Things to Do in Wicklow: Adult Activities, Villages & Film Spots
There’s a reason Wicklow is called the Garden of Ireland. According to Ireland’s official tourism website, the county is widely marketed as a destination for film-location tourism, with Powerscourt, Killruddery House, and the mountains used as backdrops for major productions. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer stay, this guide focuses on the adult-friendly experiences, film locations, and hidden villages that make Wicklow memorable.
County size: 2,027 km² ·
Population: ~155,000 ·
Highest peak: Lugnaquilla (925 m) ·
Coastline length: 64 km ·
National park area: 205 km² ·
Number of villages: 30+
Quick snapshot
- Cycle the Blessington Greenway
- Visit Russborough House and fairy trails
- Slide down Ireland’s highest slide at Emerald Park
- Explore the beach at Bray
- Hike the Wicklow Way
- Tour Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
- Visit Glendalough monastic site
- Enjoy craft beer at Wicklow Wolf Brewery
- Romantic walk at Mount Usher Gardens
- Sunset drive on Sally Gap
- Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Greystones
- Stay at a luxury castle hotel
- Self-guided tour of Wicklow Mountains
- Photography at Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
- Join a guided hike from Dublin
- Visit the Wicklow Gaol for history
Seven key facts about Wicklow, from its highest peak to its national park area, set the baseline for planning your trip.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| County | Wicklow |
| County town | Wicklow Town |
| Highest point | Lugnaquilla (925 m) |
| Population | 155,000 (approx) |
| Area | 2,027 km² |
| Coastline | 64 km |
| National park | Wicklow Mountains National Park (205 km²) |
What to do in Wicklow for adults?
Top adult-friendly activities
- Hike the Wicklow Way, a 132-km trail through the Wicklow Mountains, as described by Ireland’s official tourism website.
- Tour Powerscourt Estate and Gardens in Enniskerry, a historic estate that served as a film location for Leap Year according to DoDublin’s tour operator guide.
- Visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement set in a glacial valley, featured on Ireland.com as a must-see.
- Enjoy craft beer at Wicklow Wolf Brewery in Bray, part of the county’s growing food and drink scene.
Outdoor adventures in Wicklow
- The Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 205 km² of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, as noted by Ireland.com.
- The Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk offers a fantasy-film look, according to The Irish Road Trip.
- Lough Ouler, Ireland’s heart-shaped lake, is one of the most rewarding hikes in Wicklow, per The Irish Road Trip.
Cultural and historical sites
- Killruddery House and Gardens, a 17th-century estate near Bray, features French-Baroque gardens and an Orangery, and is still home to the Brabazon family, as described by The Irish Road Trip.
- Russborough House was used to shoot the 2016 Jane Austen adaptation Love & Friendship, according to Discover Ireland.
Food and drink experiences
- Wicklow’s craft breweries and distilleries, like Wicklow Wolf, offer tours and tastings, part of the region’s appeal for adult visitors.
- Michelin-starred restaurants in Greystones provide fine dining options for couples and solo travelers.
What Disney movie was filmed in Wicklow?
Disenchanted: Filming locations in Wicklow
The 2022 Disney sequel Disenchanted was filmed in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, during the summer of 2021, as confirmed by Discover Ireland. The village and surrounding areas stood in for the fictional kingdom of Andalasia.
Behind-the-scenes footage
A behind-the-scenes film showcases the Wicklow locations, including the main street of Enniskerry and the nearby Powerscourt Estate, which also appeared in the movie.
How to visit the film sites
- Enniskerry village is easily reachable from Dublin via the N11, making it a popular day-trip destination.
- Guided tours from Dublin often include Enniskerry and Powerscourt, as noted by DoDublin.
For Disney fans, a visit to Enniskerry offers a direct connection to the magic of Disenchanted. The filming there in 2021 put Wicklow firmly on the screen-tourism map, alongside its long history with Vikings and Braveheart.
What is the nicest village in Wicklow?
Charming coastal villages
Wicklow’s coastline from Bray to Arklow is dotted with villages like Greystones, known for its seaside promenade and Michelin-starred dining, and Bray, with its Victorian promenade and Bray Head cliff walk.
Inland villages
- Avoca is famous for its handweaving and scenic setting along the Avoca River, according to The Irish Road Trip.
- Blessington sits near the Blessington Lakes, a filming location for Vikings, as reported by Discover Ireland.
- Roundwood is Ireland’s highest village, offering a quiet base for exploring the Wicklow Mountains.
