The Vale of Avoca

The Vale of Avoca , Co.Wicklow , known to many from the popular BBC programme Ballykissangel , is my top visit and recommendation . As well as offering the opportunity to cross the bridge and walk along parts of the Avoca River , the meeting of the waters is a beautiful stop in an amazing location. Lunch in Fitzgeralds Pub ,followed by a short walk up the hill to the original Avoca café for a coffee is the perfect day.

June Blakes Gardens

Situated just after Brittas in County Dublin and on the Main n81 , June Blakes Gardens is a beautiful way to pass a few hours and of course take a few photos. Built up over a number of years , Junes’ Tulips offer an amazing array of colour. Wonderful café on site offering a small select of light but tasty treats.

The Devils Glen

Clora , Co.Wicklow – be warned its a bit of a walk , a beautiful winding walk , but a walk never the less , but the end , oh what an end when you reach the amazing waterfall and have your breath taken away just as nature intended.

Russborough House & Gardens

Again situated just off the n81 , overlooking the Blessington Lakes , Russborough House , is not just home of outstanding architecture from 1740’s , it is also home to the Cruthu West Wicklow Art Group (amazingly talented people ! ) , and offers visitors an opportunity not just to tour the house , including the famous Beit Collection and Milltown collection of Art , but also explore its 200 acres of beautiful gardens.

Blessington Lakes

Blessington Lakes – Set in the Wicklow Mountains, the lakes only formed 50 years ago with the building of the Poulaphouca reservoir , cover 5000 acres of water , can very easily be accessed by many means , but I highly recommend using the Blessington Greenway route.