Ireland had been on my list of must-see places since, forever. It is my ancestral land and where much of my extended family lives. County Wicklow is where my mom lived as a small child and where fond memories of its destinations reside. She had not returned since her family left decades ago, so it had been a mission of mine to take her back “home” one day.
We made it to Ireland!
So, I was finally able to visit the destinations in County Wicklow that my mom has told us about so many times. It was a family affair, having my brother and his girlfriend, an aunt, and two uncles along on the trip. Although we needed two vehicles to make the best of it, it was an unforgettably fun experience and one I will not soon forget.
Certainly, the thought of meeting my family for the first time was enough to make me giddy, but I was beyond thrilled to be visiting Ireland for the first time, too!
How to get to County Wicklow?
We traveled from County Clare in the west of Ireland at the start of this itinerary. However, if you are traveling from Dublin to visit the extensive beauty the destinations of County Wicklow supplies, you can mix up the activities and days depending on your preference. It may be your best bet considering the weather in Ireland, and how frequently it can change.
This itinerary is arranged with a self-catering holiday home and suggested day trips. You will need to rent a vehicle in order to get around. The day trips are focused on visiting some of the highlights around County Wicklow like, Glendalough and include a trip to County Kildare as well. This is a great trip for getting a glimpse of some of the best and most beautiful of County Wicklow’s destinations. You will enjoy days filled with nature, delicious food, lots of walking, and plenty of downtime in the evenings.
This 6-Day County Wicklow Destinations Itinerary is good for:
- Families and groups
- Nature lovers
- Walkers/Hikers
- Day-trippers
- Birds of Prey enthusiasts
- Garden admirers
- Photographers
- Foodies
Curated Contents:
Day 1: Arrival in Ashford or Dublin
Whether you are continuing your journey in Ireland or are just arriving in Dublin use this day as a travel day. On the other hand, if it is your first time driving in Ireland, get acclimated to the left side of the road!
Dublin is north of Ashford about an hour so it is the perfect city to fly into for visiting County Wicklow’s many destinations.
If you are flying into Dublin today, pick up your rental car and head south to Ashford. Depending on your time of arrival, head to the historic Chester Beatty Inn in Ashford for a delicious meal prepared with local ingredients, before checking in to your accommodations.
If, like us, you are traveling to County Wicklow from western Ireland consider making a stop at the Kilbeggan Distillery for a tour of the oldest distillery in Ireland and whiskey tastings. It is located not far off the M6.
Total drive time: 1 hour (from Dublin); 2 hours, 45 minutes or more (depending on where you are traveling from)
Total walking time: 1 hour
Accommodations: We stayed in Ashford Self Catering Holiday Homes. There are three eco-friendly cottages situated in a lovely stone building on Rossana Farm, a working farm in the village of Ashford.
Read more: The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience
Day 2: Mount Usher + Wicklow Town
Considering County Wicklow is the Garden of Ireland, a must see in Ashford is Mount Usher Gardens. Just a few minutes from Rossana Farm, head over early to indulge in a deliciously hearty breakfast at the Avoca Garden Cafe. Weather permitting; enjoy your meal in the tree-covered courtyard, a lovely way to start the day.
Afterward, stroll through the Robinsonian style Mount Usher Gardens, where the River Vartry runs through with more than five-thousand unique trees and plants and my favorite gardens of the trip! Before you leave though, be sure to stop in the Avoca Food Market for fresh baked bread and sweets to go!
There is quite a bit to do in County Wicklow, from driving through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, to the beaches on the east coast, to visiting the monastic site at Glendalough.
However, this was a family trip (and reunion of sorts) so we visited with our extended family for the afternoon. We were hosted by one of my mom’s cousins at her home overlooking the Irish Sea, in the same neighborhood my mom lived in as a child. However, you are probably not in Ireland to visit with family (Sláinte if you are!), so use this afternoon to visit the coastal town of Wicklow.
In Wicklow, you can visit the Historic Gaol and explore the ruins of the Black Castle that loom over the coast. More importantly, indulge in the fact that you are on an island, and have freshly caught seafood at The Lighthouse Restaurant.
Total driving time: 25 minutes
Total walking time: 1-3 hours
Day 3: Bray Head Cliff Walk
The Bray Head Cliff Walk, near where my mom’s childhood home, is an elevated coastal path and one of the highlights of County Wicklow. At its northern starting point, the trail begins in the beautiful coastal town of Bray. The footpath is a 7 km (4.35 mi) stretch between Bray and Greystones and provides endless views of the turquoise Irish Sea.
When you reach Greystones have lunch at one of the many restaurants along the coast or in town. You can catch the DART back to Bray if you do not want to make the return trip along the cliff walk. It is easy to find and navigate the station in Greystones, and if not, ask a friendly local for direction.
