County Wicklow: Monastic History, Gardens and Walking Trails

County Wicklow offers travellers a range of experiences: monastic history in Glendalough and Kilmacurragh, gardens in Ashford and Kilmacurragh, and outdoor activities. Walking trails and destinations such as Avondale also bring together different interests. When choosing a holiday rental, the mix you want can be a good starting point: would you like your trip to focus mainly on cultural sites, garden visits, walking or particular family experiences?

Monastic History and Expansive Walking Landscapes

Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for local people and tourists. County Wicklow also has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail.

Saint Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in County Wicklow in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and carved crosses. Kilmacurragh also has an early monastic history: a monastery stood there in the 7th century. A 21-hectare part of the former Kilmacurragh estate became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in 1996. The annual Rhododendron Week takes place in April; check the specific dates if you would like to plan your visit around it.

Gardens, River Landscapes and Local Experiences

Mount Usher Gardens in the village of Ashford cover 22 acres along the River Vartry. They are an example of Robinsonian-style planting. In Kilmacurragh, the transformation from former estate to botanical institution is another point of interest alongside the gardens. Near Mount Usher, you can explore the Avoca food market, which offers a selection of artisan foods; the selection may change.

Beyond the Trees Avondale is in Rathdrum. Its 1.4-kilometre treetop walk ends at a 38-metre-high viewing tower with panoramic views over the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. A 90-metre spiral slide also descends from the viewing tower. In 1904, Avondale was the site of Ireland’s first forestry school: here, a present-day visitor experience meets a specific part of forestry history. If you are planning a visit, check the latest operating information, as details may change.

Greenan Maze also offers mazes, museums and encounters with farm animals. Check in advance which visitor attractions are currently available. For families weighing up different ways to spend the day, this offers a different kind of outing from a walk or a visit to historic monastic sites. You can choose where to stay based on which of these interests is most important for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Brittas Bay, Wicklow, Shillelagh, Enniskerry, Bray, Aughrim, Arklow, Blessington, Hollywood, Boystown, An Láithreach, Rathnew, Donard, Avoca, Newtownmountkennedy, Woodenbridge, Kilcoole, Dunlavin, Ballinalea, Ashford, Baltinglass, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Rathdrum, Ballyknockan, Greystones, Kilmacanoge, Kiltegan, Tinahely, Redcross, Roundwood, Oldbridge.

For the broader travel overview: Leinster.