Things to do and see in Wicklow Town
Wicklow Historic Gaol
This is a major new visitor attraction located in Wicklow town. A 2 million restoration plan has been carried out by Wicklow County Council to develop the old county Gaol. There has been a Gaol on this site since 1702 and it remained active until 1924. During this time thousands of prisoners, young and old, men, women and children, guilty and innocent passed through its doors. The story of Wicklows Historic Gaol is their story. The exhibition covers such episodes as the 1798 Rebellion, the Famine, Life in the Gaol during the 18th and 19th Centuries and Transportation to the Penal Colonies of Australia. The highpoint of the visit is the reconstruction of the prison ship, which visitors can climb aboard. Pre booking is advised for groups.
Things to do and see in Wicklow
Avondale House and Forest Park, Rathdrum,
Avondale House, the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-
1891) one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Set in a
magnificent forest park of over 500 acres with tree trails and walks ranging
in duration from one to five hours. This beautiful Georgian House designed
by James Wyatt and built in 1777 contains fine plasterwork and many
original pieces of furniture. The American Room is dedicated to Admiral
Charles Stewart - Parnells American grandfather who manned the USS
Constitution during the 1812 war. Visitors are introduced to this wonderful
historical house by a specially commissioned audio visual presentation.
Other facilities include a restaurant, book shop, picnic areas, childrens play
area, two orienteering courses and large car/coach park.
Powerscourt Estate
Enniskerry.
Powerscourt Estate is located just 30 minutes drive from Dublin. Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains and has something for everyone. Places on the estate include the following, Avoca resteraunt, Powerscourt gardens and waterfall, Powerscort golf Club and Powerscourt Springs Health Farm & Spa, which Irelands premier health farm.
Devils Glen Holiday and Equestrian Village:
Is based in Ashford.
They have custom-built stables that provide stabling for over 55 horses. Horse riding is available at all levels from the beginners to the experienced riders. They offer lessons, trekking, hacking, cross country riding, show jumping and hunting. Their facilities include a floodlit outdoor arena, cross country course, horse walker and indoor lunge ring and many miles of tracks through the beautiful scenery of Devils Glen wood.
Wicklow Mountains Autumn Walking Festival:
The Wicklow Mountain Autumn walking festival is one of the larges of its kind here in Ireland. It continues to grow from strength to strength each year and provides a welcome boost to the local tourist industry at seasons end. A wide variety of walks are on offer and these are designed to cater for all participants of walker. With night walks available in addition to day walks.
Avoca Handweavers, Avoca Village
The Avoca Handweavers outlet in Avoca Village is the oldest surviving working mill in Ireland today and dates from 1723. To visit this picturesque old mill is to make a journey into the past. Visitors are welcome to watch the whole weaving process and examine the yarns. The adjacent mill shop houses the complete Avoca range of clothing and a wide variety of the finest in Irish crafts.
Glendalough
Famed for its beautiful scenery and historic monuments, Glendalough has been a centre for pilgrims and visitors for the time of the founding of its monastery by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. The monastic settlement expanded and flourished for about 600years before finally being destroyed in 1398. The present remains tell only a small part of the monastic story. The buildings which survive probably date from between the 8th and 12th centuries, the most notable being a superb Round Tower, Cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses.
Glendalough Woollen Mills:
The woollen Mills of Glendalough stocks an enormous amount of hand knitted sweaters made by our own knitters and distinctive celtic jewellery made by Joe O’Neill at the Woollen Mills. They also stock hand woven blankets, McGee jackets and ladies tweed jackets
Baltinglass Heritage Town
Baltinglass, nestling on the banks of the Slaney, in the lee of the Wicklow mountains, is a treasure trove of history, with its 12th century Cistercian Abbey, surrounded by stone age monuments and 1798 sites. An excellent base for historical exploration,fishing, golf and hill walking, it is easily accessible from Dublin (1 hour), car ferry (1.5 hours) and other heritage towns of Kildare, Athy, Abbeyleix and Kilkenny. (Baltinglass - meaning The Way of Cuglas)
National Sealife Centre, Bray
The Sea-Life Centre is a state of the art, hi-tech marine experience displaying 70 different sea and freshwater species. Everything from congor ells to sharks, giant crabs, seahorses and stingrays makes an unforgettable experience. Open April to September from 10.00 to 17.00. Please ring for winter opening times and group bookings.
Mermaid Arts Centre:
Is situated in Bray Co Wicklow.They present an ambitious programme of performance including innovative dance, spellbinding theatre, cutting edge music and art-house cinema. Mermaid gallery shows work by some of the finest artists from Wicklow and further afield, both national and international.
Killrudderys Outdoor Theater
Is an outdoor theatre based in Bray. They perform a number of william Shakespeares plays.
Clara Lara Fun Park, Rathdrum
Here in spectacular surroundings of oak trees and water are assault courses, water slides, boating lakes, kiddie-karts, tree houses and woodland playgrounds. Have a go on the breathtaking Aqua Shuttle, the biggest water slide in Ireland. Children can sail away to wherever they fancy on the Pirate Galleon. For the less energetic there are riverside picnic areas and barbecues, mini golf and miles of hill walking through the spectacular countryside. There is also a junior playground.
