Things To Do
in Wicklow
Wicklow, Ireland is a picturesque county located just south of the capital city, Dublin. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Wicklow Mountains and beautiful coastline. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring historic sites like Glendalough monastery.
Wicklow is also home to charming towns and villages where visitors can experience traditional Irish culture and hospitality.
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello
- "SlĂĄn" - Goodbye
- "Le do thoil" - Please
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "Conas atĂĄ tĂș?" - How are you?
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- â Coffee: $2 - $4
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Glendalough, a stunning valley with two beautiful lakes. Explore the ancient monastic site and enjoy a peaceful morning walk.
Head to the Wicklow Gap for breathtaking views and some great photography opportunities. Stop by a local café for lunch and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Wrap up your day with a dinner at a cozy pub in the nearby town of Laragh. Enjoy traditional Irish dishes and listen to some local music.
Kick off your day with a guided hike in the Glens of Antrim. A variety of trails will offer you the chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the region.
Pause for lunch at a quaint café in the town of Avoca. Spend the afternoon exploring the lavender fields and the charming local shops.
End your day with a sunset stroll along the Avoca River. Then, enjoy a warm meal at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Irish cuisine.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Breathtaking natural scenery, including mountains, glens, and lakes.
- Rich history and heritage with numerous historical sites.
- Outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing.
- Close proximity to Dublin, making it a popular destination for day trips.
- Vibrant local culture with charming villages and welcoming communities.
- Limited public transportation options, making travel challenging without a car.
- Can be crowded during tourist season, impacting the experience.
- Some areas may have a lack of amenities, especially in more rural parts.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and cloudy days.
- Higher cost of accommodations in popular areas compared to other regions in Ireland.
Best Activities in Wicklow
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The famous Glendalough Valley offers scenic routes with ancient monastic ruins.
Stroll through the stunning gardens of Powerscourt Estate, known for its beautiful landscaping and views of the Sugarloaf Mountain. The estate also features a waterfall and several walking paths.
Enjoy a peaceful kayaking experience on Lough Dan, surrounded by picturesque hills and woodlands. Paddle at your own pace and take in the tranquil natural beauty of the area.
Cycle along the breathtaking Dublin-Wicklow Cycle Route, which offers scenic views and a mix of terrain, suitable for various skill levels. Experience the beauty of both the mountains and the coast.
Embark on a cliff walk from Bray to Greystones, offering stunning coastal views and the chance to observe local wildlife. The walk is about 7 kilometers and provides a refreshing sea breeze.
Experience Wicklow's stunning landscapes on horseback. Numerous riding schools and farms offer guided tours through scenic trails and along picturesque roads.
Try your hand at fishing in the various rivers and lakes around Wicklow. The River Vartry and Wicklow's many lakes are popular spots for both game and coarse fishing.
Visit Wicklow Head for an excellent birdwatching experience, with opportunities to see seabirds and migratory species. The scenic cliffs provide an ideal vantage point.
Tours
Uncover the best of Wicklow with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Wicklow
Visit one of these nice places.
This park offers stunning views of lush valleys, rugged mountains, and serene lakes. The iconic Glendalough Valley is particularly renowned for its picturesque scenery.
Known as the 'Guinness Lake,' Lough Tay's unique shape and dark waters surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains make it a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A beautiful sandy beach that provides excellent views of the Irish Sea, with the mountains as a backdrop, making it perfect for beach photography.
This trail offers panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and is a great spot to capture the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The ancient ruins set against the backdrop of Glendalough's stunning lakes and mountains provide a unique historical and natural photo opportunity.
A mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, ideal for capturing the rugged beauty of Wicklow.
Located near Glendalough, this site provides interesting historical context along with stunning views of the valley, perfect for photography.
A scenic glen with lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations, perfect for capturing the wild beauty of Wicklow.
Offering one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Wicklow, hikers can capture sweeping views of the mountains and valleys.
With its charming riverside views, this area is ideal for capturing moments of tranquility amidst nature.
Food in Wicklow
Wicklow Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty stew featuring tender beef chunks slow-cooked in Guinness beer, with root vegetables and herbs, often served with traditional Irish brown soda bread. Must-try at The Wicklow Heather restaurant in Glendalough.
Must-Try!
A creamy soup brimming with locally caught fish, mussels, and potatoes, usually flavored with herbs and served with crusty bread. Best enjoyed at The Happy Pear in Greystones.
A comforting stew made with chunks of succulent lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, slow-cooked to perfection. Highly recommended at Bates Restaurant in Rathdrum.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Wicklow better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open every weekend, this market showcases an array of local produce, artisanal foods, and street food stalls offering everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine.
