We are planning to take a day trip from Dublin to visit Glendalough, Gardens of Powerscourt and Wicklow National Park. Any tips from someone who has been to these places? I am concerned about traveling what appear to be very small roads to get to the interior of the National Park. I also wonder if it would be better to visit Gardens of Powerscourt first or on our way back? Thanks for any help.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2988 posts
The monastic site at Glendalough is always open - ie you don't need to wait for the visitor center to open at 9:30 to gain access. Powerscourt also opens at 9:30, but there's no entry before that time. If you're up for an early start, therefore, I suggest going to Glendalough first, preferably via the Old Military Road thru the Wicklow Mountains. Having the place all to yourselves before the tour buses start rolling in is a completely different experience than having to share it with the crowds.
You'll be driving on R roads thru the mountains - narrow but nothing particularly daunting as long as you understand how the pullouts work. Take a look at the street view feature on google maps to familiarize yourself with road conditions along the route to ease any concerns you may have.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
The roads are narrow but not bad!
Are you walkers?? WNP is amazing!!! There are color coded trails so you can decide by time which to do. I was on a 5 hour one, and the views of lakes down in valleys, surrounded by purple heather - amazing!! I met some runners on a long run, and one of them just was in the paper this week - he ran from Dublin to Castletownbear in Cork after donating an organ to his sister! Holy cow!!
The Park is amazing. I've been there 4 times and have yet to see powerscourt. I've seen the waterfall but not the house... there's so much to see!!!
Enjoy!
Susan
Expat living in Waterville
Posted by
atlanta
186 posts
There are a few day trip companies that begin in downtown Dublin that take you to all of the places you mention, with plenty of time for walking and photography. We had a great experience and it takes all of the stress of driving, parking, etc., out of your hands. Plus the drivers are entertaining :)
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7161 posts
Went to Glendalogh/Monastic City,and the nearby waterfall, and Wicklow on our return to Dublin. No problem with the roads at all. However, ensure you have plenty of gas since there were not a lot of stations in the area.