and a playground for younger children. The waterfall is part of the Powerscourt Estate, which is open to the public for an entrance fee.

Prince Williams Seat

Prince Williams Seat

Outdoors- Other

Mountain Peaks

Prince William's Seat, is the 296th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, however, it does not have the elevation to quality as a Vandeleur-Lynam. Prince William's Seat is on the border of the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin Mountains in Ireland, and lies on the northern side of the Glencree valley, positioned at its entrance. Prince William's Seat and Knocknagun are popular peaks with hill-walkers.

Rathgall Hillfort

Rathgall Hillfort

Forts

Old Ruins

Rathgall is a multivallate hillfort, on the edge of a ridge with four concentric stone walls and extensive panoramic views. It is an imposing monument covering a total area of 7.5ha. This was a site of quite exceptional importance in the centuries spanning the birth of Christ, an importance that was clearly pan-European. A number of gold items have been found at the site also, as well as a burial site linked with later use of the site.

Russborough House

Russborough House

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

Russborough was built between 1741-1750 and is regarded as one of Ireland's most beautiful houses. It may be the longest house in Ireland. The interior contains ornate plasterwork on the ceilings by the Lafranchini brothers, who also collaborated with Castle on Carton House. Russborough contains a private collection of European fine and decorative arts, including furniture, silver, porcelain and paintings.

Scarr

Scarr

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Scarr is the 174th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 207th–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Scarr is situated in the central sector of the Wicklow Mountains range, but off main "central spine" of the range that runs from Kippure in the north, to Lugnaquillia in the south. Scarr's sharp peak gives it a distinctive profile amongst the rounded summits of the Wicklow mountains, and it forms the backdrop to scenic views across the Guinness Estate and Lough Dan.

Seefin Passage Tomb

Seefin Passage Tomb

Tombs

Old Ruins

Seefin Passage Tomb is a passage grave and National Monument located atop Seefin Hill, County Wicklow, Ireland. The tomb was built circa 3,300 BC. It was excavated by R. A. Stewart Macalister in 1931, but no artefacts or human remains were found, suggesting that no-one was ever buried there, or that the remains were later removed. There are large kerb stones around the base of the tomb and the tomb has a passageway 7 mlong which opens into a chamber with five compartments.

Shekina Sculpture Garden

Shekina Sculpture Garden

Sculptures

Botanical Gardens

Shekina is situated in the centre of Co. Wicklow, in the townland of Kirikee which is locally considered as the gateway to the wild Glenmalure Valley. It is set within a one acre garden, which includes an undulating stream running through it feeding two ponds. There is a gazebo and various seating areas for visitors to sit back and relax in this peaceful area.

Ski Club of Ireland

Ski Club of Ireland

Skiing Spots

Man-made Structures- Other

The Ski Club of Ireland owns and runs the largest artificial ski slope in Ireland. It is located in County Wicklow close to the village of Kilternan. It has four ski slopes: a main slope , an intermediate slope and two nursery slopes. The slopes' surfaces are covered in Dendix, a by-product of brush manufacturing which is similar to a short haired brush with the bristles sticking upwards. It also offers ski lessons for all abilities.

Slievemaan

Slievemaan

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Slievemaan is the 54th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 70th–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Slievemaan is situated in the southwen sector of the Wicklow Mountains range, and is part of the large massif of Lugnaquilla 925 metres , Wicklow's highest mountain. Slievemaan lies at the southern end of the Glen of Imaal. It is a good trekking destination and also you can spend some beautiful time here.

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Sugarloaf is a 552 metres peak in west Wicklow, Ireland that lies on the northern edge of the Glen of Imaal. With a prominence of only 14 metres, it is not listed in any of the recognised categories of mountains in Ireland, and is a subsidiary summit of Lobawn 636 metres (2,087 ft), to the north. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and feel in this nature.

The Devil's Glen Waterfall

Devil’s Glen waterfall is located in wicklow, Ireland. Usually an hour or less driving from Dublin. This place is an ideal one to have a day trip. The Devil’s Glen boasts a dramatic landscape that was fashioned at the end of the Ice Age when the melt waters of the ice sheet created the valley. The site hosts a mixture of broad leaf and conifer forest with fine stands of beech, Spanish chestnut and ash.

The Devils Glen

The Devils Glen

Outdoors- Other

The Devil’s Glen boasts a dramatic landscape that was fashioned at the end of the Ice Age when the melt waters of the ice sheet created the valley. The resultant gorge affords a swift decent for the Vartry River as it makes its way from the Vartry Reservoir to nearby Ashford village. The site hosts a mixture of broad leaf and conifer forest with fine stands of beech, Spanish chestnut and ash.

Tonelagee

Tonelagee

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Tonelagee is the 25th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 33rd–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Tonelagee is situated in the central sector of the Wicklow Mountains range, and sits on the main "central spine" of the range that runs from Kippure in the north, to Lugnaquillia in the south; and in particular, the continuous "central boggy ridge" that runs from the Sally Gap in the north, via Mullaghcleevaun, to Tonelagee.

Trooperstown Hill

Trooperstown Hill

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Trooperstown Hill is a summit in County Wicklow and has an elevation of 432 metres. Trooperstown Hill is situated east of Ballard, southeast of Paddock Hill. Its trail features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.

Turlough Hill

Turlough Hill

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Turlough Hill is a 681-metre-high mountain in County Wicklow in Ireland and site of Ireland's only pumped-storage hydroelectricity plant. The power station is owned and operated by the ESB and can generate up to 292 megawatts of electricity at times of peak demand. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do here.

Map of attractions in Wicklow

Comments

For more information about Wicklow, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_Wicklow