14 Best Things to Do in County Wicklow
Discover all the best things to see and do in County Wicklow. You'll find top attractions, must-see places, fun activities, scenic drives, hiking trails, and so much more!
With rugged mountains, a picturesque coastline, ancient ruins, and rich heritage, County Wicklow is for sure a great place to visit.
No wonder Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland. The scenery is just that diverse and spectacular.
Wicklow County is located on the east coast of Ireland, just south of Dublin.
This area is known as Ireland's Ancient East, with Wicklow being one of the most interesting places you can explore here.
For many visitors, it's their first destination on their Ireland road trip.
With so much to choose from to explore, the County Wicklow offers something to see and do for all.
Here's our list of the most beautiful places in County Wicklow.
Wicklow Mountains
Thanks to the proximity to Ireland's capital, Wicklow Mountains is one of the best day trips from Dublin.
While the national park gets busy during the peak season and weekends, it's really easy to find a nice little spot without crowds.
Wicklow Mountains is one of Ireland's most beautiful national parks.
In fact, we believe it's one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
The rugged area south of Dublin is home to steep mountains, extensive bogs, and glacial valleys.
The highest peak is the 925-meter Lugnaquilla, one of Ireland's highest mountains.
No matter if you plan to drive in for the day and enjoy the views along the way or want to try some outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or camping, Wicklow Mountains won't disappoint.
By the way, all national parks in Ireland are free to enter, and Wicklow Mountains is no exception.
Lough Tay
The Lough Tay viewpoint is one of the most amazing places to visit in County Wicklow.
This mountainous lake sits halfway between Sally Gap and Roundwood and can be easily missed when not looking for it. It's a short detour from Old Military Road, but totally worth the time.
The lake resembles a pint of Guinness, so it's also known as Guinness Lake.
The lake was also featured in several films and TV Shows, with Vikings being probably the most famous one.
The best part is that Lough Tay's viewpoints are easily accessible by car.
The lake is incredibly beautiful from the top, so be prepared to spend some time here to soak in the views.
Unfortunately, there is no official trail to the lake's shores. There are several great viewpoints along R759 with parking areas.
Glendalough Monastic Site
There are plenty of monastic sites scattered across Ireland. So it's no surprise you can also find some old monasteries in the County Wicklow.
Glendalough Monastic Site is one of the most famous historical sites in Ireland.
The monastic site is located in Glendalough Valley, in the small village of Glendalough. The glacial valley is home to a former monastic settlement that St. Kevin founded in the 6th century CE.
Despite regular Viking raids, the center flourished and became one of the most important centers of learning and religion in Ireland.
Today, the well-preserved ruins are one of the top attractions in County Wicklow.
If you find driving in Ireland too intimidating, you can take the Glendalough Monastic Site Tour.
Not surprisingly, this is one of the most popular day tours from Dublin.
Powerscourt Waterfall
If you love waterfalls, then you need to head to Powerscourt Waterfall.
The waterfall is located near Enniskerry, just a short drive from the estate. You can easily get there by car or bike.
The waterfall itself is a short and easy walk from the parking area. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all ages and abilities.
121-meter Powerscourt is one of Ireland's highest waterfalls, so it's pretty obvious this is Wicklow's one of the main natural attractions.
There is a small admission to enter Powerscourt Waterfall. If you're a budget traveler, check out Glenmacnass Waterfall.
On the other hand, the area around the waterfall is clean and tidy.
If you're looking for a place to have a picnic with your family, this Powerscourt Waterfall won't disappoint.
Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
Without any doubt, Powerscourt Estate and Gardens is one of the best things to do in County Wicklow.
The estate is located only 20 kilometers south of Dublin city center, making it a popular destination for day-trippers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of a large city.
As the manor house is used for commercial purposes, the extensive gardens are the highlight of every visit to Powerscourt.
The grounds have a good network of trails, which you can easily explore on foot. There are many different plants, trees, and thematic gardens.
Once you see the Japanese Garden, you will quickly understand why Powerscourt is regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland.
The gardens are especially gorgeous around June when everything is blooming, though you will for sure enjoy a leisurely stroll here any time of the year.
The estate is also home to a small whiskey distillery. While you can visit more famous whiskey distilleries in Ireland, this one offers a bit more intimate experience.
There is also a luxurious Powerscourt Hotel that will cater to your every need. It's expensive but have a look anyway.
Wicklow
Founded around the 8th century CE by Vikings, the town of Wicklow is one of the unmissable stops when touring this county.
Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to see and do in Wicklow.
One of Wicklow's top attractions is the Black Castle, which you can find in the Wicklow Harbour. Not much is left of these castle ruins, though the coastal location itself is a worthwhile stop.
Wicklow's Historic Gaol is one of the most iconic buildings in the area. The former jail offers great audio-visual experience and engaging guided tours.
Wicklow Heritage Trail gives a great insight into the town's rich and fascinating history that stretches well over a thousand years.
Furthermore, Wicklow is a great base for exploring the whole county and surrounding areas. You can find hotels in Wicklow here.
As you can see, Wicklow is definitely worth seeing, even if it's just for a few hours.
Old Military Road
If you're looking for a scenic drive through some of the most spectacular Wicklow landscapes, you've just found it.
