Places of Interest in Wicklow Ireland

We are ideally located for touring "The Garden of Ireland" as Wicklow is known.

Wicklow is home to many stunning gardens, stately homes and incredible landscapes all within 30 minute's drive of the Hotel.

Enjoy the breath taking ever-changing scenery of the Wicklow mountains and valleys, take a walk along the Wicklow Way or visit some of the stunning stately homes in the area.

Gardens

1. The Famous Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford

Regarded as the most exotic gardens in Ireland. Guided tours of the gardens are available by pre-arrangement.
2 miles from Tinakilly - www.mountusher.ie

2. Powerscourt House & Gardens

The gardens at Powerscourt are visited by in excess of 250,000 visitors a year and are amoung the most famous gardens in the world. Work commenced on the gardens in 1731 and continued to grow and develop with each subsequent generation.
28 miles from Tinakilly - http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens

3. The Co Wicklow Gardens Festival

The Co Wicklow Gardens Festival takes place from May to July. During this time visitors have the unique opportunity to see not only the great houses and gardens of Wicklow but also the numerous private gardens which open specially for the festival.
www.gardensireland.com

4. Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens

Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens is the centrepiece of an 18th century estate that once covered over 5000 acres (2000 ha). Seat of the Acton family for three centuries, it is now an outpost of the Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The milder climate, higher rainfall and deeper, acidic soils of this historic Wicklow garden, provide a counterpoint to the collections at Glasnevin. The association of Kilmacurragh with the National Botanic Gardens began in 1854, when Thomas Acton inherited the estate and greatly benefited from the advice and support of Dr David Moore and his son Sir Frederick Moore, Curators of the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin in Dublin.
12 miles from Tinakilly - www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmac/kilmhome.htm

Stately Homes

1. The Palladian Mansion, Russborough House in Blessington

One of the finest Georgian houses in Ireland, where the world famous Beit art collection awaits your perusal.
32 miles from Tinakilly - www.russborough.ie

2. Avondale House

The birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell, one of Ireland's greatest ever political leaders. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres, there are a number of tree trails and walks to suit everyone. It is a wonderful place in which kids can explore the wonders of nature and enjoy the vast open spaces. The house itself contains many original pieces of furniture and visitors are introduced to it via an audio visual presentation.
10 miles from Tinakilly - www.coillte.ie

3. Kilruddery House

During May, June and September, it is possible to visit Kilruddery House and gardens. The house is the seat of the Earl of Meath and contains an interesting period collection. The 17th century gardens are one of the earliest surviving gardens in Ireland.
18 miles from Tinakilly - www.killruddery.com

Beautiful Walks

1. Broadlough Bird Sanctuary

Take a stroll to Broadlough Bird Sanctuary. This coastal lagoon, which is overlooked by Tinakilly House, provides nests for a large variety of wild fowl, black swans and golden plover.

2. Brittas Bay

Beautiful sandy beaches.
8 miles from Tinakilly

3. Wicklow Town

Take a walk through Wykingelo – town of the Vikings - where the Vartry River flows to the Irish Sea; where Palladius and St Patrick are said to have landed and where, for generations, the O’Byrne’s and the O’Toole’s fought bravely. Visit the ruins of the Black Castle, built to defend Wicklow from invasion and the old Abbey. When you have finished with the sights and shopping that the town has to offer, why not have a drink in the Bridge Tavern – the birthplace of our very own Robert Halpin.
3 miles from Tinakilly

4. Glenmalure

Take a picnic from Tinakilly and visit the most spectacular of all the deep wooded glens fringing the great granite hills of Wicklow; to Drumgoff Barracks and Baravore Ford, passing Cullen’s Rock with memorial tablets to Fiach McHugh O’Byrne and Michael Dwyer – men who go down in the annals of Irish history.
20 miles from Tinakilly

5. Hiking

Spend a day (or a half day!) hiking over the glorious heather clad Wicklow Mountains and Moors. The most refreshing way to experience the countryside. If you are unsure of your map reading skills, why not take one of the many local experienced guides.

