By: Bound2explore December 30, 2018
There is a reason why so many movies were filmed in Wicklow Mountain National Park. The jaw dropping view is one of the reason. So if you are a movie buff, you can track all of the locations or spots where you favorite movie was shot. From a legendary Braveheart to a romance movie like PS I love you. More than that, Wicklow Mountain National Park also offers outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding for you who are into adventure travel. If you are a foodie, you can try authentic Irish food in Enniskerry Village. You can also take a walk in the beautiful garden and learn about the history of Glendalough abbey. Here are the reasons why Wicklow Mountain National Park is a perfect day trip from Dublin:
It is just a short drive from Dublin
Where else can you see such a panoramic view and get a taste of Irish countryside within a short distance. You can rent a car and drive from Dublin to Wicklow Mountain national Park or you can also take a tour. There are many tour company operates in Dublin. Based on my experience, I highly recommend Hilltoptreks tour company. It is a small group tour and each person on the group can pick different activity, such as horse back riding, hiking or strolling in the park. So, pretty much it accommodates everyone.
You can learn the history of Glendalough Abbey
It consists of 6th century monastery. According to the story, anyone who enter the gate of Abbey will be protected regardless of their religion. Here, you can find a graveyard, tower, the priest’s house and church. There is a hiking path behind the monastery that will take you to the upper or lower lake.
Hiking path from Glendalough Abbey to upper lake offer breathtaking view
There are two paths you can take from the abbey to the lakes. One path will lead you to lower lake and the other one will lead you to upper lake. Upper lake offers a better scenery than lower lake. You can spot a couple waterfalls along the hiking path.
The view of upper and lower lake is absolutely stunning
I visited the Wicklow Mountain during fall season, so my timing was perfect to see the beautiful fall foliage. Entire area was covered by golden, orange, red and yellow leaves. The reflection of colorful trees on the lake created an unforgettable picturesque scene.
It offers amazing view of Lough Tay or famously known as the Guinness lake
The Guinness family own a big chunk of land surrounding the Lough Tay hence the name of the Guinness lake. The drive to the top is a bit scary so prepare yourself if you decide to drive all the way to the top. The only way to capture the beauty of the Lough Tay is all the way from the top.
You can recapture the scene of PS I love you
The famous PS I love you movie has inspired some men to propose on the exact location where the movie was filmed. Some scenes of the movie was shot at Victorian Village of Enniskerry which completely set the mood for some romance. But, whether you are here for a romance or adventure, you will find both.
You can explore Ireland’s highest waterfall
Powerscourt waterfall is located 6 km from the main entrance of Powerscourt garden. It is the highest waterfall in Ireland at 121 meters (398 ft). It is not recommended to walk to the waterfall from the estate since there is no footpath. Best
You can take a walk inside Powers Courts Garden
It was recently voted as No. 3 in the world’s top ten garden according to national Geographic. The 47 acres garden is divided into Italian garden, Japanese garden, pets cemetery, and tower valley. So if you like flowers, trees, Italian architecture and have time to kill, check this place out. If you are lucky enough to be on hilltoptreks tour, mention their name to get a discounted ticket.
You can try Authentic Irish food
Yes you can eat Irish food in Dublin, but nothing like a traditional food that gives you a homey feeling. We stopped at Enniskerry village for lunch. While the café was small to accommodate all the people on the tour and a little bit pricey, the food is not disappointing.
While Dublin is beautiful, you haven’t seen Ireland if you haven’t seen Wicklow Mountain national Park. Nothing like a beautiful countryside will give you a real taste of Ireland. So, if you want to experience Ireland to the fullest, then this perfect day trip from Dublin to Wicklow Mountain National park is a must do when you are in Ireland.
Thank you so much for Hilltoptreks Tour for its hospitality and generosity. As always, all opinions are my own.
