Lots on offer to locals and visitors alike
AS the largest town in west Wicklow, Blessington has lots to offers both visitors and residents alike. Located as it is between the thriving hub of Dublin and the scenic beauty of the Wicklow countryside, it offers the best of both worlds to the public.
The town is steeped in history and heritage, with many monuments and buildings of note to be seen. On its outskirts, the regal beauty of Russborough House points to the splendid grandeur that once lived side by side with the ordinary citizens as they went about their daily lives. The house and grounds are now a major tourist attraction, allowing an insight into what life was really like inside one of Ireland’s ‘ big houses’.
One of the other major landmarks of the town is the tranquil and beautiful Blessington lakes. Created in the first half of the last century with the building of the Poulaphouca dam, the lakes cover 500 acres, providing a fantastic opportunity for various outdoor activities.
The road around the lake provides some amazing views over the reservoir and nearby Wicklow Mountains and also passes through the picturesque villages of Valleymount, Ballyknockan and Lacken.
A more recent addition to the lakes is the greenway project, which brings walkers, joggers and cyclists along one of the most scenic paths in the country and links up nicely with Russborough House.
For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, the likes of Avon Ri and Kippure adventure centres provide a great opportunity to build up a sweat, while Tulfarris Golf Resort offers another option for a more leisurely afternoon.
Within the town itself, there are retailers and service providers to cater to every need, from supermarkets, hardwares and building merchants to interior designers, garden centres and car dealers.
Healthcare is taken care of through the presence of doctors, dentists, opticians and physiotherapists, while banks and a credit union look after any financial needs.
The town is well served by a number of primary schools as well and a secondary school, while there are educational options for young and old through Montessori and childcare providers as well as further education services.
Sports and the arts are also alive and kicking, thanks to the presence of a number of clubs and societies. On the sporting end, badminton, boxing, GAA, golf, soccer indoor bowls, kayaking and running clubs are all in operation, along with a local Community Games group.
The Tramway Theatre caters to the dramatic needs of the local community, supplemented by the local musical and dramatic society, youth theatre, dance schools, folk group and Comhaltas groups, among others.
For young people, Blessington Youth Project, girl guides, scouts and dCaf are just some of the local groups catering to their needs, while a broad range of clubs and societies – including ICA, Tidy Towns, choirs, SVP, active retired, history society, First Responders, Men’s Shed, arts group and a number of support groups – are evidence of the vibrant community living in the town.
As both a lively and bustling urban centre and a gateway to the natural beauty of the Garden County, Blessington offers the best of both worlds to anyone who visits.