Take a captivating journey through the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East with a trip to Wicklow. From the haven of the heathery hills to the lively hive of the seaside towns, the panoramic wilds of the uplands to the blossoming beauty of the formal gardens, Wicklow wows with its romantic landscapes and wins you over with its charming character.
As autumn arrives, Wicklow bursts into a riot of colour, and the leaves on the trees put on a final dramatic display before yielding to winter. This is some of the finest leaf-peeping in the country.
So, get ready to explore Wicklow this autumn, where you’ll lose yourself in its natural beauty and find yourself falling in love with its wonderful ways.
Need some destination inspiration? Here are some excellent experiences to enjoy in Wicklow.
For an invigorating and inspiring stroll along the cliffside of Bray Head, follow the 7km Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. The walk actually follows the rail line, so you can start at Bray or Greystones, and when you get to the other end, just hop on the DART if you need to go back to where you began.
If you start at Bray, the walk begins from the promenade bandstand, or you can cut 1km off the walk by parking at the car park at Raheen Park. The first 3-4km are the most interesting in terms of sights and views, so if you are short on time or don’t want to end up in Greystones, just walk the first half and turn back.
The walk is relatively easy, takes you past some sites of historic importance, and provides sweeping views of the East Coast. Plenty of wildlife and wildflowers keep the walk interesting and brighten up the cliffs. Yellow gorse, feathery ferns and old stone walls accompany you all the way. Make sure you look out for the trains going through the tunnels below the trail and scan around the rocks for playful seals. When you get near the Greystones end, there is a very tempting ice cream van selling all manner of frozen delights. Go on; you deserve one more 99 before the summer is out.
Feeling ravenous after the cliff walk? Need to refuel for the walk back to Bray? The Happy Pear is a happening hotspot in Greystones. Just look at the queues! But don’t worry, they are fast-moving, and there are plenty of tables out front, upstairs and out back.
The Happy Pear is all about a feel-good vibe and good-mood food. It serves up the heartiest, healthiest, and tastiest plant-based soups, curries, Buddha bowls, sandwiches, and salads, along with tasty treats sure to satisfy even the sweetest of tooths. Dig into a slice of salted caramel pie washed down with the creamiest cappuccino, and welcome to the pleasure zone.
Apart from the cafe, there is a greengrocer and a bakery for takeaway carbs and caffeine. Go early on the weekend to nab yourself one (or more) of the coveted cinnamon rolls. Don’t like cinnamon? There are jammy swirls without the offending spice.
You’ll find The Happy Pear on Church Road, which is the main street in Greystones. Look for the bright orange signage.
Do you like history and hauntings? Then, the wickedly good Wicklow Gaol will give you goosebumps as well as a great grounding in the history of Ireland’s most haunted building.
The gaol, located in Wicklow Town, is where many of the men of the 1798 Rising against British rule in Ireland were executed. Now, through a terrific and very realistic virtual reality experience called the Gates of Hell, you can live through the turbulent history of the gaol, meet the prisoners, and hear about their plight.
After the Virtual Reality Experience, take a self-guided tour around the prison and sit in the cells. Through projections and audiovisual displays, the history and past lives come alive in a very engaging and engrossing way.
Make your way into the dungeons and, see the solitary confinement cell, visit the cell of the heroes of the 1798 Rebellion and that of author Erskine Childers before learning all about the paranormal activity that goes on here. Things don’t just go bump in the night, they happen in the daytime too. You have been warned.
If you escape from the gaol, treat yourself to some delicious dishes and refreshments at the Jailers Rest Cafe next door.
Living up to its nickname as The Garden of Ireland, Wicklow has some blooming beautiful gardens open to visitors. The Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh, located between Wicklow Town and Rathdrum, are one such example.
Built in 1697, Kilmacurragh House sadly sits in ruins, waiting to be restored to its former glory, but its gardens and grounds are thriving and flourishing with numerous plant species from around the world.
You can wander around at your own leisure and pleasure but I highly recommend joining one of the terrific tours to really get the most out of your visit. The history of the house, family and gardens is fascinating and the knowledgeable guides tell you all the tales that really bring history and horticulture to life.
The gardens were planted in the 19th century, and they have a spectacular collection of conifers and rhododendrons that flower from early springtime.
