Welcome to Counties Wicklow & Kildare

Wicklow and Kildare may be neighbours and have a boundary with Dublin in common, but that's where the similarities end.

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Immediately south of the capital is wild, scenic Wicklow. Its most dramatic natural feature is a gorse-and-bracken mountain spine that is the east coast’s most stunning landscape, complete with deep glacial valleys, isolated mountain passes and, dotted throughout, some important historic treasures, including one of Ireland’s most important early-Christian sites and a couple of 18th-century Palladian mansions.

To the west is flat, fertile Kildare, which also has a handful of elegant Palladian piles but is best known as horse country – of the thoroughbred kind. Some of the world’s most lucrative stud farms are here, many with links to the horse-breeding centre of Kentucky in the USA. Kildare is also home to some of the best golf courses in Ireland and, in recent years, the country’s largest outlet mall.

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Top experiences in Counties Wicklow & Kildare

Travel guides

Starting at $32.49

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Counties Wicklow & Kildare activities

$9.49 Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

Wicklow's Historic Gaol Day Tour

Wicklow’s Historic Gaol presents a dynamic visitor experience, complete with state-of-the-art audio visual enhancements. Designed to engage all the senses, visitors will step back in time as they journey through the original prison cells and experience a new era of life in Gaol as they move through the building. Descend into the dungeon and see the torture methods; climb aboard the replica transportation ship for an agonizing journey to Van Diemens Land; wander through the cells and meet the notorious protagonists of the 1798 rebellion and experience the overcrowding of the famine era, ascend into the Irish War of Independence and Civil War when Wicklow Gaol finally closed its doors as a prison for good. But not all of the prisoners left!  Learn why Wicklow Gaol is world-renowned as Ireland’s most haunted building… The experience also includes audio handsets in four languages, interactive points for children and a genealogy centre for visitors. The spectacular newly refurbished Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is open to visitors seven days a week.  The Gaol Café serves a selection of hot and cold dishes, teas, coffees and baked goods throughout the day.  
$611.16 Multi-day & Extended Tours

Wicklow Way 5 Day Self Guided Hike

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin - Get a public bus or private transfer (not included) to the first nights’ accommodation in Dublin City Hotel. Dublin, the capital of Ireland offers a mix of old and new, with historic buildings dating to the 13th century, contrasting with state of the art infrastructure, and is a hive of activity Transfer time from Airport to Hotel approx. 50 minutes. Day 2: Marley Park to Enniskerry - You will be transferred/driven by taxi to begin your first days walking at Marlay Park to the start of the Wicklow Way.  Walk through Marlay Park before rising to cross the Dublin Mountains, enjoying sea and mountain views.  Crossing the boundary into County Wicklow and descending into the Glencree Valley you walk to your accommodation in Enniskerry village.  Overnight Enniskerry. Walk Details:  Approx. Distance: 18 kms. Approx. Duration: 5.5 hours.  Day 3: Enniskerry to Roundwood - Back on the Wicklow Way you continue across the Glencree Valley, around the shoulder of Djouce Mountain and over White Hill to finish in the lovely village of Roundwood. This walk takes you past the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall before climbing to walk around Djouce Mountain to your high point for the day on White Hill. As you descend you have glorious views of the spectacular glacial lakes of Lough Tay and Lough Dan. You will overnight in the picture perfect town of Roundwood, which is a haven for fans of outdoor pursuits. Walk Details: Approx. Distance: 21 kms. Approx. Duration: 7 hours.  Day 4: Roundwood to Laragh - Leaving Roundwood you walk over Paddock Hill to the village of Laragh at the entrance to the valley of Glendalough. Today’s walk takes you around the perimeter of the Barton Estate before taking a detour from the Wicklow Way to the top of Scarr Mountain. From here you descend by an old Mass Path to your overnight accommodation in Laragh. Walk Details:  Approx. Distance 12 kms (to Laragh). Approx. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Height: 360 metres. Some road walking, mountain path and forest track. Boots essential. Day 5: Departure - From Laragh you can take a private or public Bus Service back to Dublin City Centre, where there is a regular Aircoach to Dublin Airport. Alternatively get the public Bus to Bray and the Dart Train to Dublin City and again avail of services to other parts of the country or to the Airport.
$59.34 Outdoor Activities

Wicklow Ballinastoe - Half Day Bike Tour

We meet our guests and start this tour mid-morning at the Ballinastoe trail head.  Free car parking is available. The only information we require from you in advance is your height information to ensure that are provided with the correct size fatbike.  Once we have you comfortable on your fatbike we set-off and bring you along various sections of groomed single track (bike paths) to some amazing view points that include the Vartry Lakes and Wicklow coastline, Lough Tay (Guinness Lake).  The uphill climbs can be a bit daunting at first but the views and the trails are well worth the effort. We will ask you to sign a waiver/disclaimer form prior to starting your tour with us. We provide you with a fatbike, a helmet and drinking water.  Please wear light layers of clothing and good comfortable running/walking shoes. Padded cycling shorts and cycling gloves aren't essentials but are worth bringing along if you have them.  An energy snack, your phone/camera (bragging rights) and your sense of adventure are highly recommended.
$8.90 Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

Powerscourt House and Gardens Admission Ticket

The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Managed by Head Gardener, Alex Slazenger and a team of four gardeners, Powerscourt Gardens were designed from 1731 onwards, with the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider surrounding landscape. Powerscourt Gardens include The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Dolphin Pond, The Japanese Gardens, Pets Cemetery and Pepperpot Tower, among other features and attractions. Powerscourt House today offers the warmest of welcomes to our visitors and some of the best views in Ireland, overlooking the breath-taking Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy browsing our splendid range of stores or to indulge in a coffee and dessert in the famous Avoca Terrace Café.
$7.12 Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

Powerscourt Waterfall Admission Ticket

The Waterfall is an ideal location for summer picnics and barbecues. There is a vast amount of space to keep children entertained. There is also a playground for younger children. But be mindful of the other inhabitants of the parkland! It is a haven for wildlife and children can have fun trying to spot some of the locals – the Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven and the Willow Warbler. Some other inhabitants are the Sika Deer which were introduced to Ireland in 1858 and there may be a red squirrel or two.Don’t fret if you forget your picnic as there is a kiosk on site that serves everything from coffee and tea to hot-dogs and ice-cream. The kiosk is open everyday from the 1st June to the end of August and year round at weekends, if weather permits. There is ample car parking and toilet facilities at the waterfall. Dogs are welcome but they must be on a leash.Take time to explore the pathways that meander through the flora and fauna, walk along the woodland pathways and listen to the birdsong
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