Interesting Things To Do In The Wicklow Mountains

An Overview of the Wicklow Mountains

This extended and stunning hiking trail weaves through the Irish countryside, passing pastures of sheep, ruggedly gorgeous mountains and swells of land crafted in perfect green. The Wicklow Mountains National Park contains 205-square kilometers of protect area with numerous outdoor and historical activities for visitors to enjoy.

Interesting Things To Do In the Wicklow Mountains

Powerscourt Garden and House

This is an upscale garden estate near Wicklow, located in Enniskerry. The country estate occupies 19 beautiful hectares and remains a popular tourist attraction for visitors driving through the mountains. There is an entry fee to access the estate.

Powerscourt Waterfall

The Powerscourt Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Ireland, falling down sheer dark stones in a horsetail spray. As the name would suggest, it’s close to the Powerscourt Garden and House.

Ballinastoe Woods Walk

The Ballinastoe Woods Walk contains a short series of hiking trails coated in small boardwalks and deep mossy forests. It’s free to enter the walking area, but there is a parking fee for those who drive here.

Devil’s Glen

Devil’s Glen contains a glorious walking route following deep rocks, ice age formations and a prehistoric-looking waterfall. The glen gains it’s name from the waterfall, which was far more powerful prior to the 1860s Vartry Reservoir construction. The waterfall once made a roaring echo which sounded akin to “Satanic power announcing some great doom“.

The Wicklow Heather

This is an old-world designed restaurant with varnished wooden floors and rustic ceilings. The restaurant is located in the picturesque village of Laragh, serving classic Irish and Continental dishes.

Glendalough Cathedral

The Glendalough Cathedral, also known as the St. Peter and St. Pauls’ Cathedral, is an old stone cathedral with a famous Round Tower nearby. In the shadow of the Round Tower is a stone cobbled cathedral building called the Our Lady’s Church, built in a traditional Irish style. Entry to the entire complex free, but it costs 4 Euros to park for travelers with cars.

Johnie Fox’s Pub

This is a tiny, vibrant and popular pub located within a village within the Wickow Mountains. The traditional venue offers drinks and food in the town of Glencullen. It’s known for decorative farm tools, hooley nights and live Irish music.

Victors Way Sculpture Garden

Located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, this is an outdoor art venue with odd themes. Much of the artwork and many of the sculptures are astounding Eastern-Buddhist or Hindi statues embedded in Irish greenery, lakes and bogs. Figures emerge from the waters with serene or dramatic expressions. The Eastern features makes this one of the most interesting things to do in the Wicklow Mountains.

Lough Dan

This is a large, boomerang-shaped scenic lake that lines up perfectly with sunsets. The lake can be found within the Wicklow Mountains, but is largely set on private property, making public access points narrow.

Bray Head

Located to the East of the main Wicklow Mountains, these are a series of oceanside mountains with daunting cliffs falling into a white foam sea below. The hilly space is located between the towns of Bray and Greystones and remains a popular spot for hillwalkers.

Blessington Greenway

The Blessington Greenway is a somewhat quiet hiking route which hugs the edges of the Blessington Lakes.  It’s an excellent route to avoid major crowds and enjoy Irish serenity. The trail is about five and a half kilometers and passes the Blessington Lakes, the Poulaphouca Reservoir, and an ancient medieval ringfort.

Russborough House Maze

Russborough House is a stately manor near the Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow. The large property has a famous and daunting geometric hedge maze. There is a fee required for those entering the maze.

Mount Usher Gardens

The Mount Usher Gardens are a series of sublime gardens interspaced with waterfalls and low patches of bright greenery. The gardens were established in the 1860s and remain beautiful to this day. There are more than 5,000 species of plants within the gardens.

Djouce Woods and Ticknock Hike

This is a small forested track leading through long roads of timber. On occassions, this hiking trails causes the forest to occasional open up for grand views of meadows and lowlands.

Great Sugarloaf

The Great Sugarloaf is a popular and distinct landmark found along hiking trails in the Wicklow Mountains. The Great Sugarloaf takes the shape of a wizard-hat mountaintop visible from Dublin The summit is responsible for some of the most unrivaled panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Seefin Passage Tomb (The Seat of Fionn)

This is a mysterious ancient tomb over 5,300 years old with compelling artwork wrought into its old stones.  It’s an incredibly scenic spot with views across Wicklow Mountains National Park.  Note that this ancient site is close to Kilbride Military Camp, which is an active firing zone. The surrounding areas wave red flags on active firing days.  Check the Defence Forces website online prior to visiting.

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