Experience the best of Wicklow

Wicklow stands on the Irish Sea coast of County Wicklow, which is nicknamed the Garden of Ireland. The Black Castle, a ruined Norman fortress on a headland, was founded in the twelfth century, and Wicklow's Historic Gaol, opened in 1702, tells of prisoners awaiting transportation to Australia. Two old lighthouse towers stand on Wicklow Head to the south.

Brittas Bay, a long beach backed by dunes, lies south of town. Inland, the Wicklow Mountains National Park holds Glendalough, a monastic site from the sixth century with a round tower and two lakes, and Powerscourt has gardens and a tall waterfall. The Wicklow Way, a long-distance trail, crosses the hills, and the Vale of Avoca is a short drive.

Fish landed in the harbour, Wicklow lamb and soda bread fill the local menus. The mountains turn purple with heather in late summer, and the climate is mild and often wet.