County Wicklow, which is called the Garden of Ireland, is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located less than an hour’s drive from Dublin City Centre, it is easily accessible by visitors arriving to Ireland via Dublin Airport and it is en route between the Rosslare ferries arriving from the UK and Europe. Wicklow is home to Ireland’s largest national park, the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating and sightseeing.
It is a great county for anyone who enjoys activities outdoors, with numerous outdoor activity locations in Wicklow.
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Here is our selection of the Top 20 Outdoor Activity Locations in Wicklow:
Sally Gap
The Sally Gap a scenic mountain pass with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
It is approximately 500m (1640ft) above sea level. It is one of the mst popular and best known outdoor activity locations in Wicklow.
The drive through Sally Gap is abouty 27 km (16.8 mi) long and the views are breathtaking. Visitors can stop at various viewpoints along the way to take in the stunning scenery.
The view in Winter, when the ground is covered in frost or snow, can be even more spectacular, although driving condititons can be hazardous.
Accommodation near The Sally Gap: Lus Mor Clarisses Cottage
Bray Head Cliff Walk
The Bray Head Cliff Walk is one of the most picturesque coastal walks in the country with views of the Irish Sea and Bray Head. The walk is approximately 7.5 km (4.5 miles) long and starts at Bray Seafront and takes you around the side of Bray Head above the railway line and rocky coastline. It is considered suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Walkers will enjoy stunning views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding coastline, including views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.
Accommodation near Bray Head Cliff Walk: The Strand Hotel, The Palm, Firefly, Wilton Hotel Bray
Brittas Bay
Brittas Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with dunes and crystal-clear water It stretches for 5 km (3.1 miles) n the coast betweenthe towns of Wicklow and Arklow.
The area has been proposed as a Special Area of Conservation due to its unique flora and fauna and it is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as surfing and kiteboarding.
Visitors often like to say in one of the many camping and caravan parks in the surrounding area. There are several caravan parks in the vicinity, including Staunton‘s Caravan Site, O’Driscoll‘s Caravan Park, and Brittas Bay Park.
Accommodation near Brittas Bay: Brittas Bay Holiday Village No 32, Cornagower East Brittas Bay by Trident Holiday Homes, Brittas Bay Park No 12 by Trident Holiday Homes, Brittas Bay Park Holiday Home No 44, Ballinclea House Bed and Breakfast
Glendalough
Glendalough is a historic site with a 6th-century monastic settlement and scenic hiking trails. It is one of the best known and most visited areas in Ireland.
The monastic site includes several well-preserved ruins, including a round tower, gateway, cathedral, and several churches. The round tower is one of Ireland’s iconic symbols.
The valley is stunningly beautiful with two lakes surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests which offer numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities, with several trails and paths to explore. Flora and fauna and varied wildlife including deer, foxes, and birds of prey can be found there.
Accommodation near Glendalough: Tudor Lodge B&B,
The Glendalough Hotel, Lynhams Hotel, Glendalough Glamping, Luxury Country Retreat Glendalough
Glendalough International Youth Hostel
Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking
A horse riding center that offers guided treks through the Wicklow Mountains. Spend the your day learning how to play polo and also going for relaxing horse treks around a country estate.
Trekking out on well schooled Irish horses along the lake shore, through hidden valleys. with great views of Wicklow National Park.
A great way to explore The Wicklow Hills.
Accommodation near Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking: Hobbit Hollow, Hollywood House No.2, Tulfarris Hotel, Abhainn Rí Farmhouse
Find out more here
Kippure Adventure Centre
Kippure Estate Multi Activity Centre is an outdoor activity center that offers a range of activities such as archery, zip-lining, and kayaking. Ideal for corporate events, school outings and more. Accommodation and food also available.
Accommodation near Kippure Adventure Centre: Kylebeg Cottage, The Enniskerry Inn, Oldcourt Cottage No 3
See more at https://adventurewicklow.com/
Clara Lara Fun Park
Clara Lara Fun Park is a great family-friendly park with water activities, zip-lining, go-karting, rowing, radio-controlled boats, mini golf, obstacle courses, climbing, treehouses, slides and lots of other outdoor activities.
