County Wicklow is a must-visit tourist destination, featuring awe-inspiring landscapes, picturesque drives, and an abundance of fun-filled outdoor activities. Regardless of the weather outside, Wicklow has a variety of options that promise to keep the whole family entertained. We have curated a list of some of the Garden County’s must-visit rainy day acitivities.
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol
This fascinating historical attraction offers a lively insight into the history of our County Town. Originally constructed in the 18th century and now functioning as a museum, the Gaol serves as the ideal environment for bringing the historical tales, prisoner accounts, and life during the 18th and 19th centuries into perspective. Brought to life through guided tours of the cells, dungeons, and exercise yards, Wicklow Gaol is the perfect location for a family-friendly, rainy day activity.
Russborough House
Russborough House is the ideal location to draw attention away from the dismal weather. This spectacular stately home features a historical art collection, incredible Georgian architecture, and stunning scenic parklands. A haven for the historical and modern alike, make sure not to miss the amazing 3D images taken during Sir Alfred Beit during his world travels in the 20th century. The house is set in 200 acres of parkland, so explore Russborough by taking their guided tour and spend an afternoon encapsulated by history, heritage, art, and antiques. A visit to Russborough is a tremendous way to spend a rainy day.
Arklow Maritime Museum
With a sublime collection of models, plans, and unique paintings, the Arklow Maritime Museum is a must-visit for all interested in the seaside town’s nautical history. With thirty years of history, ever-improving exhibitions and displays, and tour offerings, this museum is a must-visit location year-round.
Avondale House
Take a step into the past and experience history as brought to life through the stories of some of Ireland’s most famous families. From legendary environmentalists to powerful politicians, Avondale House has housed history and heritage since 1770. Having been recently renovated and now once again open to the public, Avondale House is a must-visit destination for the whole family. From a guided tour which explores intriguing stories and awe-inspiring architecture, to their café and walled garden, a trip Avondale is a sure-fire way to brighten a rainy day.
Coolakay Agricultural Museum
Representing the farming heritage of Ireland, Coolakay displays a collection of farming implements and machinery. Using the wide range of its collection and exhibits, this museum highlights the evolution of farming from the early 1700’s to the present day. Coolakay provides a fascinating historical perspective and account of country life in Ireland and captures a past way of life crucial to the country’s rural heritage.
Glendalough Visitor Centre
The Glendalough Visitor Centre brings visitors back in time through the golden age of Irish history. Their audio-visual show and guided tours provides a thorough learning experience and provides perspective into one of Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions, Glendalough. Remaining open throughout the year with full accessibility for all people, Glendalough’s visitor centre is an ideal tour destination for schoolchildren, students, or those interested in taking a course at their Education Centre.
Go Bowling
Looking for some friendly competition? Why not go bowling, an fantastic pastime for visitors of all ages.
Bray Bowl hosts tenpin bowling across twelve bowling lanes, pool tables, and arcade games! With food and drinks available from the Lane 13 cafe, this destination is far more than just a bowling alley. Bray Bowl is a must-visit indoor entertainment venue, perfect for all ages on rainy days.
Within walking distance of the town centre, Wicklow Bowl is perfectly situated for a day of ten-pin bowling and pool. Also offering fantastic, fresh coffee or tea and food from their Coffee Dock, Wicklow Bowl is fun for the whole family, regardless of the weather.
Indoor Amusements for Kids
Located in the beautiful village, the Tinahely Farm Shop and Activity Centre offers more than enough to immerse and engage kids throughout seasons of bad weather. With an award-winning restaurant, shop, and activity centre is a true hidden treasure of the Garden County.
Their farm includes a petting zoo with multiple animals to feed, on-site tearooms, a gift shop, as well a restaurant providing top-quality, delicious food, The Tinahely Farm Shop provides a full-day of amusement for the whole family.
Zoom Adventure Play also offers a family-friendly rainy day option in Greystones. Featuring a double helix slide, a maze of tunnels and obstacles, a ball cannon, as well as a soft climbing wall and ball pit for young children.
The Wicklow KidZone is ideal for kids of all ages with activities including arcades and kids discos at the end of every month, this indoor activity centre serves is a wonderful option for indoor entertainment.
