YOUR GATEWAY TO THE GARDEN OF IRELAND

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

  • Powerscourt Gardens was Voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic and is located just 2km from the gates of Powerscourt Springs. It took 150 years of careful design and meticulous planting to create these stunning gardens.

    OUR TIP: Allow yourself at least 90 minutes to wander slowly through this spectacular garden followed by a tea/coffee in Avoca Cafe.

  • Powerscourt Springs is conveniently located on Waterfall Road just a few minutes drive from the stunning Powerscourt Waterfall.

    Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121m (398ft.) and is just 2km from Powerscourt Springs.

    OUR TIP: We recommend booking a delicious Powerscourt Springs Picnic + Prosecco basket complete with blanket and dining at the foot of the Waterfall.

  • Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland and is just a short drive from Powerscourt Springs. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the 'Monastic City'

    Glendalough is one of the top attraction on Ireland’s Ancient East.

  • This extremely picturesque village was built to accompany the manor house of the nearby Powerscourt Estate and is an excellent base from which to explore County Wicklow. There are a number of traditional shops in the village, including groceries, antiques and jewelery, along with traditional pubs and cosy cafés.

    TOP TIP: Try OhSo Coffee Shop or The Bear Paw for a tasty stop.

LOCAL hikes | activities

  • The Great Sugar Loaf Mountain (also featured in our logo) dominates the skyline as you drive south from Dublin into Wicklow. You can either start the Sugarloaf Loop at Kilmacanogue GAA pitch or at the car park on Red Lane. Add another kilometre to your walk if you are starting from Red Lane. Grade: Strenuous | Distance: 7km | Total height climbed: 275m | Terrain underfoot: Mountain track Notes: Upper section is steep and needs care especially when descending.

    How to get to start point: Red Lane Car Park: GPS 53.144956, -6.155013 GAA Pitch: GPS 53.163322, -6.141358

  • The easier (yet still strenuous) of the Glendalough Valley hiking routes - the Blue Loop - this route is 6km and will take approximately 2hrs.

    The walk ascends steeply up by Poulanass Waterfall before entering the Lugduff Valley where a steep climb up steps brings you onto the boardwalk which hugs the cliff of the Spinc before cutting down onto forest with a spectacular viewing point overlooking the Upper Lake from the Spinc.

    Grade: Strenuous

    Markings: The route is marked with blue arrows – Loop Trail

    Distance: 6km | Estimated time: 2hrs | Total height climbed: 300m | Highest point: 400m

    Terrain underfoot: Boardwalk, rough mountain tracks and forest roads

    Suitable for: Anyone with reasonable fitness level looking for a shorter version of the Spinc Walk | Notes: Dangerous cliffs - do not leave the boardwalk. How to get to start point: Upper Lake Car Park Glendalough | GPS START POINT: 53.005,-6.3449

  • A tough climb is rewarded with breathtaking views not just of Glendalough Valley but as you climb high, the view over the Wicklow Uplands opens out around you. The Spinc ridge is considered one of Wicklow’s most scenic spots with great opportunities for photography.

    The trail ascends steeply on a path up by Poulanass Waterfall before joining a boardwalk and wooden steps leading to a spectacular viewing point overlooking the Upper Lake.

    Grade: Strenuous | Markings: Route is marked with white arrows – Loop trail

    Distance: 9.7km | Estimated time: 3.5hrs | Total height climbed: 410m | Highest point: 500m | Terrain underfoot: Rocky trail, boardwalk, forest roads. Suitable for: Well equipped walkers with reasonable fitness Notes: High mountain route, exposed to the weather, proper footwear & rainwear required, dogs on leads at all times, dangerous exposed cliffs - do not leave the trail.

    How to get to start point: Upper Lake Car Park Glendalough | GPS START POINT: 53.005,-6.3449

  • This route will take you along the Cliff Walk route and over Bray Head to reach the Cross on the top of Bray Head. You will enjoy stunning views over the Irish Seas and the Wicklow Mountains. Route may not be open at all times of the year.

    Difficulty: Easy-Medium | Distance: 5.5km | Total height climbed: 250m | Highest point: 192m

    Terrain underfoot: Trail. Can be wet in rainy weather. Some technical and steep sections.

  • Located just 10 minutes from the sea, Powerscourt Springs allows you to take in both mountain & sea air. Enjoy a sea swim at either Bray or Greystones Beach. Check online for water quality and follow Lifeguard guidance.