Certainly, the cliff walk is not that long, but we were in Ireland during a heat wave. Yes! A heat wave, in Ireland! As a result, we called it a day and hung out back at the cottage.
If you are still up for more, chill out on the promenade or check out the Bray aquarium, Sea Life Bray. If you would prefer to keep moving,
Total driving time: 45 minutes
Total walking time: 2.5-3 hours
Day 4: Hawk Walk, Guinness Lake and Glendalough
Today you will head to the National Bird of Prey Center at the Russborough House and Parklands in Blessington to check out the various birds of prey and go on a Hawk Walk. If you chose to do the hawk walk, it needs to be booked in advance. If birds of prey are not your thing, Russborough offers many outdoor activities including a maze, a walled garden, walking trails, a tearoom and tours of the house. It is easy to spend the day enjoying all the activities on site. (Book your Hawk Walk).
After you have exhausted yourselves at the Russborough House head south on N81 to The Hollywood Inn for a delicious lunch, they have the best smokies! Backtrack a bit north on N81 to head east to R759 into the Wicklow Mountains National Park. You will likely want to capture photos of the amazing mountain scenery and many sheep dotted along the roads, and there are ample spots to pull off to do so. Continue on to Lough Tay also known as Guinness Lake for more stunning views of the surrounding Wicklow Mountains and the lake below.
Glendalough
From Lough Tay take R755 to Glendalough where you will meander through the ancient monastic city ruins. In addition to the spectacular site take a stroll around the lower lake for idyllic Irish views.
Total driving time: 2.5 hours
Total walking time: 1.5-2 hours
Day 5: Secret Food Tour in Dublin
Do not fill up on breakfast because this morning you will venture into Dublin city center for a delightful Irish walking food tour. It starts late morning and lasts about three hours and you eat a ton of food! The tour will entice your taste buds with an Irish breakfast staple, artisan ice cream, and smoked batter cod. Meanwhile, you get a great insight into Irish history, food, and culture as well. (Book your Dublin Food Tour).
Guinness Store House or Jameson Distillery
If you have any steam left after all that food, catch a double-decker across town to the Guinness Storehouse or across the River Liffey to the Jameson Distillery. We chose a tour of the brewery and a perfect pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar.
While driving is the quickest way to get into Dublin from County Wicklow, we decided to use the advice of our proprietor and took the DART between Dublin and Bray, a round trip of about an hour.
Total driving time: 50 minutes
Total walking time: 2 hours
Read more: Dublin Food Tour: A Gastronomic Adventure
Day 6: Digby Lock Cruise and Powerscourt Gardens
Canal Cruise
On your last full day in Ireland, you’ll drive north on N11 to N7 to Sallins for a relaxed morning cruise through the Kildare countryside. On the Barge Trip, you will float along the Grand Canal for 2.5 hours, where you will see thatched-roof cottages and a 232-year-old lock. Beverages are offered for sale on the cruise. (Book your Canal Cruise).
Powerscourt Gardens
Before heading home for the day stop and spend a few hours perusing the gardens at the Powerscourt Estate. The gardens that stretch across forty-seven acres have been voted number three in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic. There are a variety of differently styled gardens including Italian and Japanese Gardens. It is a destination not to be missed when visiting County Wicklow.
There are boutique shops on site including an Avoca Store and Café. The shops offer the best of Irish designed gifts including jewelry, books, and luxurious Irish wool products. In addition to the Avoca Terrace Café, the food hall provides freshly baked treats and local products to go.
Total driving time: 2 hours
Total walking time: 2.5 hours
Day 7: Fly out of Dublin
Your County Wicklow Ireland adventure comes to end today. Start your journey home, or for those with more time continue exploring all of the wonderful destinations in County Wicklow.
Total drive time: 50 minutes (to Dublin airport)
Continuing your trip in Ireland?
If you have more time and are heading west from County Wicklow, check out this County Clare Ireland: 4-Day Itinerary for inspiration and ideas.
Have you been to County Wicklow? What are your favorite destinations?
Awesome article on what sounds like an amazing trip!! I’m looking forward to visiting Ireland!! Thanks for such
great information!
Thanks, Kymberly! It was such a great trip and was combined with the County Clare itinerary I have posted. Hoping you’ll get to visit soon!
My husband’s heritage is located in Ireland which means it is near the top of our bucket list travel locations. Hopefully, within the next 2 years we will have an opportunity to go. This is a great extensive travel guide for those that need ideas when traveling to Ireland. Thanks!
Hi Julie, thank you! Having heritage definitely makes the trip that much more exciting. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit the area of your husband’s ancestors. Happy planning!
Wow this is a great guide. My girlfriends and I are talking about doing a trip to Ireland next year so this really puts me in the mood and gives great ideas for places to see.
Thanks, Gina! I’m happy to have peaked your interest! Definitely go! I have no doubt that you’ll love it.