Go Swimming
Coral Leisure Centre has renowned locations in both Wicklow Town as well as Arklow. Coral Leisure provides fully equipped gymnasiums with a selection of weight-based and cardiovascular training options and 25-meter swimming pools. Also available are the sauna and steam room facilities.
When visiting Bray or Greystones, why not drop into Shoreline leisure facilities? With a goal of providing premium self-sustaining leisure facilities, Shoreline offers a range of activities and first-class amenities. From swimming lessons and Swim-Fit classes, to a plethora of weighted and resistance-focused exercise options.
Wicklow has an option for anyone looking to get out of the rain! A day of poolside leisure is the perfect opportunity to escape the weather, relax, and unwind.
Shopping
Whether you are looking to decorate the home and garden of your dreams, spend an afternoon relaxing with a coffee and home-baked treats at Rathwood. Searching a fun destination for the whole family to enjoy? Rathwood has a reason for everyone to avoid the weather.
For those interested in a quick and easy shopping experience, visit the Bridgewater Shopping Centre today, escape the rain and submerge yourself in a world of choice, delicious food, fashion-focused retailers and in-demand beauty options!
Fisher’s of Newtownmountkennedy has been a center of retail activity since 1979 and has everything you need for a day out in gloomy weather. Fisher’s is home to an award-winning café, self-catering cottage, menswear and ladies boutique shop, and hair salon. With a central location and a range of amenities, Fisher’s is a must-visit location.
Classes & Courses
For the craft-enthusiasts among us, make a trip to the historic Glen of Imaal and take part in one of Crafty Craic’s workshops. Hosted in a relaxed setting with an expert instructor, the studio and shop provides the ideal environment for those interested in craft learning. Make sure to keep an eye on their social media and spend the next rainy day learning something new!
Looking for a sweet treat? Spend those overcast days with the chocolate experts in the Chocolate Garden of Ireland. This family-run business in Shillelagh provides chocolate-making workshops as well as some seriously delicious treats in their chocolate café! Whether it’s creating or indulging, The Chocolate Garden is highly recommended for all chocolate-lovers trying to escape the rain!
For masterful instruction on the arts of pottery making and wood turning, Visit drop into Christien’s studio at Studio Upper Aughrim. With a specialised knowledge in designing distinctive tableware, Christien is also a widely experienced teacher of both children and adults.
For those interested in artistic expression, hands-on demonstrations, and empowering instruction, look no further than Avoca Studio Gallery and their resident artist, Rod Coyne. Having provided courses for over a decade, Rod is well equipped to share his extensive knowledge with students of all kinds.
The Old Rectory boasts an orchard of fruit trees, woodland and parkland walk, a working kitchen garden, and a workshop. Visit the Old Rectory and learn to screen-print is a sustainable fashion with this one of a kind hands-on experience.
Drink-Making Experiences
Step inside the belly of the beast and enjoy a state of the art experience at the Wicklow Wolf Brewery. Take an expertly guided tour of their advanced brewery in Newtownmountkennedy followed by a guided tasting of some of the freshest beers that Ireland has to offer. Inside the Wicklow Wolf Brewery, you will about the origins of their brand, their current practices, and their ethos of sustainability in brewing practices. Their brewery tours are a great way to spend a dismal day.
Interested in a fully-immersive guided tour complete with the sights, sounds, and aromas of an exceptional, world-class whiskey producer? Look no further than Powerscourt Distillery. Choose between a 60-minute tour of their distillery and maturation warehouse or their 90-minute food and folklore option. Both available tours guarantee a high-calibre touring experience and a guaranteed sampling of one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys, Fercullen.
Wicklow Brewery stands as one of the most original and unique beer halls in Ireland. Choose from a range of craft beers, ciders, and spirits and enjoy the surrounds of their brewing equipment. Learn about their With a range of live performers taking to their stage every weekend, a tour of Wicklow Brewery is sure to satisfy every day of the week, regardless of the weather.
Embrace The Outdoors
Ireland’s Garden County is famous for its beautiful parks, wonderful walkways, and adventurous activities, so make sure to explore Wicklow regardless of the weather. Prepare yourself by wrapping up in some waterproof clothing and lacing up your waterproof shoes, then get ready to go!
Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. For those looking to gear up and get ready, there are many stores in Wicklow to help with this!
