Wicklow Town Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Wicklow Town with this comprehensive guide, featuring a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Wicklow Town

Wicklow Town is a picturesque town located in County Wicklow, on the East Coast and Midlands of Ireland. This charming town is surrounded by rolling hills and the beautiful Irish Sea, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, Wicklow Town should definitely be on your list! With a rich culture, amazing food and drink scene, and plenty of outdoor activities, this town is sure to delight all types of travellers.

List of Places to Visit in Wicklow Town

Here is a list of top places to visit in Wicklow Town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wicklow Gaol
  • Wicklow Historic Gaol
  • Black Castle
  • Wicklow Head Lighthouse
  • Wicklow’s Historic Abbey

Natural Attractions of Wicklow Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Powerscourt Waterfall
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Glendalough
  • Wicklow’s Beaches
  • Glenmacnass Waterfall

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wicklow Town

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Wicklow Town offers plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are a few of the best ones:

  • Wicklow Way
  • Glenealo Valley
  • Lough Tay Walk
  • Bray Head Cliff Walk
  • Derrybawn Woodland Trail

Best Things to Do in Wicklow Town: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Wicklow Town:

  • Take a guided tour of Wicklow Gaol
  • Visit the Wicklow Head Lighthouse
  • Walk around the Wicklow’s Historic Abbey
  • Visit the Powerscourt Estate
  • Take a kayaking adventure at the Avonmore River

Week-Long Itinerary for Wicklow Town

Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your stay:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Wicklow, visit the Wicklow’s Historic Abbey, and explore the town
2 Guided tour of Wicklow Gaol, followed by a visit to Black Castle
3 Day trip to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, exploring the Glendalough area
4 Take the Bray Head Cliff Walk and visit the Powerscourt Estate
5 Explore Wicklow Head Lighthouse and take a kayaking trip at the Avonmore River
6 Visit the beautiful beaches of Wicklow and enjoy a relaxing day by the Irish Sea
7 Depart from Wicklow Town or visit nearby destinations for more adventures (see below)

Food and Drink Scene of Wicklow Town

Irish cuisine is known for hearty meals and excellent beer, and Wicklow Town is no exception. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Irish Stew
  • Fish and Chips
  • Boxty
  • Coddle

Local Beverages

  • Guinness Stout
  • Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey
  • Baileys Irish Cream

Where to Stay in Wicklow Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wicklow Town offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Grand Hotel Wicklow: A classic Georgian-style hotel located in the heart of Wicklow Town
  • Claremont House: A 19th-century Victorian-style guesthouse with beautiful period features
  • The Bridge Tavern: A traditional Irish pub with rooms above the bar serving great food, drink and atmosphere
  • Ashgrove B&B: A cozy bed and breakfast located in a quiet residential area

What to Buy in Wicklow Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Wicklow Town is known for its traditional crafts and local products. When visiting, consider bringing home these souvenirs:

  • Handmade Wicklow Pottery
  • Irish Linen napkins and tablecloths
  • Handcrafted jewelry made with Irish gems
  • A bottle of Irish whiskey

Local Culture and Customs of Wicklow Town

Wicklow Town is a charming town whose community is tightly-knit. A few norms in the area include a friendly attitude, respect for the environment and the natural surroundings, and a desire to preserve the town’s rich history and traditions. You will also find that traditional Irish music plays a big role in the town’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Wicklow Town

Wicklow Town is an excellent travel destination all year-round. However, from June through August is the most ideal weather-wise while the higher temperatures can make the mountains and coast more enjoyable around this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wicklow Town

Do:

  • Try traditional Irish cuisine and drinks.
  • Respect the natural environment.
  • Take some time to learn about the town’s cultural history.
  • Enjoy a walk around town in the evening to take in the views of the Irish Sea.
  • Support local business

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Be loud and disruptive late at night.
  • Wear disrespectful clothing or behave in a manner that is deemed inappropriate.
  • Touch historical or cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wicklow Town

Wicklow Town is a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s important to use common sense safety measures such as keeping an eye on your valuables in crowded areas and staying in well-lit areas late at night.

Health in Wicklow Town

Ireland as a whole is known to have exceptional health care. It is suggested to have comprehensive travel insurance before visiting the country.

Getting to Wicklow Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wicklow Town

The closest airport to Wicklow Town is Dublin Airport, which is 47 km away from Wicklow Town. You can rent a car or taxi to take you directly to your accommodation.

Bus Stations Near Wicklow Town

The Wicklow Town Bus station is situated at the centre of town, which is served by several bus lines, including Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann. It is moderately easy to travel to nearby destinations from here.

Other Options

There are no train stations nearby however, taxi rental and private hire companies are available. It is also quite possible to rent a car.

How to Get Around in Wicklow Town

A majority of the places to visit in the town are relatively close to each other, thus making walking a perfectly good way to get around. Taxis and cars for rent are available for exploring more far-flung locations.

Where to Go Next from Wicklow Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are a few suggestions for places to visit near Wicklow Town:

  • Bray (15 km away): A Victorian seaside town with a vibrant nightlife, great restaurants, and beautiful beaches
  • Dublin (40 km away): Ireland’s capital, renowned for its history and culture, food, drink, and nightlife.
  • Kilkenny (130 km away): Known as Ireland’s medieval capital, Kilkenny known has a rich cultural history and an unbeatable food scene.
  • Killarney (280 km away): A charming town located in County Kerry, with scenic walking trails, historic sites, and excellent cuisine.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an excellent mix of history, culture, outdoor activities, and traditional Irish hospitality, then Wicklow Town is the perfect place for you. With its diverse attractions and beautiful scenery, you’re sure to leave Wicklow Town with lifelong memories. Plan your trip and experience Irish town life at its best.