Top 5 Wicklow Outdoor Adventures: A Local’s Guide
Wicklow, often called the “Garden of Ireland,” boasts pretty breathtaking scenery and a stack of outdoor opportunities, so you’ll just love getting outside into this majestic country. From soaring peaks to lovely sandy beaches, there is almost something for everyone. That is, if you’re looking to soak up some fresh air and experience nature at its finest, very Wicklow has got it all! Actually, in this guide, we’ll take a peek at five absolute top outdoor activities, giving you very helpful insights and suggestions for planning that amazing escape.
1. Hiking the Wicklow Way
Now, for a truly unforgettable hiking experience, you should consider taking the Wicklow Way. The path stretches for like 132 kilometers (82 miles), traversing so right through the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park. Too it’s almost perfect if you just like a challenging multi-day trek or a leisurely day hike. Any particular section offers fantastic views and lets you get right close to nature on this pretty fabulous hike. Actually, one of the popular starting points is right by the quaint village of Laragh, near Glendalough.
You know, Glendalough itself is so worth seeing. Actually, the ancient monastic site is positioned inside a beautiful valley with two beautiful lakes. Actually, hiking trails here vary in difficulty, allowing for pretty relaxed walks around the lakes or challenging climbs up to, for example, that Spinc, that gives like an unforgettable panoramic outlook. Any visit in springtime treats your senses with blooms and birdsong, yet even on an autumnal visit the vibrant foliage sets a gorgeous scene, right making hiking very popular at Glendalough all through that year. Don’t be stunned, though, to meet very inquisitive wildlife when trekking, for example, sika deer and feral goats. You might even witness them, though it varies. To take great photos remember to have cameras with great lenses.
2. Exploring Glendalough
Glendalough is so much more than merely that monastic site; it’s a fantastic spot for loads of outdoor escapades. You know, the two lakes, Upper Lake and Lower Lake, provide lovely opportunities for swimming. It depends if you like swimming in rather cold waters of, perhaps, going kayaking around any fabulous site. Arguably, kayaking lets you check out that scenery from a totally distinctive perspective, enabling you to approach little coves and locations only achievable by water. Actually, so numerous nearby organizations arrange guided tours. However, if you’re capable you can do that all by yourself. So make that water part your favorite!
That area is filled, you know, with several walks, which go, well, that range from reasonably leisurely lakeside strolls to extremely extreme hikes which test your strength. Of course, an actually unforgettable hike is The Spinc—a very wood path that offers an extremely stunning perspective of all of that Upper Lake and encompassing highlands. In some respects, in any weather the spot attracts both novice tourists and extreme walkers—a location everyone simply loves. It also features lovely nature!
3. Cycling Through Sally Gap
For cycle enthusiasts, well the Sally Gap provides one seriously epic journey with rather striking views and pretty awesome routes that go through the Wicklow Mountains. That road trip passes various mountain hillsides, peats, and, for example, peaceful waterways, all offering actually distinctive landscapes. In some respects, that is just what cyclists may need. Arguably, the winding roadways and demanding mountains are wonderful if you’re an amateur, but don’t give up cycling through Wicklow when on holiday!
That highest point of the pass will give cyclists the ability to rest for a bit before continuing on an exceptionally scenic journey. You can expect spectacular vista spots and numerous photographic stops once at Sally Gap, but keep checking that temperature so that it will be ideal! Very cool to capture memorable pictures while exploring, you know, on the way with a biking ride with your friends. Typically, during cycling you may even consider taking in some fresh air. And remember to prepare thoroughly for the conditions, because at Sally Gap it’s quite hard to estimate just how the weather will really change during an outing there.
4. Relaxing on Brittas Bay Beach
Brittas Bay is arguably among County Wicklow’s most highly prized beaches, recognized widely because of its extensive sand dune systems and soft, golden coastline, therefore this spot suits relaxation and activities along with sea along any superb coastline. Usually with little rocks or even any currents it renders Brittas Bay rather a safer and popular beach destination, suited just nicely for those with families. Any gently leaning coast goes, too, making it the fantastic beach for kids, too allowing safe playing.
Apart from laying on beaches to soak that sun, several activities at Brittas Bay incorporate bathing in like clean waters or taking peaceful coastal trails down, offering rather different perspectives on nature nearby. Arguably, people are able to spot rare birds that migrate here annually at beaches—which give visitors the chance when seeing birds migrating through Brittas’ nature reserve region and is so the nature to always remember. But if it’s warmer season, be there sooner since parking areas are often extremely very loaded easily during peak season.
5. Horseback Riding in the Wicklow Mountains
Discover that countryside’s loveliness whilst discovering at the seat for horse back throughout mountain landscapes—this will undoubtedly be a very gorgeous outing which merges excitement as well as calm within that countryside, typically. Numerous riding centers within and through Wicklow region provide guided trips that meet requirements ranging for beginner to very competent bikers who would really like actually an especially personal outdoor encounter. This all can vary throughout these areas.
Ride excursions let you meander across valleys of greenery covered hills and down winding paths which generally get it accessible through strolling on those alone! Sometimes at various times these paths often bring some exceptional lookout spots which display Wicklow Mountains at something rather spectacular, specifically as experienced at a horse. To take it slow—appreciate that rhythm involved while integrating throughout Wicklow in just a very unique plus unforgettable sort that you have simply gotta give opportunity to fully feel nature when closely in tandem in wildlife and country. Just maybe think of something different! You will enjoy the wildlife more as a group while experiencing something amazing.