Sunset at Lake Lough Tay or The Guinness Lake in County Wicklow where Vikings village, Kattegat was located

Things to do in  Wicklow

Where the trail begins

Often called the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow is beloved for its extensive network of nature trails, woodlands, and beaches alongside historic sites and ancient ruins. Bordering County Dublin, Wicklow is an easy day trip from the capital of Dublin for those seeking Ireland’s dramatic scenery without traveling to the west coast. Top things to do in Wicklow include walking on the Wicklow Way, visiting natural landmarks like the Powerscourt Waterfall, and exploring scenic ruins like the monastic settlement at Glendalough.

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Top 5 attractions in Wicklow

#1

Glendalough

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Explore beyond Dublin with a day trip to Glendalough, a sixth-century monastic complex one hour south of the city center. Set between two lakes, Glendalough is a popular destination for travelers who want a taste of the Irish countryside. It’s also a common stop for hikers setting out along the Wicklow Way, which runs through the valley.More
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#2

Wicklow Mountains

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The Wicklow Mountains, a destination for dramatic Irish landscapes, are a popular day trip from Dublin, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the capital city. Low mountains, serene lakes, and deep glacial valleys offer the chance to fish, kayak, hike, picnic, and more. Film buffs are also drawn here to see backdrops from favorite movies like Braveheart.More
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#3

Powerscourt Estate

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Home to two golf courses, a luxury hotel, a Palladian-style country house, and Ireland’s highest waterfall, the 25-square-mile (64-square-kilometer) Powerscourt Estate has no shortage of attractions. The landscaped gardens, with their cascading terraces, lakes, and follies, are, however, the greatest draw to this sight in County Wicklow.More
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#4

Powerscourt Waterfall

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Tumbling an impressive 397 feet (121 meters) into scenic parkland, Powerscourt Waterfall is one of Ireland’s tallest falls. Nature trails lead through trees, including giant redwoods, that house a wealth of birdlife. The site also has a children’s playground, a snack kiosk in season, and restroom facilities.More
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#5

Wicklow Gaol

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During its 200 years of operation, Wicklow Gaol earned a reputation as one of the most brutal and barbaric institutions in Ireland. Visitors to the jail learn about the lives of prisoners, who were persecuted under anti-Catholic penal laws and were forced to endure harsh punishments and squalid conditions.More
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Explore Wicklow by interest

Top activities in Wicklow

Wicklow's Historic Gaol Day Tour

Wicklow's Historic Gaol Day Tour

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348
From
$13.23
Russborough House and Parklands Admission and Tour Ticket

Russborough House and Parklands Admission and Tour Ticket

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43
From
$15.35
Half Day Fatbike Tour - Wicklow Ballinastoe

Half Day Fatbike Tour - Wicklow Ballinastoe

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16
From
$89.98
Tinakilly Country House Hotel To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Tinakilly Country House Hotel To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$324.07
per group
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$231.48
per group
Parkview Hotel Newtown MountKennedy To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Parkview Hotel Newtown MountKennedy To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$335.64
per group
Bridge Tavern Wicklow To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Bridge Tavern Wicklow To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$324.07
per group
Druid Glen Hotel & Golf Resort To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Druid Glen Hotel & Golf Resort To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$423.43
per group
Chester Beatty County Wicklow To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Chester Beatty County Wicklow To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$347.21
per group
Guided House Tour in Ireland

Guided House Tour in Ireland

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5
From
$15.35
Arklow To Dublin Airport Private Car Transfer

Arklow To Dublin Airport Private Car Transfer

From
$582.21
per group
Chester Beatty County Wicklow To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

Chester Beatty County Wicklow To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$335.64
per group
Walking Tour in Ireland Hidden Glendalough and Valleys Secrets

Walking Tour in Ireland Hidden Glendalough and Valleys Secrets

From
$68.81
Wicklow Mountains Horse Trekking

Wicklow Mountains Horse Trekking

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68
From
$79.39
See all Wicklow tours

All about Wicklow

When to visit

Summer is the busiest time of year to visit County Wicklow, especially for families and international travelers. That being said, the trails in Wicklow, including the Wicklow Way, are popular year-round. Visitors looking to avoid the summer crowds may be drawn to the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Top annual events in County Wicklow include the Wicklow Gardens Festival in May, the Groove Music Festival in August, and the Wicklow Regatta Festival in July.

Getting around

County Wicklow is just south of County Dublin and an easily accessible day trip from Dublin. The area is best explored by rental car, as getting lost on country roads is part of the fun. Group and private tours make the area accessible to visitors without rental cars, too. The DART train connects Dublin down into Wicklow, as far south as the coastal village of Greystones.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC +1)
Country Code
+353
Language(s)
English
Attractions
5
Tours
14
Reviews
490
EN
aae8e226-1312-4dc5-9c43-ded19ec65e1b
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People Also Ask

Traveler tips

The Powerscourt House and Gardens are top landmarks in County Wicklow; plan a morning visit—if possible on a weekday—to avoid crowds. Other top things to do include driving through the Wicklow Mountains to see Sally Gap, walking the boardwalk in Ballinastoe Woods, and hiking to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers excellent panoramic views. The Wicklow Way, part of a network of long-distance, self-guided walking trails, passes through as well.

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How do I spend my day in Wicklow?

Spend one day in Wicklow exploring the outdoors. County Wicklow is known for its scenery; choose between several outdoor landmarks including the Powerscourt Waterfall, the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, or the scenic Sally Gap. Go for a scenic drive, bike ride, or hike in Wicklow.

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Is Wicklow Ireland worth visiting?

Yes, Wicklow in Ireland is worth visiting. County Wicklow, just south of County Dublin, is home to some of the east coast’s most striking scenery and popular historic attractions. Visit the ruins of Glendalough, explore the Powerscourt Gardens, or hike along the Wicklow Way on a trip to Wicklow.

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What is Wicklow famous for?

County Wicklow is famous for its charming villages, striking scenery, and historic landmarks. Check out the villages of Enniskerry and Roundwood, the scenery at Powerscourt House and Gardens, and the monastic settlement at Glendalough during a visit to County Wicklow. Wicklow also refers to a coastal town within the county.

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What is the most beautiful village in Wicklow?

Enniskerry is often noted as the most beautiful village in County Wicklow. It is home to several restaurants, pubs, and cafés. But there are many other villages in the county worth visiting including Roundwood, Wicklow, and Greystones. Coastal villages offer beautiful sea views and scenic hiking trails.

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What time of year is best for Wicklow Way?

The most popular time of year to walk the Wicklow Way is summer. The season offers the best chance of warmer temperatures, though good weather is not guaranteed. Summer also offers extended daylight hours. Travelers looking to avoid the crowds may prefer the spring or fall shoulder seasons.

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What TV series was filmed in Wicklow?

County Wicklow's dramatic natural scenery has been a backdrop for TV series including The Tudors and Vikings. Movies have been filmed in County Wicklow, including Braveheart. TV lovers looking for Game of Thrones filming locations can travel north into County Antrim to see where the HBO series was filmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Wicklow?
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