County Wicklow is often referred to as the ‘ Garden of Ireland’ thanks to its magnificent blend of golden sandy beaches, rugged mountains, spectacular coastline, forested glens and flowing lakes and rivers.

It is without doubt one of the most picturesque parts of Ireland, attracting not only thousands of foreign visitors every year, but also countless numbers of Irish people who flock to the county for its majestic scenery and sunny climate. From the granite domes of the Wicklow Mountains, to Glendalough, the Valley of the Two Lakes, County Wicklow is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions, from hikers to horse riders and anglers.

County Wicklow’s magnificent scenery has also attracted many international film makers. Hit movies such as Excaliber, Michael Collins and Braveheart were all at least partially filmed in the county, while the popular TV series Ballykissangel and Glenroe were filmed in Avoca and Kilcoole respectively. As a result, many of the sites used in filming have become major tourist attractions.

County Wicklow is far from being simply a county of magnificent beauty. It has a long and often brutal history that few in Ireland can match. The 6th century monastic site at Glendalough is one of the most significant in Ireland, while the Military Road, cut by British forces through the mountains to crush the 1798 rebellion, stands in tribute to County Wicklow’s proud opposition to foreign rule.

Bray and Wicklow are the largest towns in County Wicklow and are well worth visiting. Bray has a long promenade leading out to Bray Head. A number of bars are located here, offering spectacular sea views, making it an ideal place to enjoy an afternoon drink in the summer. Wicklow, meanwhile, is filled with lively pubs and bars ringing to the lilt of traditional Irish music, giving visitors a fantastic introduction to Irish town life. So from its spectacular scenery and proud heritage, to its vibrant towns and villages, visitors to the ‘Garden of Ireland’ are never disappointed.