Enniskerry Travel Guide
Enniskerry is a charming village with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. This travel guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best places to visit, restaurants to try, activities to do, and tips for a safe trip.
- Introduction to Enniskerry
- List of Places to Visit in Enniskerry
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Enniskerry
- Wicklow Way
- Great Sugar Loaf
- Best Things to Do in Enniskerry: Activities and Tours
- SUP with Get West
- Golf at Powerscourt Golf Club
- Week-Long Itinerary for Enniskerry
- Food and Drink Scene of Enniskerry
- Where to Stay in Enniskerry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Enniskerry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Wicklow Heather Products
- Local Culture and Customs of Enniskerry
- Best Time to Visit Enniskerry
- Do:’s
Introduction to Enniskerry
Tucked away in County Wicklow, Enniskerry is a charming village situated along the beautiful East Coast and Midlands of Ireland. Enniskerry is full of cultural and historic sights, scenic natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, places to engage in activities, and recommendations for food and accommodation. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in this picturesque town.
List of Places to Visit in Enniskerry
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Enniskerry has a rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Enniskerry:
The Powerscourt Estate
The Powerscourt Estate is a grand estate that dates back to the 13th century. The mansion is set among stunning gardens featuring Italian and Japanese-themed landscapes, a walled garden, and a pet cemetery. It also houses a water garden, the highest waterfall in Ireland, and numerous little nooks and crannies for a secluded picnic.
Powerscourt Distillery
This award-winning whiskey distillery is located just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Powerscourt waterfall. Their signature whiskey offers a range of tasting options. The tour also explains the distillery process.
Natural Attractions of Enniskerry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Enniskerry is a treasure trove of natural beauty that awaits you:
Wicklow Mountains National Park
The stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains National Park are worth a trip to Enniskerry. The park is an eco-friendly area with a variety of flora and fauna. The park is also home to a range of outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and fishing.
Enniskerry Salmon Leap
The Enniskerry Salmon Leap is an impressive natural attraction located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. This is a natural phenomenon where salmon are seen leaping upstream to their breeding grounds. A hiking or walking trail leading up to the Salmon Leap is a perfect way to experience this place.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Enniskerry
Enniskerry offers a plethora of hiking and biking routes, including:
Wicklow Way
Wicklow Way is a 131km marked trail that starts in Dublin and runs through the Wicklow Mountains. The route takes you through forests, over mountains and streams and presents you with stunning views at every turn.
Great Sugar Loaf
Great Sugar Loaf is a 501m mountain that offers a leisurely walk and a challenging climb depending on the chosen route. The Great Sugar Loaf walk provides a circular walking route that offers views of Bray, Dublin, and far-reaching views across the Irish Sea.
Best Things to Do in Enniskerry: Activities and Tours
Enniskerry offers an array of activities and tours, including:
SUP with Get West
SUP with Get West is a stand-up paddle boarding experience that takes you along the River Liffey in Enniskerry. Take in the beautiful sights of the river and surroundings while getting a full-body workout. The tour is operated by professional instructors and is suitable for all skills levels.
Golf at Powerscourt Golf Club
The Powerscourt Golf Club is set against the stunning Wicklow Hill Mountains, with stunning gardens and greens. It presents two championship level courses. It is an ideal venue for a golfing holiday, with well-equipped sports facilities available.
Week-Long Itinerary for Enniskerry
Here’s a sample itinerary for a week in Enniskerry:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Powerscourt Gardens and Estate |
| 2 | Hike the Wicklow Way |
| 3 | SUP with Get West on River Liffey in Enniskerry |
| 4 | Visit Bray Seaside Town |
| 5 | Go shopping in Dublin City Centre |
| 6 | Explore the Enniskerry Salmon Leap |
| 7 | Play a game of golf at Powerscourt Golf Club |
Food and Drink Scene of Enniskerry
Must-Try Dishes
Enniskerry offers a diverse food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes:
Sally Gap Pudding
Sally Gap Pudding is a traditional Irish pudding that has been made by Irish families for generations. It is an egg and sugar-based custard-like pudding enhanced with warm spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
Guinness Stew
Guinness stew is a hearty classic Irish stew made with chunks of beef, vegetables, and Guinness. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of Irish soda bread.
Local Beverages
Powerscourt Whiskey
Powerscourt Whiskey is an award-winning whiskey from the Powerscourt Distillery. They offer a range of tasting options and tours of their distillery.
Where to Stay in Enniskerry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Enniskerry has a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some top recommendations:
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa
Nestled in the greens of the Powerscourt Estate, the hotel has 194 rooms with an indoor pool, tennis courts, and spa facilities.
Rathsallagh Country House
Rathsallagh Country House is an 18th-century home transformed into a boutique hotel. It offers luxurious accommodation, with an outdoor pool, sauna and tennis courts.
What to Buy in Enniskerry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Enniskerry and the surrounding area provides an array of souvenirs and products that represent Irish culture and heritage. Here are some recommendations:
Wicklow Heather Products
Wicklow Heather Products is a quaint shop on the old Dublin to Wicklow road. It is home to an extensive variety of handmade soaps, creams, lotions, and candles. These are all made with natural ingredients and traditional methods.
Local Culture and Customs of Enniskerry
The local culture and customs of Enniskerry are closely tied to Irish culture and reflect warm hearts, a strong sense of community, and a deep love for our natural surroundings. Irish is spoken, (or Gaeilge, as it is called in Irish). The Irish language is commonly spoken, but English is also widely spoken.
Best Time to Visit Enniskerry
The best time to visit Enniskerry is from May to September when the weather is warmer, and the days are longer. However, the countryside is beautiful year-round, with crisp autumn leaves, and it is relaxing and peaceful during the winter.
Do’s and Don’ts of Enniskerry
Do:’s
- Take the time to appreciate the local culture and customs of the area.
- Be friendly and open to chatting with locals.
- Respect nature and natural trails, leaving no trace.
Don’t:
- Litter, or discard trash in the river or public spaces.
- Photograph locals and their homes without their permission.
Safety and Health
Safety in Enniskerry
Enniskerry is a relatively safe place to visit. However, it’s always a good idea to follow standard safety precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings when in crowded places.
Health in Enniskerry
Enniskerry is not known to have any health risks specific to the area. It is advisable to take out travel insurance relating to covid-19, hand sanitizers, and comply with current government advice.
Getting to Enniskerry: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Enniskerry
Dublin Airport is the nearest airport to Enniskerry. It is well-connected to most major cities in Europe and North America.
Bus Stations Near Enniskerry
The nearest major bus station to Enniskerry is in Dublin city centre, a short ride from Enniskerry by bus or taxi.
Other Options
Car rental is a popular option among tourists, and local taxi services are available to move around the area.
How to Get Around in Enniskerry
The best way to get around Enniskerry is on foot. Enniskerry is not a big place, and most of the attractions are easily walkable from the town centre. Taxis and buses are also available.
Where to Go Next from Enniskerry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Enniskerry is a great base to explore other beautiful destinations in Ireland, such as:
Bray Seaside Town
Bray Seaside Town is a 15-minute drive from Enniskerry, where you can find a range of bars, restaurants, and shops overlooking the sea and the hills. The Bray Promenade is ideal for a peaceful stroll along the beach.
Dublin City Centre
Dublin City Centre is just a 30-minute drive from Enniskerry, where you can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, shopping districts, and bustling nightlife.
Conclusion
Enniskerry is a charming village with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, providing visitors with an array of activities, attractions and experiences. This travel guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best places to visit, restaurants to try, activities to do, and tips for a safe trip. Make the most of your trip to Enniskerry and explore this quaint, magical village.
