Ireland is beautiful. That much is generally accepted by anyone who has visited the country and it also benefits from having a population that still places a value on a genuine welcome. Most visitors spend a day or two in Dublin and then head west or south or indeed north to enjoy the stunning scenery. 
 

Bed (and breakfast)

Ironically, they may be missing something. Just south of Dublin is one of Ireland’s prettiest counties. Wicklow is green, mountainous and somewhat of a hidden gem. It’s not exactly undiscovered as it contains some well known attractions, including the beautiful old monastery and the stunning lake of Glendalough. However it is often forgotten as a destination in itself. 

It features glorious beaches, pretty little villages and hidden valleys and glens as attractive as anything to be found in Connemara or Killarney and has the added benefit of being within easy striking distance of Dublin. Visitors are often amazed that less than an hour south of Dublin’s Guinness Brewery one can be high in the heather clad hills with little or no evidence of the thriving, buzzing city below.

For hikers, golfers and outdoor enthusiasts Wicklow offers a range of possibilities. Well known golf courses dot the landscape and green fees are surprisingly competitive. Courses such as those at The European Club or Woodenbridge appeal to both the leisure golfer and the more serious aficionado. Meanwhile the Wicklow Way – a near 100 mile hiking trail – bisects the county from north to south and offers beautiful scenery along its length.

The white sandy beaches such as that at Brittas Bay are ideal for watersports and fishermen will enjoy both coarse and see angling at a wide variety of locations from coastal to lake and river fishing.

For those with an interest in history, Wicklow can be captivating. Wicklow’s historic gaol provides an entertaining experience for anyone with a passion for penal history (or for those who just enjoy being spooked!) and is located in the coastal town of Wicklow. There are also several historic houses such as Avondale, Russborough and the shell of the fire decimated Powerscourt mansion at Enniskerry.

Despite Powerscourt house effectively being in ruins, don’t let it stop you from paying a visit. The gardens, waterfall and magnificent views make it a worthwhile trip regardless. The previously mentioned Glendalough warrants a visit too. It’s a ‘must see’ for those touring the region. A beautiful glaciated valley holds a mirror still lake nestled amongst boulder strewn mountains. Adjacent is the old monastery – once the abode of St. Kevin. Its main feature is an old round tower, used as a refuge from the Viking raiders that were commonplace in the 9th and 10th centuries.

Reflecting the outstanding scenery, hundreds of feature films have been made in Wicklow. The internationally renowned Ardmore Studios are located in the seaside town Bray and they played a vital role in establishing the Irish film industry and in promoting the varied landscape in County Wicklow. The mountains, with their long and remote valleys and the colourful and welcoming villages such as Aughrim and Roundwood have attracted film makers for decades.

Film location trails have been mapped out to help visitors experience some of County Wicklow's most stunning scenery. They include the Excalibur Drive which takes in the North East coast, the dramatic Sally Gap at the heart of Wicklow Mountains and the charming seaside towns of Bray and Greystones.

The Braveheart Drive highlights the lovely rural countryside around the Blessington Lakes and the ironically named west Wicklow village of Hollywood. Meanwhile the Michael Collins Drive is named after one of Irelands most popular patriots and features the village of Rathdrum. Just down the road is the gorgeous village of Avoca - known as Ballykissangel after the BBC series that was filmed there between 1995 and 2000.

Pubs and restaurants offer good quality local produce and the ubiquitous creamy pints of Guinness. Wicklow also contains a wide range of accommodation options, from plush hotels to simple smaller hotels to be found in many of the aforementioned villages. However to experience the county at its best there’s a lot to be said for tracking down a cottage and staying on a self catering basis in your own holiday home. 
 

Wicklow Cottage

As is the case in many countries – there’s quite a wide range of purpose built accommodation. Whist generally of a high standard, the downside is that it can often lack charm and character. A pleasing alternative is Aughavannagh Cottage, a restored old farmhouse in one of the most idyllic (and undiscovered) valleys in the mountains. Nestled beneath Lugnaquilla Mountain, it sleeps up to seven and is just over an hour from Dublin. Equipped to a very high standard, it sits on its own land beside a tiny burbling stream and offers a completely secluded alternative to mass tourism. 

Just over the next valley is the friendly pub in Glenmalure and the lovely village of Aughrim is about 15 minutes away. For those looking to explore further afield, Dublin is easily accessed by both car and train for day trips to breweries, Trinity College and just strolling around enjoying Irelands capital city.

If you prefer however to stay in the hills and admire the scenery then Wicklow, whilst often forgotten, is impossible to ignore. Whilst the tour coaches and hire cars thunder out from Dublin to the more famous tourist attractions, Wicklow is still patiently waiting to be fully discovered.
 

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