Often called the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow is beloved for its extensive network of nature trails, woodlands, and beaches alongside historic sites and ancient ruins. Bordering County Dublin, Wicklow is an easy day trip from the capital of Dublin for those seeking Ireland’s dramatic scenery without traveling to the west coast. Top things to do in Wicklow include walking on the Wicklow Way, visiting natural landmarks like the Powerscourt Waterfall, and exploring scenic ruins like the monastic settlement at Glendalough.
Summer is the busiest time of year to visit County Wicklow, especially for families and international travelers. That being said, the trails in Wicklow, including the Wicklow Way, are popular year-round. Visitors looking to avoid the summer crowds may be drawn to the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Top annual events in County Wicklow include the Wicklow Gardens Festival in May, the Groove Music Festival in August, and the Wicklow Regatta Festival in July.
County Wicklow is just south of County Dublin and an easily accessible day trip from Dublin. The area is best explored by rental car, as getting lost on country roads is part of the fun. Group and private tours make the area accessible to visitors without rental cars, too. The DART train connects Dublin down into Wicklow, as far south as the coastal village of Greystones.
The Powerscourt House and Gardens are top landmarks in County Wicklow; plan a morning visit—if possible on a weekday—to avoid crowds. Other top things to do include driving through the Wicklow Mountains to see Sally Gap, walking the boardwalk in Ballinastoe Woods, and hiking to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers excellent panoramic views. The Wicklow Way, part of a network of long-distance, self-guided walking trails, passes through as well.
