A seven day self drive tour of County Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland. Arrival and departure from Dublin Airport.
Out of the capital and into the hills so take the time to close your eyes and breath deeply of this wondrous place. Experience the heritage of 6th to the 21st century surrounded by the landscape of four hundred millennia. And all on the doorstep of Dublin!
Tour Highlights
Wicklow, Wicklow, Wicklow! So lovely!
Itinerary
Just an hour from the airport to the Wicklow Hills and the pretty village of Ashford. Walk through the lovely wooded Devil’s Glen or visit 8 hectare Mount Usher Gardens on the Vartry River with many rare plants. Enjoy a quiet drink in a quiet place.
(Drive Time: 1.5 Hours)
Day 2 – Vale of Avoca
Walk the coast at Wicklow Head. Drive to Arklow town, one of the earliest and busiest ports of the east coast. The Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of miscellany. The road follows the wooded Vale of Avoca to the Avoca Handweavers where you can watch the weaver’s work. The Meeting of the Waters is a beautiful place and where the Avonbeg and Avonbeg Rivers meet at the head of the vale.
(Drive Time: 2 Hours)
Day 3 – Glendalough
Explore the Glendalough Valley by car and foot. The Visitor’s Centre tells the story behind the 6th century monastic settlement including seven churches and an impressive round tower. The area is rich in heritage and history, both ecclesiastical and political. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. Your accommodation is deep in the mountains overlooking Lough Dan.
(Drive time: 1 hour)
Day 4 – Powerscourt & Glencree
Visit 17th century Powerscourt House and Gardens and walk to the waterfall – the highest in Britain & Ireland. Drive into the solitude of the Glencree valley where the former military barracks is now a Peace & Reconciliation Centre. Surrounded by hills and trees, the valley is an incredible place.
(Drive Time: 1 hour)
Day 5 – Wicklow to Dublin
Depart the Wicklow mountains with a final look at the stunning Lough Tay and Luggala. Follow the Sally Gap, one of the two passes across the hills to the east. A scenic drive by Phoulaphuca Reservoir takes you to Kildare. Visit the National Stud & Japanese Gardens at Kildare. The gardens are unique and well worth a visit. Or visit the world renowned Newbridge Silverware & Jewellery and maybe treat yourself to a unique piece! Overnight Dublin City.
(Drive Time: 2 hours)
Day 6 – Explore Dublin
A free day to explore Dublin. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College before browsing Grafton Steet to Stephen’s Green. The National Museum is facinating and located next door to The Dail, Ireland’s parliament. The Guinness Storehouse is always popular before ending the day at one of the many restaurants or bars in Temple Bar. Don’t miss the Irish entertainment evening at your hotel.
Day 7 – Departure from Dublin Airport
Return hired car at Dublin airport and depart.
Prices & Booking
What’s Included
- 4 nights accommdation in quality B&B/Guesthouse accommodation
- 2 nights accommodation in 3*** Dublin City Centre hotel
- All breakfasts
- Maps
- Day by Day suggestion guide including route notes
- Local maps and guides
What’s not included:
- Meals other than breakfasts
- Entries and excursions
Guest Reviews
September 2019 – Grahame & 3 sons, Cheshire UK
We had a wonderful 5 day holiday and really appreciated the organisation of the tour and the quality of the accommodation and warm welcome from all.