6. Great Sugar Loaf (1859 ft)

The shapely quartzite cone of the Sugar Loaf is ideal for the less active, providing extensive views of the “heather deserts”, Calary Tableland, Powerscourt and the Irish Sea.
15 miles from Tinakilly

7. Bellevue Forest Nature Trail

For those who prefer to stay at a lower level! In the friendly Glen of the Downs, gold-tinted and rusty-red in autumn.
12 miles from Tinakilly

Beautiful Drives

1. The Sally Gap

Visit the Sally Gap, a beautiful drive through the Wicklow granite domed and heather clad mountains and deep valleys – through Roundwood to Glendalough – an 8th century monastic site and once the principal seat of learning in Europe. “Glen-da-loch” is Gaelic and means “Glen of the Two Lakes”. Hire horses and trek through the glen enjoying the view over the purple Wicklow mountains and blue lakes.
15 miles from Tinakilly

2. Avoca (Ballykissangel)

Visit Avoca and see Irish tweed being woven by hand at the Avoca Woollen Mills and Shops. Continue on to Avondale Estate and Forest Park – once home of Charles Stewart Parnell, who was referred to as the “Uncrowned King of Ireland”. The house and museum are open to the public and there are numerous trails through the forest park.
12 miles from Tinakilly

3. The “Meetings of the Waters”

This where Thomas Moore was so mesmerised that he wrote the famous lyric aptly called “Meetings of the Waters”.

4. For the Active Visitor

Why not take a trip across the Wicklow Gap, over the Wicklow Mountains to Blessington Lakes, where you may participate in wind surfing, canoeing, sailing, absailing, pony trekking, orienteering, hill walking, tennis and archery at the leisure pursuits centre.
30 miles from Tinakilly

5. The Lake Drive in Blessington

An ornithologist’s paradise – leave Blessington, cross the bridge to Lackan on to the granite town of Ballyknockan at the foot of Moanbane, right to Valleymount, pass the Wayside Garden and cross Humphreystown Bridge. Take a break at Poula-Phouca waterfall or detour to the Piper’s Stones, 1½ miles south of Hollywood. Legend claims that the 14 great granite boulders were dancers and the outlying stone the piper, they were turned to stone for violating the Sabbath.
30 miles from Tinakilly

6. Lough Tay and Lough Dan

Leaving Laragh climb the Military Road to the turbulent Glenmacnass waterfall with massive Mullaghcleevaun in the background, to the Sally Gap. Head southeast passing Djouce and the coffin stone of Lough Tay and the granite crags of the Fancy Mountain. Via Oldbridge you reach secluded Lough Dan. (The late President Childer’s grave is at nearby Derrylossary Church).
20 miles from Tinakilly

A Little History

1. Built by Captain Halpin, the man who as Commander of the Great Eastern laid the transatlantic telegraph cables linking Europe to America, Tinakilly houses memorabilia of this great hero. Take a trip to the National Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire to see the remainder of Halpin’s memorabilia.
22 miles from Tinakilly

2. St Kevin’s Reconciliation Centre, Glencree

Approach from Enniskerry, visitor’s welcome. Nearby you will find the German War Cemetery and graves of Germans who were shipwrecked or crashed on Irish soil during the 2nd World War.
20 miles from Tinakilly

3. Wicklow’s Historic Gaol

Gives an absorbing overview of Irish social and political history. The Gaol makes a unique day out for any visitors anxious to delve beneath the surface to the flesh and bones of Irish history.
3 miles from Tinakilly - www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com

For more things to see and do in the area please see www.visitwicklow.ie

TEL: +353 (0) 40469274 | FAX: +353 (0) 40467806 | BOOK NOW | EMAIL: info@tinakilly.ie

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