Old Military Road starts at Rathfarnham in Dublin and runs south across the Wicklow Mountains all the way down to Laragh.
The R115 follows a former military road that was built at the beginning of the 19th century after the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
It's very narrow at some points, so drive carefully. You can find tips for driving in Ireland here.
One of the most notable stops along the way is a mountainous pass of Sally Gap.
Technically, this is a crossroad that makes the mountains accessible from the west and east.
Obviously, there are more potential stops along the way and places worth visiting.
Avondale House and Forest Park
Another stop on your Wicklow itinerary should be Avondale House and Forest Park near Rathdrum.
There are a few things worth seeing in Avondale Forest Park.
The 18th-century Avondale House and Estate is a former home of Samueal Hayes and later the Parnell family.
The house is open to the public today. One of the main attractions in the forest park is the treetop walkway Beyond the Trees Avondale.
This 1.4-kilometer walkway offers a fun way to see the surrounding park.
The panoramic 360-degree views from the 38-meter tower made of glulam beams are stunning.
Coillte Pavilion gives a great insight into the history of Ireland's forestation and the role of trees in our environment.
The only drawback is that the combination tickets are fairly expensive.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, there are plenty of free things to see and do in County Wicklow.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Brittas Bay
The 4-kilometer sandy strip known as Brittas Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful places in County Wicklow.
Brittas Bay is located just 10 kilometers south of Wicklow Town and has two parking areas - north and south.
This blue-flag beach is suitable for swimming, though you should always see current warnings before you go.
Thanks to its beauty and proximity to Dublin, Brittas Bay gets fairly busy during the summer season.
However, the beach can be fairly quiet outside this season, especially on overcast or cloudy days.
While the sea will be too cold for swimming on these days, Brittas Bay is still worth seeing.
This long sandy beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or family fun. There is a small fee for parking.
Spinc Loop
If you love hiking, the Wicklow Mountains should be on your list. Our favorite hike in this area is the Spinc Loop.
This moderately challenging 11.5-kilometer looped trail is a perfect option for all outdoor enthusiasts.
The trailhead to Spinc Loop is at Glendalough Upper Lake, though you can also walk there via Wicklow Way from Glendalough Village.
Those who are interested in mining history follow the Spinc and Glenealo Valley route. Either way, both trails are well-signed and easy to follow.
The views from the wooden path that leads along the ridge are nothing short of spectacular.
Without any doubt, Spinc Loop is one of the best hikes in Ireland.
Mount Usher Gardens
As County Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland, visiting some of the local gardens is a sensible thing to do.
Situated less than a 10-minute drive northwest of Wicklow, Mount Usher is home to beautiful Robinsonian gardens.
The gardens have a natural design that will make you forget about your daily stresses.
Mount Usher is home to over 5,000 species of plants and trees from all over the world.
The gardens can be easily explored on foot, and the well-maintained trails are suitable for all types of visitors.
The River Vartry flows through the gardens, adding an extra touch of charm.
As the colors constantly change, Mount Usher Gardens is a lovely place to visit any time of the year.
There is an admission to enter Mount Usher Gardens.
Glenmacnass Waterfall
Driving the Old Military Road is a great experience.
The scenery is breathtaking and easily accessible to every visitor who decides to rent a car in Ireland or take a guided Wicklow Mountains Tour.
Glenmacnass Waterfall is one of the best stops along this scenic route.
Even though the waterfall is especially beautiful after rain, it's worth seeing any time of the year.
The waterfall is best seen from a distance from the main road, though you can take a short walk to its upper edge.
There is no entry fee to Glenmacnass Waterfall.
Bray Head
Situated between the coastal towns of Bray and Greystones, this headland with a hill and cliffs is a popular destination for walkers and hikers.
The best way to explore Bray Head is on foot.
The 1-kilometer Bray Head Cross trail (one way) is very straightforward, though steep at some points.
The hilltop is marked with a cross that was erected there during the Holy Year. The views from the top are breathtaking.
On a clear day, you should be able to admire the diverse landscape of Wicklow County.
You can return via the same path or extend your hike and walk back via Bray Head Loop (7 kilometers).
The best part about the coastal town of Bray is that it is serviced by DART. This affordable and reliable rapid transit offers a great way to see Bray from Dublin.
While Wicklow's coastline is not as diverse as Kerry's or Clare's, Bray Head is a stunning place that is worth seeing.
By the way, don't confuse this headland with Bray Head on Valentia Island.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Despite its modest height, the Great Sugarloaf is one of the most iconic mountains in Ireland.
Dominating the east area of the Wicklow Mountains, the conically-shaped Sugarloaf is easily recognizable from the distance.
No matter if you decide to tackle the 501-meter peak or just admire its beauty from a distance, Sugarloaf is a must-see place in the Wicklow Mountains.
The 1.5-kilometer out-and-back trail starts on L1031, though you can also do the longer 8-kilometer looped trail from Kilmacanogue.
You should get to the summit and back in less than an hour if you're moderately fit. The trail is clearly visible and well-maintained but is exposed.
Make sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes and a good windproof rain jacket to stay nice and warm.
Here you will find our complete Ireland packing list.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
