March 2022
As the 2022 tourism slowly starts, we invited Sarah Slattery from The Travel Expert to bring her family on a discovery tour of West Wicklow. For two days, Sarah, her husband and two teenage children, rose to the challenge to start filling their Wicklow Passport and discover some of the lesser known places in West Wicklow.
“We enjoyed a fabulous family break in West Wicklow: There are many top attractions close together and we managed to cycle the Blessington Greenway, take a tour of Russborough House and drive the West Wicklow Heritage Trail in just 24 hours. Despite living just 45 minutes away it was our first time cycling The Blessington Greenway, and it certainly won’t be our last – we are already planning a return trip!”
Sarah Slattery – The Travel Expert
See below Sarah’s itinerary:
Day 1: Russborough House and West Wicklow Heritage Tour.
Russborough House:
Situated just 5 minutes outside Blessington, the Russborough Estate is a destination in its own rights offering a wide variety of things to see and do. Firstly Sarah went on a guided tour of the amazing palladium house, containing a private collection of European fine and decorative arts, including furniture, silver, porcelain and paintings. The extensive grounds around Russborough house host a variety of activities for all to enjoy. Those include a maze, children playground and full activity centre.
Hollywood Cafe
Hollywood in West Wicklow is thought to have given it’s name to Hollywood in California… The Hollywood Cafe & Shop offers fresh, seasonal and local produce, with Irish, International and wood fired cuisine served in a traditional Irish cottage.
West Wicklow Heritage Trail:
The West Wicklow Heritage Trail connects some amazing accessible heritage sites spread between Hollywood, Donard, Baltinglass and Dunlavin. Sites include ancient places of worship like the Piper’s Stone or Castleruddery, Baltinglass Cistercian Abbey or the famous 1978 Rebellion Dwyer McAllistair Cottage.
Overnight at Tulfarris:
Located on the shores of the Blessington Lakes, Tulfarris is a fabulous 4 star hotel and golf resort. Tulfarris is very popular as a wedding venue, ideal for Golf outings or just for a break away while enjoying great food is stunning surroundings.
Day 2: Cycle the Blessington Greenway and Food at Wicklow Escape.
Blessington Greenway at The Avon:
The Avon is also located on the shores of the Blessington Lakes, and is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities. The multi activity centre offers land based as well as water based activities. It is also a great destination for food, with plenty outdoor dining options overlooking the lakes and Wicklow Mountains. Sarah and family rented bikes at the Avon to cycle the 6km loop along the Blessington Greenway.
The Wicklow Escape:
After the cycle, Sarah brought the family for a light lunch at the very trendy Wicklow Escape. The Wicklow Escape is a unique lodge and dining experience serving delicious locally-sourced food to its residents.
Wicklow Passport:
Sarah collected the following stamps for her Wicklow Passport along the way:
