Wicklow Town Map
Wicklow Town is built on a great promontory overlooking the sea, the town enjoys one of the most attractive settings of any Irish town and has easy access to the surrounding County,
the Garden of Ireland.
The name of the town comes from the days of the Vikings who established a seaport here in a sheltered bay beneath Wicklow Head. They called it Wykinglo, ‘translating the bay of the ships’. Older traditions tell of the foundation of a church by an otherwise unknown disciple of St. Patrick called Mantan. The Town is a centre for fishing, sailing & walking and you can visit the Wicklow Gaol Museum, the 12th Century Black Castle ruins and Wicklow Head.
ATTRACTIONS in Wicklow & its' SURROUNDING AREAS
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol – Welcome to one of Ireland’s best and most interactive experiences. On entering the building you will be transported back in time and meet face to face with some of the most notorious characters to have walked the floors of this dramatic and history filled building. Facilities include The Jailer’s Rest Cafe – which is conveniently located right inside the Wicklow Goal and a Craft & Gift Shop and opened June 2019 is our Virtual Reality Experience. The Gaol is open daily Mon-Sun 10.30am – last admission 4.30pm. Log onto www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com for further information.
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Glendalough Visitor Centre is dedicated to showcasing the Glendalough monastic site, one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions. Positioned in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the Glendalough monastic site is a fascinating early Christian settlement in a spectacular natural location, founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century.
Greenane Farm Museums & Maze
Greenane Farm Museums & Maze – Rathdrum – The Farm Museum has exhibits dating back over 200 years when traditional hill-farming used only the horse/ass. An understanding of traditional hill farm can be obtained from a visit to Greenane. The collection is one of the largest in the country. The Maze was planted in 1988 and the centre is surprisingly difficult to find. Opening times/dates are seasonal, check website or telephone 0404 46000 or M. 086 8845624 for details.
Mount Usher Gardens
Mount Usher Gardens – Ashford – These privately owned gardens are laid out along the banks of the Varty River. They measure 20 acres and contain approx. 5,000 different species of plants & trees. Cascades and suspension bridges are visible from many areas. Open daily Mid March – End of October. 10.30am – 6pm. Tel: 0404 40205. Open All Year 10am-6pm Last admission 5pm. www.mountushergardens.ie
Black Castle
Black Castle, Wicklow Town – Castle ruin stands on a rocky promontory over the sea, at the eastern side of the town. The ruined castle provides a fine vantage point.
Avondale House & Forest Park
Avondale House & Forest Park – Rathdrum – Avondale House is set in a magnificent forest of over 500acres and was the birthplace & home of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846 – 1891), Forest trails, designated picnic areas, children’s play area and orienteering course suitable for children & adults. See www.coillteoutdoors.ie for details. Avondale House is currently closed for renovation but the park remains open all year round.
nearby Coastal towns
Visit the nearby Coastal Towns Greystones and Bray are two popular seaside towns that vibrate with excitement. Greystones offers beautiful cliff walks, boutique shopping and fine dining while Bray is a year-round resort with an amusement park, bowling, an arts centre and an aquarium.
some activities to enjoy
Walking / hiking
Wicklow provides the most breathtaking scenery and walks. Full and detailed list is available from the local tourist office or log onto www.visitwicklow.ie/the-wicklow-way for more information
Cycling
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Fishing
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THE CORAL LEISURE CENTRE
THE CORAL LEISURE CENTRE has a 25-metre deck level swimming pool and a 9-metre learner pool. Also in the pool area is a sauna and steam room, which offer you the perfect opportunity to de-stress, unwind and relax after your swim. We also have a fully equipped gymnasium offering a selection of cardiovascular machines, weight machines and free weights. Telephone: 0404 66831
GLENROE OPEN FARM
GLENROE OPEN FARM – Kilcoole – The farm offers close and easy access to a wide variety of farm animals and pets. There is a Pets Corner where you can hold your favourite fluffy pet and an outdoor children’s playground. The farm is wheelchair accessible and has a coffee shop, gift shop, and lots of outdoor and indoor picnic tables. Opening times/dates are seasonal, telephone 01 287 2288 for details.
golfing
BLAINROE GOLF COURSE – A parkland course that has extensive views of the Irish Sea with some holes right on the coastline. The exposure to the coastal winds adds to its challenging test. Two holes worth noting are the 14th & 15th hole over the lake. Tel: 0404 68168.
WICKLOW GOLF CLUB – It is a challenging and scenically spectacular course. Good food & hospitality are assured. Tel: 0404 67379.
fishing
Annamoe Trout Fishery – On a 4-acre lake, Annamoe Trout fishery offers quality angling and the thrill of a catch in a beautiful natural scenic environment. Prime fish, brown trout, artic char & rainbow trout from 1lb to 10lb. Angling equipment is for sale or hire, bait is also available. Full day or half day tickets, discount rates for under 16 years. Opening times are seasonal, telephone 0404 45470 for details. www.annamoetroutfishery.com
HORSE RIDING
HORSE RIDING – Ireland is known as ‘the land of the horse’, and boasts some of the best riding breaks you could wish for. Browse our list of operators to choose from beach rides, post to post treks or cross-country routes that will challenge your skills, whatever the weather