Every Sunday, this bustling market features a variety of street food vendors serving up global flavors, alongside stalls with fresh seafood straight from the boats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Wicklow, it is common to greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. A handshake is often used when meeting someone for the first time. When meeting friends or acquaintances, a casual hug or cheek kiss is acceptable.
Being on time is considered respectful in Wicklow. Whether it's for social gatherings or business meetings, it is appreciated if you arrive at the designated time. However, the Irish are generally forgiving of slight delays.
Using 'please' and 'thank you' is important in Wicklow's culture. Showing appreciation for help or services is expected, and a friendly demeanor goes a long way in conversations with locals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Wicklow with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Wicklow
Ensure a smooth experience
In Wicklow, Ireland, tipping is generally appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill if the service is satisfactory. In pubs, it is common to round up the bill or leave small change. Tipping is less common for taxi drivers, though rounding up to the nearest euro is considered a nice gesture.
Most establishments in Wicklow accept various forms of payment, including cash and credit/debit cards. Contactless payments are widely accepted, making transactions quick and convenient. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller businesses or rural areas where card facilities may not be available. Additionally, many places may offer mobile payment options.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a wonderful time to visit Wicklow. The weather starts to warm up, flowers bloom, and the landscape becomes vibrant with greenery. Expect mild temperatures, occasional rain, and beautiful scenery, particularly in places like the Wicklow Mountains and gardens such as those at Altamont.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Wicklow, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Expect a bustling atmosphere, numerous outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and vibrant festivals. This is ideal for exploring the coastline and enjoying outdoor dining, but it can also be more crowded.
Autumn (September to November) offers a beautiful display of fall colors across Wicklow's parks and mountains. The weather is still relatively mild but can become unpredictable, so pack for both sun and rain. This season is perfect for hiking, with fewer crowds and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a great time for photography.
Winter (December to February) in Wicklow is cold and often wet, with occasional snow in the mountains. However, the winter landscape can be stunningly beautiful. Expect a quieter experience, ideal for cozying up in local pubs or enjoying winter walks. Some attractions may have reduced hours, and itâs wise to dress warmly.
Wicklow at Night
Hiking in Wicklow
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long-distance trail that runs through the stunning Wicklow Mountains, offering beautiful views and varied terrain.
Famous for its picturesque lakes and ancient monastic site, Glendalough has several walking trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
The highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains, Lugnaquilla features challenging hikes with breathtaking views from the summit.
Surrounded by scenic grounds, the trails around Powerscourt Waterfall provide a lovely hiking experience with views of the waterfall.
An area with forest trails that are great for hiking, along with biking routes. It offers beautiful scenery and a range of paths.
Aiports
How to reach Wicklow by plane.
The largest international airport in Ireland, located approximately 49 km northeast of Wicklow.
An international airport located about 191 km west of Wicklow, serving both domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 229 km southwest of Wicklow, it is the second largest airport in Ireland.
Situated about 157 km north of Wicklow, this is the primary international airport serving Northern Ireland.
Located approximately 161 km north of Wicklow, this airport serves mainly regional and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in County Wicklow, representing the native population.
Includes individuals from other European countries such as the UK, Poland, and other EU nations.
Comprising of various groups including Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani residents.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals of African descent living in Wicklow.
Individuals who identify with more than one ethnic background.
Includes smaller populations from various global backgrounds not specifically identified above.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional Irish team sport that combines elements of soccer and rugby.
An outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic Irish origin that involves hitting a small ball with a wooden stick.
A popular team sport in Ireland, played internationally, also known as football in many parts of the world.
A physical team sport that is quite popular in Ireland, with local clubs and leagues.
An increasingly popular recreational and competitive activity, with many scenic routes in Wicklow.
An outdoor activity enjoyed by many in Wicklow, leveraging the local lakes and rivers.
Wicklow features several beautiful golf courses that attract both locals and tourists.
A well-liked individual and doubles sport with several clubs throughout Wicklow.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wicklow.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Wicklow boasts a plethora of vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, with many restaurants and cafes offering creative plant-based options alongside classic Irish fare. The Elbowroom in Wicklow Town and Three Q's in Greystones are particularly renowned for their diverse veg-forward menus.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find numerous gluten-free choices across Wicklow, with several establishments providing dedicated menus or accommodating special dietary requirements upon request. The Quinns Bar & Restaurant in Baltinglass and The Hungry Monk in Greystones are noteworthy for their extensive gluten-free offerings.