Accommodation near Clara Lara: Jacob’s Well Hotel, Clissmann Horse Caravans Glamping, Croneybyrne Courtyard, Forest View Woodland Lodge
See full details at https://www.claralara.ie/
Squirrel’s Scramble Tree Adventure Park
Located near Killruddery House & Gardens in Killruddery Estate, Bray, Co. Wicklow, this park is full of challenges including16 zip lines, rope bridges, magic carpets and lots more. Suitable for children and adults alike (5 years and up, 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult).
Accommodation near Squirrel’s Scramble Tree Adventure Park: Wilton Hotel, The Strand Hotel
See https://www.squirrelsscramble.ie/ for more details.
The Orchard Activity Centre
The Orchard Activity Centre is an outdoor activity center that offers activities such as archery, kayaking, and team-building exercises.
They provide a range of fun and challenging team building activities, giving the participants a sense of achievement and competitiveness, in a challenging environment.
The centre is a specialist provider of Team Building, Training, Conferences, Incentives and Special Events.
This is desiged for copproate team building and does not really cater for family or childern’s fun events.
Accommodation near The Orchard Activity Centre: Murphys Hotel, Yellow Heights Accommodation, Madelines Accommodation, Yellow Heights Country House
Detail at https://www.theorchardcentre.com/
Shoreline Sports Park
Shoreline Sports Park offers a wide variety of facilities and Programmes. This outdoor multi sport amenity is approximately 2km from Greystones town centre. Facilities include Astro Turf Pitches, Tennis Courts, Basketball Court, Outdoor Gym Area and Athletic Track Astro turf covered Playground, Skate Park for over 10’s and Rock Climbing Boulders.Lots of activities and programmes for adults and children.
Accommodation near Shoreline Sports Park: Greystones Marina View Penthouse, Marina Village Rental
More information at https://shorelineleisure.ie/charlesland/
The Avon
Discover the great outdoors at The Avon, situated only 30kms outside of Dublin on the lakeshore of the Blessington Lake, right at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains in West County Wicklow. A centre for rejuvenation of the body and mind.
Ideal for corporate team building events, school outings or family days out.
Loads of activities including watersports inluding kayaking and paddle boarding, cycling, archery, team building challenges and lots more.
Accommodation near The Avon: Tulfarris Hotel, Abhainn Rí Farmhouse June Blake’s Garden, Abhainn Ri Cottages
Explore more at https://www.theavon.ie/
Mount Usher Gardens
Mount Usher Gardens is a beautiful garden located near the village of Ashford in County Wicklow. The gardens cover an area of 22 acres and are divided by the River Vartry. The garden features over 5,000 species of plants and shrubs from around the world, including many rare and exotic species. The gardens are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other insects. The gardens also feature an arboretum and an Avoca Garden Café, which offers visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
his is one of the more leisurely outdoor activity locations in Wicklow.
Accommodation near Mount Usher Gardens: Oak Cottage, Chester Beatty Inn, The Willow Room, Lynam Cottage
See more at http://www.mountushergardens.ie/
Beyond The Trees Avondale
Beyond The Trees Avondale is a visitor attraction located in Avondale House and Forest Park in County Wicklow, Ireland. This is one of Count Wicklow’s newest attractions and already it has become immensely popular. It features a 1.4 km treetop walk and viewing tower.
this is one of the newest and most exciting outdoor activity locations in Wicklow.
The treetop walk is the longest in Ireland and the UK and takes visitors on an adventure through and above the trees, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest and countryside.
Accommodation near Beyond The Trees: Jacob’s Well Hotel Glenbeg Lodge, Lettermore Country Home, The Meetings B&B
Find out more at https://www.beyondthetreesavondale.com/
Russborough House and Gardens
Russborough House is considered one of the most beautiful in Ireland, and it is a significant example of 18th-century Irish architecture.
It houses one of the most important private art collections in Europe and includes works by many famous artists, including Rubens, Gainsborough, and Van Dyck.