Meander through the wildflower meadows, rejoice in the beauty of the rhododendron avenue, delight in the double herbaceous borders and enjoy the tranquillity of the Yew Walk, Oak Avenue and the Fossil Lawn.
Apart from the beautiful botanics, there are serene views of the pastures and hills with plenty of places to perch and enjoy a picnic or just the peacefulness. You can also grab a bite to eat in the lovely Acton Cafe, named after Thomas Acton II who built the house using stones from the ruins of a medieval abbey that once stood on the land.
Trees reach across the tarmac to touch each other. Branches intertwine. The road flows underneath these romantic tunnels of embraces, and another painterly landscape takes your breath away. A deep glacial valley surrounded by verdant hills that roll off into the distance. Beautifully bleak moorlands of rusty reds, burnt browns, and greens. A glistening stream snakes through the valley floor. A flourishing forest of fir, pine, and spruce trees stands tall like a confident coniferous army. The landscape of Wicklow National Park is enduring and ever-changing.
The Wicklow National Park covers most of the Wicklow Mountains, and two routes cross it from east to west: the Wicklow Gap and the Sally Gap. Both roads are incredibly scenic, but the Sally Gap is also a great driver’s road. If you love to drive, you’ll love this route, which flows through the park like a ribbon of tarmac. There are also plenty of safe places and lay-bys to pull in so you can get out, walk in the hills, and take photos.
One of the most picturesque places to pull over is high above Lough Tay. Nicknamed Guinness Lake, you can see the Guinness family mansion peeping out behind the trees. The slate-blue water has a white sand beach that, when looking at it from above, looks like a pint of the black stuff. I mean, maybe, if you squint.
Wicklow National Park also has many deciduous broad-leaved trees dated between 150 to 200 years old. During this time of year, their leaves turn into a tremendous arrangement of rich reds, shimmering yellows and glistening golds. This is leaf-peeping at its best. There is no need for East Coast USA when you have fabulous fall foliage like this in East Coast Ireland.
Just past the beautiful town of Blessington in West Wicklow lies the handsome Russborough House and its magnificent grounds.
Take a self-guided tour of this stately home and discover Russborough’s remarkable history, which began with its construction by wealthy Dublin brewer Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown.
Apart from being divine in design and decoration, the rooms hold an impressive fine art collection and antiques. You’ll also learn about the daring robberies that have taken place here.
There are also exhibitions and displays telling the story of the Beit family, who once owned the house. This fabulous couple lived the high life and had loads of parties in Russborough with guests such as Jackie Onassis, Fred Astaire, the Churchills and members of the Guinness family. Wait until you see the photos of the glamorous gatherings. Oh, if only the walls could talk!
You can also explore the extensive grounds and facilities. There is a cafe, Birds of Prey Centre, a 19th-century riding school and a playground, too.
But it is the splendid displays of botanicals that are the big draw. Wander through the woodland, walk to the stunning rhododendron garden, and swan about the bright blooms as if you are in a Jane Austen novel. Then, follow the perfumed air to the walled Victorian garden before following the fairy trail around Lady’s Island.
There’s also a terrific tree trail that takes you past magnificent specimens, including ancient beech, horse chestnut, Douglas-fir, and yew, as well as trees planted by President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins.
As you enjoy the demesne, watch out for wildlife that calls the grounds home, such as swans, foxes, badgers, hares, and rabbits.
There is so much to see and do at Russborough that it is a fun and full day out for all the family. As the seasons change, so too do the colours and character of the grounds. Each season brings something new.
With its cliffs and coast, gardens and goals, mountains and mansions, Wicklow is a destination for those into horticulture, hiking, history and hauntings. As the romantic roads take you on a captivating journey through the colourful landscape, which is most resplendent this time of year, Wicklow will drive you wild with its natural beauty.
So, go on, plan a weekend for a wondrous tour around Wicklow this autumn.
Here my blog post on Beyond the Trees Avondale – Tree Top Walk.
You can read my West Cork Travel Guide.
If you are visiting Ireland, take a look at my many blog posts, for example things to do in Ireland.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a place to stay in Ireland, I highly recommend Glenlo Abbey and Longueville House.
Additionally, click here to learn about the traditional Irish foods we use to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
And click here if you want to know about Christmas dinner in Ireland.
Finally, click here to learn about Easter in Ireland: Traditions, food, and festivities.
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