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Glendalough, Wicklow Shutterstock/Arndale

Your summer in Ireland: 5 must-see sites in Wicklow

Take our challenge and tick off as many glorious sites this summer as recommended by heritage officers around Ireland.

EVERY CORNER OF Ireland has something unique to showcase – but how much of it have you seen?

TheJournal.ie has been chatting to heritage officers in every part of the country to compile their top five picks that they think you might enjoy visiting this summer.

Heritage includes monuments, archaeological or architectural objects, seascapes, wrecks, geology, inland waterways, gardens and parks.

We are publishing recommendations for every local authority area over the course of a fortnight, along with the details you need to know to plan your visit.

Get motoring!

Wicklow

1. Botanic gardens, Kilmacurragh

The 52 acres of wild Robinsonian botanic gardens lie by the ruins of a Queen Anne style house.

Expansion of the gardens began in 1712 with rapid growth occurring in 19th century with the planting of rare trees and shrubs.

Today the wild landscape is free to explore.

Amenities: There is a café on site, toilets and parking. Wheelchair access is available to most areas but there are some steps and steep inclines to be avoided.

Opening hours and costs: The site is FREE to visit and open daily from 9am-6pm.

shutterstock_393696415 Kilmacurragh Gardens Shutterstock / Aleksandr Kalinin Shutterstock / Aleksandr Kalinin / Aleksandr Kalinin

2. Powerscourt House and gardens, Enniskerry

Originally the site of a medieval castle, Viscount Powerscourt in 1790 decided to transform the building into a mansion with 68 rooms.

The walls of the main house boast stonework dating back to the 13th century.

Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Ireland and is located on the grounds, there are also guided tours and walking trails available to visitors.

Amenities: There is full wheelchair access and a café on site, with toilets and a gift shop.

Opening hours and costs: The site is open from 9.30am-5.30pm daily and entry is priced at €10 per adult, €8.50 for students/seniors, children €5, family ticket €25. Children under five are FREE.

shutterstock_532342933 Powerscourt Shutterstock / inalex Shutterstock / inalex / inalex

3. Russborough House, Blessington

Built between 1741 and 1750, this house was constructed by the wealthy brewer Joseph Leeson.

Visitors can take a tour of the house to discover 300 years of architecture, art and interior design as well as enjoying views of the Blessington lakes and Wicklow mountains.

There are parklands and walking trails as well as a the national bird of prey centre, a walled garden and maze on site.

Amenities: There is a café and gift shop on site and a children’s playground. Wheelchair users can access all areas of the house except for the bedroom floors.

Opening hours and costs: The grounds are open daily from 10am-6pm with the last tour at 5pm. Prices are €12 per adult, €9 per senior/student, €6 per child and €30 per family.

shutterstock_480892873 Russborough House Shutterstock / Stefano_Valeri Shutterstock / Stefano_Valeri / Stefano_Valeri

4. Glendalough visitor centre

The valley at Glendalough was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age and in the sixth century St Kevin founded monastic sites here.

In the national park, there are round towers and remains from the mines of Glendalough and Glendasan.

Visitors are free to walk, cycle or hike the trails and guided tours can be booked in the visitor centre.

Amenities: There are cafés, toilets and parking available. The site is partially wheelchair user friendly, aside from the steep terrain on some trails.

Opening hours and costs: The site is FREE to access but costs for parking apply.

shutterstock_701470963 Glendalough Shutterstock / Arndale Shutterstock / Arndale / Arndale

5. Historic Gaol, Wicklow town

The restored historical site here invites visitors to experience the harsh and cruel history dating from the 1798 rebellion to the early 1900s when the jail was in operation.

Visitors can take a guided tour from a guide dressed in character, and hear stories of prison life in past times.

There is also a genealogy and archives service where visitors can search for their ancestors.

Amenities: There is a gift shop, café and restaurant on site as well as parking facilities. There is no wheelchair access to the tour.

