County Wicklow: Monastic History, Gardens and Walking Trails

The area offers a range of highlights, including early monastic history, walking trails, historic gardens and visitor attractions. First consider which themes matter to your trip; this will help you choose your destinations more deliberately.

Monastic Sites and History

Saint Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in County Wicklow in the 6th century. The remains of Glendalough’s Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Its founding period and surviving architectural features give the monastic site a distinct historical and architectural focus.

A monastery was also established at Kilmacurragh in the 7th century. A later development involved the former demesne: 21 hectares of it became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in 1996. Avondale in Rathdrum, in turn, has a connection to forestry history: in 1904, it became the site of Ireland’s first forestry school. These places represent different historical themes, from early monasteries to the development of botany and forestry.

Landscape and Walking Trails

Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance walking trail. Wicklow also has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. These different criteria offer a practical way to narrow down your options. As trail listings can change, it is worth checking the latest information before planning.

A special condition applies to diving in Glendalough’s Upper Lake: it is permitted subject to a permit from the National Parks & Wildlife Service. If you plan to include this activity, arrange the permit in advance.

Excursions Among and Above the Trees

In Rathdrum, Beyond the Trees Avondale features a 1.4-kilometre treetop walk that ends at a 38-metre-high viewing tower. From there, panoramic views extend across the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. The attraction also includes a 90-metre spiral slide from the viewing tower. The length of the walk, the height of the tower and the slide are different aspects of this destination; check current operating details before your visit.

Greenan Maze offers families mazes, museums and opportunities to meet farm animals. As visitor attractions and facilities can change, check what is currently available before visiting.

Gardens, Blossoms and Local Produce

Mount Usher Gardens are in the village of Ashford in County Wicklow. The gardens cover 22 acres along the River Vartry and are an example of Robinsonian-style planting. Those interested in gardens will find here a combination of a clearly defined planting style and a riverside location.

Rhododendron Week takes place each year in April at Kilmacurragh. If you would like to time your trip to coincide with it, check the dates in advance. Near Mount Usher, visitors can also explore the Avoca food market, which offers a selection of artisan foods. The offerings may change; check them when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Brittas Bay, Wicklow, Shillelagh, Enniskerry, Bray, Aughrim, Arklow, Blessington, Hollywood, Boystown, An Láithreach, Rathnew, Donard, Avoca, Newtownmountkennedy, Woodenbridge, Kilcoole, Dunlavin, Ballinalea, Ashford, Baltinglass, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Rathdrum, Ballyknockan, Greystones, Kilmacanoge, Kiltegan, Tinahely, Redcross, Roundwood, Oldbridge.

For the broader travel overview: Leinster.