Visit Wicklow

Wicklow is known as The Garden of Ireland for good reason — mountains, lakes, forests, valleys, and coastal views all within an hour of Dublin. Whether you’re planning a day trip or exploring Ireland in depth, Wicklow offers landscapes and experiences found nowhere else in the country.
This guide is designed to help travellers understand Wicklow like a local: when to visit, what to bring, how the weather shapes the day, and the highlights you shouldn’t miss. It also acts as a cornerstone of our local authority — sharing genuine, experience-based insight from over 28 years of guiding.

Best Time to Visit Wicklow

Spring (March-May) – Blooming valleys, newborn lambs, fresh colours, quieter trails.
Summer (June-August) – Long days, vibrant greenery, ideal for lakeside walks and photography. Most popular season.
Autumn (September-October) – Golden colours, atmospheric mist, warm light, fewer crowds.
Winter (November-February) – Dramatic mountain scenery, peaceful trails, stunning low winter sun. Weather is mixed but incredibly photogenic.
There is no bad season – Wicklow simply changes character.

Highlights Tips Where to Eat & Stay

Winter in Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains.

Looking for a day tour from Dublin, shore excursion from Dublin, private or customised experience?

The Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour See Shore Excursion Tour See Private Tours

WHAT YOU Should See

Essential Wicklow Highlights

Discover the highlights of Wicklow and Glendalough – mountain passes, ancient ruins, and Ireland’s most beautiful valley. These locations form the heart of most Wicklow itineraries — for good reason.

Glendalough Valley, Wicklow Mountains, Ireland.

Glendalough – Valley of Two Lakes

Monastic ruins, forest paths, Upper and Lower Lakes. Allow at least 90 minutes.

Sally Gap

One of Ireland’s most scenic mountain passes; vast, cinematic landscapes.

Lake Lough Tay in the Wicklow Mountains.

Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)

Iconic white-sand shoreline, black water and dramatic cliffs of Luggala. Lough Tay is a must-see, which is why it features on our Wild Wicklow itinerary but is often inaccessible to larger coach tours.

Great Sugar Loaf in winter Wicklow Mountains.

Wicklow National Park

Wild mountain plateau, peat bogs, and sweeping views.

View our gallery

How to Choose
the Right Wicklow Tour

If you’re comparing options, consider:

Group size – smaller groups offer better views, access, and flexibility
Route access – narrow mountain roads require smaller coaches
Time at stops – avoid itineraries with rushed or combined agendas
Local expertise – guides who know Wicklow shape the day based on conditions
Focus – some tours only “pass through” Wicklow; others (like ours) bring you there for the day

Choosing a Wicklow‑focused, smaller‑group tour ensures you actually experience the place — not just see it through a window on the way to Kilkenny.

Why Wicklow Appeals
to Every Traveller Type

Wicklow is one of the few places in Ireland that genuinely suits everyone.

Nature lovers – lakes, forests, valleys, wildlife, and peaceful walking trails.
Photographers – dramatic light, sweeping mountain views, iconic film locations.
Culture & history enthusiasts – ancient monastic sites, local folklore, centuries-old paths.
Families – easy walks, plenty of fresh air, relaxed pace.
Solo travellers – safe, friendly, great social atmosphere.

Local Packing Tips

Comfortable walking shoes (paths can be uneven)
Light waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly)
Warm layer, even in summer
Water bottle
Camera or phone with plenty of battery

Wicklow’s weather can shift dramatically — but that’s part of its beauty.

Local Insight: What Most Visitors Don’t Know

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for mountain views.
Glendalough’s Upper Lake path is one of Ireland’s most rewarding short walks.
The landscape changes dramatically with weather — mist makes Wicklow magical.
Weekdays are quieter than weekends year-round.

These small insights help you enjoy Wicklow the way locals do.

Plan Your Visit With Confidence

Whether you’re joining a tour or exploring independently, Wicklow offers a rare combination of wilderness, accessibility, and deep cultural history. Our travel guide is here to help you make the most of it — and to share what we’ve learned from decades of guiding in the mountains.