County Wicklow (Contae Chill Mhantáin) (pop. 126,000) contains some of the finest scenery in Ireland. Although so close to the Capital that northern districts are regularly included in plans for Greater Dublin, the county is still mainly rural. There are several pretty villages and many interesting sites to visit, from ancient monuments and medieval edifices to gracious mansions and inns, and any number of beautiful locations to walk and / or observe wildlife, especially in the Wicklow Mountains. (More…)
County Wicklow – ByRoutes:
ByRoute 1 stays close to the coast, following the old Coach Road (R761) for much of the distance, taking in Bray; Bray Head, Kilruddery & Windgates, Rathdown; Greystones & Delgany, the Glen of the Downs, Kilpedder & Kilquade; Kilcoole, The Murrough, Newcastle, Rathnew, Broadlough; Wicklow Town, Wicklow Head, the Old Coast Road, Magheramore, Magherabeg, Silver Strand, Brittas Bay (and Redcross); Mizen Head & Ballymoyle Hill, Shelton Abbey, Seabank Beach, Arklow, Glenart, Clogga, Kilpatrick Beach and Kilmichael Point;
ByRoute 2 lies inland, running through some of the most verdant stretches of the county, taking in Enniskerry, The Rocky Valley, Calary, Carrigower & Glendarragh; Newtownmountkennedy & Kiliskey, the Devil’s Glen; Ashford, Glenealy & Deputy’s Pass; Rathdrum, Greenan, the Avoca River Valley, Avoca village and Woodenbridge;
ByRoute 3 follows the old Military Road for much of its length, a spectacular but at times arduous roller-coater ride through the Wicklow Mountains, taking in Glencree, Sally Gap, Luggala; Vartry Reservoir, Roundwood, Annamoe, Trooperstown, Laragh; Glenmacnass & Glendalough; The Vale of Clara, Glenmalure; The Ow River Valley, Aughrim & MacReddin;
ByRoute 4 takes in Manor Kilbride, Three Castles, Poulaphouca Reservoir, Blessington, Lacken, Ballyknocken, Valleymount, Poulaphouca & Hollywood; Donard, Rathdangan & Kiltegan, Knockannana, Moyne; Tinahely, Shillelagh, Carnew;
ByRoute 5 describes Dunlavin, Grange Con, Stratford, Baltinglass; and Kilquiggin, Aghowle,
The best way to explore the county is to combine elements of all these ByRoutes. Scenic linking roads are highlighted where they occur.
See also County Wicklow – Accommodation & Amenities.