Dublin may be the most popular destination to visit in Ireland, but actually, the country is loaded with numerous cities and towns that promise the ultimate vacation you will never forget. Stop and see Wicklow for a couple of days to discover the best of Ireland. Even though Wicklow is only a small town, it features tons of attractions that you have to visit. From places with the breathtaking beauty of nature and local markets to top-notch restaurants and stores like clothing stores and toy stores, Wicklow is the right place to enjoy a short but sweet escape. Keep reading to learn more about the top things to do in Wicklow, Ireland to help you plan your itinerary.
1. Relish delicious seafood at The Lighthouse
Posted by The Lighthouse Restaurant on Sunday, 7 February 2016
What should you do when you are in the middle of your adventure in Wicklow and you suddenly feel hungry? Do not panic as you can drive to The Lighthouse to satisfy your appetite by relishing delicious seafood. It is not just about the seafood that the restaurant is famous for. The Lighthouse is also popular for its location that is adjacent to the sea. This means that you can indulge in a platter of seafood while at the same time admiring the beauty of the sea.
The Lighthouse
Address: S Quay, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: The Lighthouse
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 5:30pm - 9:30pm; Thu - Fri: 6pm - 9pm; Sat: 12:30pm - 3:30pm, 6pm - 9pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 3:30pm, 6pm - 7:30pm (closed on Mon)
2. Buy fresh fruits at the Organic Farm Shop
If you are fond of everything organic, it would be nice to make a visit to the Organic Farm Shop, a little paradise in Wicklow that produces fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. In addition, the farm shop also sells household cleaning supplies, store cupboard ingredients, and ecological toiletries. Everything is eco-friendly.
Organic Farm Shop
Address: Kilmantin Hill, Corporation Lands, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Organic Farm Shop
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Buy gifts at Hopkins Toymaster
Are you craving a magical shopping experience? Wicklow has a place that caters to your needs. Drive to Hopkins Toymaster and as soon as you enter the store, you will be taken back into the fun and happy times when you were a little child. Inside the store, you will find an array of toys and costumes that will remind you of the past. There are also a collection of books, stationery, crafts and artworks all over the store.
Hopkins Toymaster
Address: Main St, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Hopkins Toymaster
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
4. Enjoy high-quality wines at The Wicklow Wine Company
Posted by The Wicklow Wine Company on Friday, 17 May 2019
High-quality wine is always a perfect accompaniment, especially when you are on a vacation. To enjoy high-quality wines, why don’t you make a stop at The Wicklow Wine Company that has been satisfying customers with its wine collections since 2000? Set on the main street of Wicklow Town, the place features wines from many countries around the world, including France, Italy and Germany. If the wines are not enough, you can also taste and enjoy them with a delectable selection of cheeses, chocolates and artisan bread, among others.
The Wicklow Wine Company
Address: 7 Main St, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: The Wicklow Wine Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10:30am - 7pm; Fri: 10:30am - 8pm; Sat: 9:30am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
Wicklow Mountains National Park Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a loc... Read more
Tours by Diana
5. Buy men's clothing at Sean Connolly Menswear
Autumn stock arriving daily.. Jackets, sports coats, suits, shirts, shoes and more..
Posted by Sean Connolly Menswear on Thursday, 13 September 2018
If you are looking for high-quality and fashionable men’s clothing, you should visit Sean Connolly Menswear, one of the best clothing stores in town. You can find everything from sports jackets and casual jackets to suits and leather shoes. Premium brands such as Casa Moda, Jack Murphy and Baileys, will make it even harder for you to choose.
Sean Connolly Menswear
Address: Main St, Wicklow, A67 FC44, Ireland
Website: Sean Connolly Menswear
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:45am - 6pm
6. Relish Irish fare at The Brass Fox Wicklow
Your vacation in Wicklow will not be complete without relishing Irish fare that is served at this sea-side traditional Irish pub called The Brass Fox Wicklow. Whether you come during breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will always have something delicious to order and there will be no complaint from your stomach after. Some of the most popular dishes include buttermilk chicken burger and grilled fillet of cod. You can also order from a selection of signature cocktails and fine spirits.
The Brass Fox Wicklow
Address: 14-15 Leitrim Pl, Corporation Land (1st Division), Wicklow, A67 Y429, Ireland
Website: The Brass Fox Wicklow
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 12:30am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1:30am
7. Enjoy some bowling at Wicklow Bowl
Take a break and re-energize by enjoying some bowling at Wicklow Bowl. Make a competition between yourself and your loved ones and see who has got the best bowling skills. If you want to play other games, Wicklow Bowl also features simulators, arcade games, snooker and pool, that are suitable for people of all ages.
Wicklow Bowl
Address: Dublin Road, Bollarney North, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Wicklow Bowl
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 12pm - 6pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
8. Have cocktails at Phil Healys pub
If you have no idea where to go at night if you need some time to relax, you may be interested in visiting this gastropub called Phil Healys. The Irish pub is known for its cocktails such as whiskey sour and pina colada that will help wash the fatigue away. Not only does the pub serve cocktails and other drinks, but it also serves lunch and dinner. If you come during dinner time, you may want to try their teriyaki salmon or fish and chips.
Phil Healys pub
Address: Fitzwilliam Square, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Phil Healys pub
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12:30am; Sun: 12:30pm - 11pm
9. Enjoy drinks at The Bridge Tavern
Wicklow is famous for its pubs and visiting only one pub will never be good enough. Another pub that you should stop by is The Bridge Tavern that is well-known for its innovative cocktails that are expertly mixed. You will not regret ordering their espresso martini, strawberry spark or gin fizz. Other than cocktails, the pub also serves vodkas, spirits and beers. Relax and enjoy your drink over live music that is ready to entertain you seven days a week.
