April 22

“Thirty six hours in Wicklow recharged our batteries and romance was alive and kicking” Siobhan O’Connor

Our featured itinerary this month was designed to entertain Siobhan & John, for a romantic weekend away, as friends and family were looking after their two young daughters. Journalist and broadcaster Siobhan O’Connor, and TV Producer John Norton run a very successful family travel blog: https://www.arewenearlythereyet.net/

This is their Wicklow Adventures!

Day1 – Climb the Sugarloaf and taste the local Wicklow Wine

Climb The Great Sugarloaf:

Great Sugar Loaf Mountain dominates the skyline as you drive south from Dublin into Wicklow. This unique mountains stands apart from the rest of the upland and is instantly recognisable by its conical shape. Check trail options at two links: 7k loop option – 2.5k trail to summit

Siobhan at the top of the SugarLoaf. Weather a bit overcast, but still stunning sceneries on the background!

Lunch at Horse & Hound in Delgany:

The Horse & Hound Pub in Delgany has been around for more than 250 years, and is completed with lounge, gin bar, restaurant, outdoor heated restaurant space & beer garden. Superior Guest House Accommodation is also available there.

Recharging the batteries with great lunch at the Horse & Hound

The Horse & Hound is a destination in itself!!!

Tour at Wicklow Way Wines:

Wicklow Way Wines & Winery are lovingly crafted in the Garden of Ireland, from the pure juice of Irish Strawberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries. The Award-Winning Móinéir Wines offer tantalising aromas, flavours, and colours, allowing for a unique way to savour a little of Ireland’s rich bounty.

Unique wine, unique flavour, great learning experience!

Wine made in Wicklow with Irish ingredients!!!!

Dinner & Overnight at the Glenview Hotel:

The Glenview Hotel & Leisure club is a 4 stars accommodation located in the middle of the very scenic Glen of the Downs Valley. It is an amazing base in the heart of Wicklow to explore the county. Enjoy various walks from the Glenview including a stroll through the woodlands or climb the Sugarloaf.

Fantastic welcome at the Glenview

Gourmet dinner with a view over the Glen of the Downs valley.

Time to relax and unwind!

Morning forest stroll in the Glen

Day 2 – Sauna & Swim, Wicklow Jail, and Botanic Gardens at Kilmaccuragh

Sauna and Swim in the Irish Sea and have a coffee in Greystones

Fad Saoil Saunas is a mobile health and wellness service and have two saunas near the sea in Greystones. . Siobhan and John went to Rise at the Cove café to enjoy their Sauna, then on for a dip in the Irish Sea and finish with a great coffee and pastries in the local Cafe. Rise at the Cove is a social enterprise café, training young people at Tiglin about food and coffee.

Start with a sauna to heat up the body…

… then jump in the sea …

… finally have a coffee, pastry and the Greystones stamp for the Wicklow Passport!!!

Lunch and Visit of Wicklow’s Historical Gaol

See two turbulent centuries of Irish history come to live at Wicklow Jail. Wander through the 1798 rebellion, the transportation era, the Famine Years and the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. Experience the new Gates of Hell Virtual Reality Tour, a fully immersive experience that transports visitors back in time to Wicklow Gaol in the 1700’s.

Located within the jail walls, the Jailer’s Rest is offers great food all day.

Located right in the centre of Wicklow Town, Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is unique and a must visit!

With the headsets on, visitors are literally in the middle of 18th Century jail life: luckily, you can escape…

Shake the ghosts off with a great lunch at the Jailer’s Rest

See the Rhododendrons in bloom at Botanic Gardens Kilmaccuragh

The months of April and May are when the amazing Rhododendrons are in full bloom at the Botanic Gardens at Kilmaccuragh. Around the ruins of a fine Queen Anne style house lie 52 acres of wild Robinsonian gardens with unique trees from all over the world