The house is situated on a 200-acre estate, and visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside while exploring the house’s many features.
Russborough Hous hosts many events during the year and visitors can enjoy many activities, including guided tours of the house and gardens, explore the many walking trails around the estate, horse riding, and fishing.
Accommodation near Russborough House: Tulfarris Hotel, Abhainn Rí Farmhouse June Blake’s Garden, Abhainn Ri Cottages
See all that’s on offer at https://www.russborough.ie/
Powerscourt House
The house was originally a medieval castle, but it was extensively renovated during the 18th century in the Palladian style. The gardens at Powerscourt House are considered some of the most beautiful in Ireland. The gardens cover 47 acres and include many features, such as the Italian Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Walled Garden.
The house is open to visitors who can also enjoy guided tours of the gardens or explore them at their leisure.
Accommodation near Powerscourt House: Powerscourt Hotel, Summerhill House Hotel, The Enniskerry Inn, Hillview, Beechwalk House
See all the delights of Powerscourt at https://powerscourt.com/
Devils Glen
The Devil‘s Glen is a large forest located near Ashford in County Wicklow.
The Vartry River flows through the forest, forming a gorge with an impressive waterfall. There are numerous walking trails, including the Seamus Heaney Walk, which takes visitors through the forest and along the river.
The Devil‘s Glen is home to a unique collection of sculptures known as Sculpture in Woodland. The collection includes 20 pieces of art, which are made from a range of materials, including wood, stone, and metal, and they are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.
This is a fantastic and magical place to take a walk and is one of the top outdoor activity locations in Wicklow.
Accommodation near The Devil’s Glen: Oak Cottage, Chester Beatty Inn, The Willow Room, Lynam Cottage
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain offers stunning panoramic views across the mountainous landscape of North Wicklow, Dublin and the coast. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails to the top of the 500 metre high mountain, which provide great vistas of the surrounding area. The mountain is located in the north-eastern section of the Wicklow Mountains, and it is a popular destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of County Wicklow. One of the favourite outdoor activity locations in Wicklow.
Lough Dan
Lough Dan is a scenic ribbon lake located in the Wicklow Mountains. The lake lies at the base of Luggala and Knocknacloghoge mountains. Some of the lake is located in the Guinness Estate and has limited access but there are many walking trails around the lake, including the Inchavore Valley trail, which begins beside a beautiful waterfall and goes all the way to the magnificent Lough Dan reservoir.
Accommodation near Lough Dan: Clarisses Cottage, Wicklow Way Lodge
The Meeting of the Waters
The Meeting of the Waters is located in the Vale of Avoca where the rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg meet to form the river Avoca. It is a beautiful peaceful scenic spot and is surrounded by forest and mountain scenery where visitors can enjoy the many walking and hiking trails as well as fishing and boating on the River Avoca. The famous Avoca Handweavers is located nearby.
The location was the inspiration for the famous song, “The Meeting of The Waters” by Thomas Moore.
Accommodation near The Meeting of The Waters: The Meetings B&B
Greystones South Beach
This is a Blue Flag beach that is popular for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It has a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.
The South Beach is about half a mile long. There is a children’s playground situated near the beach.
This beach is popular with visitors from Dublin. The DART stops nearby.
Accommodation near Greystones South Beach: Greystones Marina View Penthouse, Marina Village Rental
For more information visit https://greystones.ie/category/marina-beach/
Belmont Demesne
Bike Trails, Walking Trails, Fat Bike Aventures, Restaurant, Forest Club
The house and lands reverted to the Brabazon family in 1841 and since then, the family have been custodians of this beautiful estate and working farm. The family has a long history of championing outdoor pursuits from scouting, to summer camps and bushcraft.
Belmont Estate has a rich film pedigree and has been the location for a host of blockbusters including Vikings, Calvary and Into the Badlands.
Arthur’s Barn is one of the original sets from King Arthur, shot here in Ireland, starring Clive Owen and Kiera Knightly.
For more details visit https://belmontdemesne.ie