The Bridge Tavern
Address: Bridge St, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: The Bridge Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12:30am; Sun: 9am - 11pm
10. Play golf at Wicklow Golf Club
To indulge in a first-class golf experience, you have to make a stop at Wicklow Golf Club. Founded in 1904, the golf club features challenges for golfers of all levels. At every hole, you need to pause for a moment and breathe in the spectacular sea views that surround you. Once you are satisfied with your golfing experience, you can stop by the on-site restaurant and bar to treat your body and soul. Whether you just want a cup of freshly brewed coffee or want to indulge in a delicious fish and chips, you will find what you like here.
Wicklow Golf Club
Address: Dunbur Rd, Corporation Lands, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Wicklow Golf Club
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
Price: From 15 EUR (17 USD)
11. Play some polo at Polo Wicklow
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Polo Wicklow on Sunday, December 20, 2020
Polo in Ireland is a recreational activity that you have to try, although you may have never tried this sport before. Take a polo lesson and try to hit the ball right into your opponent’s goal one ball at a time. You will ride your own horse. Do not be afraid because your horse is well trained. It is responsive, well behaved and quiet.
Polo Wicklow
Address: Kilpoole Hill, Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Polo Wicklow
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
12. Get your coffee at Halpin's Bridge Café
For those who cannot live without coffee, Halpin’s Bridge Cafe is the right place for you to stop by to sip on a flavorful coffee, seven days a week. The cafe is known for its large selection of coffee, including macchiato, espresso and cappuccino. Those who are not fans of this caffeinated drink should also make a stop here and order other hot or cold drinks such as hot chocolate and milkshakes. What’s more, you can also try their sandwiches, jacket potato and chicken tenders.
Halpin's Bridge Café
Address: Bridge St, Wicklow, A67 DC43, Ireland
Website: Halpin’s Bridge Café
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9am - 4:30pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
13. Enjoy colorful flowers at Wicklow Town Kindness Rock Garden
Wicklow Town Kindness Rock Garden is looking fabulous this morning!!
Posted by Ireland Rocks on Thursday, 20 December 2018
There is nothing more relaxing than the beautiful views of colorful flowers that are all around you. There is such a place in Wicklow if you are willing to visit Wicklow Town Kindness Rock Garden. The concept behind this rock garden is actually interesting. As a visitor, you are more than welcome to bring back home one of the decorated rocks from the garden. But, you have to replace the rock with one of your own rocks. This aims at putting kindness forward.
Wicklow Town Kindness Rock Garden
Address: Bachelor’s Walk, Wicklow, Ireland
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Check out the artwork at Kilmantin Arts
Posted by Kilmantin Art Gallery on Thursday, 26 September 2019
Last but not least, you should enjoy some artsy time, especially for art lovers, by making a visit to Kilmantin Arts, the only community art gallery to be found in town. Kilmantin Arts features a beautiful collection of art by the local artists. You are welcome to look around and if you see what you like, you can buy them at an affordable price.
Kilmantin Arts
Address: Wicklow, A67 NV04, Ireland
Website: Kilmantin Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
15. Admire the ruins of Black Castle
Having its presence on the rock over the sea, the ruins of Black Castle is worth admiring. Back in 1169, Earl Strongbow built the castle to protect the town. However, in 1301, the castle was attacked regularly by local Chieftains and it was completely destroyed with only the ruins remaining. In addition to the historical ruins of Black Castle, from the rock, you can also admire the magnificent views of the coast of North Wicklow as well as the town itself.
Black Castle
Address: S Quay, Corporation Lands, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Website: Black Castle
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
16. Experience a historic tour at Wicklow Gaol
You are going to visit jail at Wicklow Gaol. As you walk through the original prison cells and the dungeon, you will gain insights into what happened in the past through documentary, holographic projections and interactive exhibitions. If you are brave enough, try to find the spooky corners.
Book Tours : Wicklow's Historic Gaol Day Tour
17. Marvel at the beauty of Wicklow Mountains National Park
The very first destination that you need to visit is the majestic Wicklow Mountains National Park. Immediately after you set foot inside the national park, your mind will be blown away by the beauty of the rivers, lakes, countryside and Glendalough monastery from the 6th century. Known as the garden of Ireland, the national park’s most famous stops include Sally Gap and Guinness Lake.
Tip from tour guide
Did you know that the main ingredient in a pint of Guinness comes from Wicklow? And it’s water!
This is where Lough Tay (or the Guinness Lake) is located, which is, along with Glendalough, one of the most photographed locations in Wicklow. The stunning scenery of the lake, surrounded by the mountains and magnificent views of its inky black water, makes it one of the most iconic locations in Ireland.
The lake is said to look like a pint of Guinness when viewed from above (the water is inky black and there’s white sand at the top)
Nearby is the Luggala Estate, a historic country house built in 1787, which has been owned by the Guinness family since the 19th century.
Lough Tay, famed for TV series 'Vikings' and movie 'Excalibur,' is a popular filming location.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Wicklow National Park: Small Group Half-Day Tour
Make wonderful memories in Wicklow
Now that you have come to the end of the article, you can be certain that Wicklow will be the next destination for your vacation. Do all the top things to do mentioned above and create as many wonderful memories as possible in Wicklow.
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