Criteria for choosing the nicest
Four villages, three criteria: which one suits your travel style?
| Village | Scenic beauty | Key attraction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avoca | River valley, handweaving shop | Avoca Handweavers, Meeting of the Waters | Culture lovers |
| Blessington | Lakeside, mountains backdrop | Blessington Lakes, Russborough House | Film buffs |
| Roundwood | Mountain views, quiet | Highest village, hiking trailheads | Hikers |
| Greystones | Coastal, harbour | Michelin-starred restaurants, beach | Foodies |
The pattern: no single “nicest” village exists—it depends on whether you value coast, culture, or cuisine. Greystones edges ahead for adults seeking dining and seaside relaxation.
How long is Sally Gap Drive?
The full Sally Gap route
The Sally Gap Drive is one of Wicklow’s most scenic routes, covering 26 km (16 miles) through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, as detailed by The Irish Road Trip.
Recommended driving time
It typically takes 1–2 hours without stops, but with photo opportunities and viewpoints, plan for 2–3 hours.
Stops along the way
- Sally Gap itself is a high mountain pass with panoramic views.
- Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) is a popular photo stop, used as a filming location for Vikings according to Ireland.com.
- Lough Dan also appeared in the series, as noted by the same source.
The road is narrow in places and can be busy on weekends. For drivers, the 26 km loop requires careful planning: start early to avoid crowds and allow time for the unsealed sections near the Sally Gap summit.
What actor lives in Wicklow?
Daniel Day-Lewis in Wicklow
It is widely reported that Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis resides in County Wicklow, having lived there for many years while maintaining a low profile. His home is in the Wicklow countryside, though the exact location is private.
His quiet life in the countryside
Day-Lewis, who retired from acting in 2017, is known to value his privacy in the rural setting of Wicklow, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Other notable residents
Wicklow is also home to several other celebrities, including musicians and artists, attracted by the county’s natural beauty and proximity to Dublin.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Daniel Day-Lewis lives in Wicklow (widely reported).
- Disenchanted was filmed in Enniskerry in 2021 (Discover Ireland).
- Sally Gap Drive is a scenic route through the Wicklow Mountains (The Irish Road Trip).
- Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 205 km² (Ireland.com).
What’s unclear
- Exact length of Sally Gap Drive (26 km per one source, but variations exist).
- Name of the Netflix show currently filming in Wicklow (not yet publicly confirmed).
- Specific filming locations for Disenchanted beyond Enniskerry and general area.
Quotes from the experts
“County Wicklow is widely marketed as a destination for film-location tourism, with Powerscourt, Killruddery House, and the mountains used as backdrops for major productions.”
Ireland’s official tourism website
“Disenchanted was filmed in Enniskerry in the summer of 2021.”
Discover Ireland
Summary
Wicklow delivers a rare combination of Hollywood glamour and ancient Irish heritage, making it a standout destination for adults seeking more than a family-friendly day out. For travelers from Dublin or abroad, the choice is clear: explore the villages, hike the mountains, and trace the film locations that give this county its edge—or risk a trip that’s merely scenic, not memorable.
Related reading: BrookLodge & Macreddin Village: Wicklow Organic Spa Hotel · BrookLodge & Macreddin Village: Wicklow Organic Spa Hotel
Frequently asked questions
What free things can you do in Wicklow?
Hike the Wicklow Mountains, visit the beach at Bray, explore the monastic site at Glendalough (free entry to the valley), and drive the scenic Sally Gap—all free of charge.
What unusual things can you do in Wicklow?
Visit the heart-shaped Lough Ouler, walk the Ballinastoe Woods boardwalk, or tour the set of Vikings at Blessington Lakes.
What are the best things to do in Wicklow this weekend?
For a weekend itinerary: Saturday hike in Glendalough, Sunday drive on Sally Gap with a stop at Lough Tay, and a craft beer at Wicklow Wolf Brewery.
What romantic things can couples do in Wicklow?
Sunset drive on Sally Gap, dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Greystones, a walk through Mount Usher Gardens, or a stay at a luxury castle hotel.
Are there any guided tours in Wicklow?
Yes, many bus tours from Dublin include Glendalough, Powerscourt, and Enniskerry. Private hiking guides are also available for the Wicklow Mountains.
What is the best time to visit Wicklow?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage—ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Do I need a car to explore Wicklow?
While a car gives the most flexibility, you can reach Bray, Greystones, and Glendalough by train and bus from Dublin. However, villages like Avoca and the Sally Gap Drive are best accessed by car.
Is Wicklow suitable for a day trip from Dublin?
Absolutely. Many attractions are within a 45- to 90-minute drive from Dublin city centre, making it a perfect day-trip destination for hiking, history, or film tourism.
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