Things to Do in Wicklow
Grennan Maze
Set amidst the beautiful Wicklow hills on a pretty countryside farm, Grennan Maze has plenty of fun for all ages. It has two mazes, three museums, nature walks, woodlands, ponds, wildlife, farm animals, play areas, treasure hunt and fairy tree walk. Families enjoy spending the day at this heritage hotspot that’s been described as ‘an antidote to urban living within easy reach of Dublin’. The treasure hunt and fairy tree trail are great fun activities for kids but the large hedge maze is the highlight of most people´s day. The tearooms offer plenty of homemade cakes and goodies.
Shekina Sculpture Garden
People first began visiting these gardens over 30 years ago as part of the Co. Wicklow Gardens Festival. This modern sacred space is a one-acre garden that includes a stream, two ponds on different levels, a patio, gazebo, seating areas, shrub beds and undulating lawns. From the joyful sound of birds singing to the calming trickle of water, a unique feature here is a collection of modern sculptures by artists including Michael Casey, Fred Conlon, Cliodna Cusson, James Gannon, Leo Higgins, Anne Murphy, Paul Page,
Noel Scullion, Alexander Sokolov, Imogen Stuart, Ken Thompson, Alexandra Wejchert and Elke Westen. Located via Rathdrum or Laragh, just two miles from Glenmalure Lodge Hotel, the gardens are open May to September but please phone ahead.
Mount Usher Gardens
Described by Monty Don as one of his favourite gardens ever, Mount Usher is one of only three Irish gardens with a top rating from the UK’s The Good Gardens Guide. Mount Usher is also a world-class example of a so-called Robinsonian garden, with its relaxed informality and natural layout. Laid out across 22 acres along the banks of the River Vartry, you’ll find over 5,000 species of plants, many of them rare and exotic, all grown organically, creating a tapestry of colour throughout the seasons.
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Go back in time to the golden age of Irish history, to the Ireland of scholars and saints. Here you can follow in the footsteps of St. Kevin, founder of Glendalough. The audio-visual show is available in many languages as well as guided tours of the permanent exhibition. Glendalough is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wicklow and indeed the island. Unsurprising given the stunning landscape, historic ruins and beautiful walks on offer at this unique location.
Glendalough (or Gleann Da Loch, meaning ‘The Glen of the Two Lakes’) is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which has over one million visitors every year. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. The round tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area.
Kilruddery Farm Market
The Killruddery Farm Market takes place weekly on Saturdays from 10-6pm in the charming horse year at Killruddery House. Here you’ll find a wide variety of stalls with artisan crafts, homemade food, farm produce and much more. There’s organic vegetables from An Tairseach, baking from Days Kitchen as well as sweet and savory crepes from The Crepe Box. Entry to the Farm Market is free.
Wicklow Way Wine tour
Lovingly crafted in the Garden of Ireland, Móinéir wines are luxurious artisan fruit wines made from 100% Irish fruit, in Ireland’s first fruit winery, Wicklow Way Wines.
Inspired by the fertile countryside of Ireland, Móinéir is the Gaelic word for ‘meadows’, where the berries are picked for fruit wines. Made in small batches at this Co. Wicklow winery, entirely from local Irish fruit, the wines offer tantalising aromas, flavours and colours, and are a unique way to savour a little of Ireland’s rich bounty. If you’d like to see Ireland’s first fruit winery, hear about the wine making process and taste some wine, Brett Stephenson, owner and winemaker will host you at the winery, for a personalised tour and tasting.