Opening hours and costs: The gaol is open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm. Prices are €8 per adult, €6.70 per student/senior, €5 per child and €22 per family. 

Wicklow Gaol Wicklow Gaol

Thanks to Wicklow County Council heritage office for recommendations.

TOMORROW: Top 5 must-sees in Limerick and Dublin cities.

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24 Comments
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    Mute Joan Needham
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:49 PM

    I let my 8yr old son take a day off school last year to spend it watching silage being cut. When I asked him what he was going to tell his teacher the next day, he told me he would tell him he spent the day doing work experience…I couldnt argue with that! I had to take the day off work as a paid holiday to sit with him watching the tractors going by. It was a great memory day for him and me.

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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Feb 11th 2016, 12:11 AM

    Next time approach a farmer, fairly sure he will let you help, farmers go unnoticed by so many.

    88
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    Mute Matt Donovan
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:38 PM

    That’s the kind of Dad I want to be with my daughter.

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    Mute Papasmurf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:42 PM

    It would be really funny if it was convent with a mother superior type reading it.

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    Mute Papasmurf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:43 PM

    Matt, if it was Ireland the kid wouldn’t have made it in at all as they would have all headed back to the residents bar in the hotel for a tipple afterwards.

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    Mute Anne O'Hara
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:39 PM

    The Boss does a show that’s worth the money and more. Fair play to Dad :-)

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    Mute tmwtbc
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:48 PM

    Friend of mine, not a fan until then, went to see him in Dublin around 2010 (open to correction). Met him in a bar for a few pints afterwards and he was absolutely blown away.

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    Mute nf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:36 PM

    I wanna be that dad

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    Mute Johnneary
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:39 PM

    Bruce Shillingsteal.
    The Caviar Denim Whingebag.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:48 PM

    Been lucky enough to see the Boss play live, no-one does a show like him. Puts his heart and soul into every classic and is coolness personified. Isabelle will carry that buzz forever. Cool Dad.

    54
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    Mute Papasmurf
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:52 PM

    Willie Nelson is known to keep going too at gigs.

    12
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    Mute Colette Kearns
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:35 PM

    I gave my son the day off after going to see u2 because he called me to ask could he go on to the after party, first told him he would have to go in to school in the morning, then called him back 5 mins later to let him know he didn’t! Thease are special memories for them, allow them to enjoy them. As they say you only live once!! :-)

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    Mute margaret donohoe
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:47 PM

    Amazing dad fair play to him.

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    Mute Lad
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:41 PM

    Letter to work sorted..

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    Mute Tom
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:36 PM

    Smacks of over sharing, it would be nice if it was their own private experience rather than him claiming it publicly.

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    Mute The Guru
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    Feb 11th 2016, 2:03 AM

    They’re American. They have no concept of over sharing.

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    Mute Colette Kearns
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    Feb 11th 2016, 1:31 AM

    Agh Benny & Tom would you both lighten up! This is about a father & daughter having a great evening out & his daughter having/making a memory that will stay with her all her life! X

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    Mute Jimmy Dunphy
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    Feb 11th 2016, 12:02 AM

    There’s going to be a whole lot of 12 year olds at the next Bruce Springsteen concerts

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    Mute gerry meagher
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    Feb 11th 2016, 1:45 AM

    Mine won’t go ‘dad rock’ ffs

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    Mute Benny Dorm
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    Feb 10th 2016, 10:56 PM

    Nothing spectacular.

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    Mute gerry meagher
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    Feb 10th 2016, 11:11 PM

    Greatest live act prices are a bit steep though although all acts seem to charge more here than rest of Europe citing extra costs logistics etc

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    Mute alpha_chaarlie
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    Feb 11th 2016, 10:18 AM

    Bruce Springsteen is a Langer

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    Mute Derek McEvoy
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    Feb 11th 2016, 8:09 AM

    Thats class, the same man didnt even know about Brian Healys stag in Manchester next weekend. Strange or what. Imagine he knew about the water charges

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