How to Spend a Weekend in County Wicklow
A two-night stay at Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa provides an ideal base for a weekend exploring County Wicklow. Located on the 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, approximately 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, the five-star hotel places guests within easy reach of Powerscourt Gardens, Powerscourt Waterfall, the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and the Wicklow coast.
Over three days, discover the gardens and landscapes of Powerscourt Estate, explore the mountains and historic Glendalough, experience Wicklow's towns and coastline, and leave time to enjoy the hotel's dining, spa and wellness facilities. This suggested County Wicklow itinerary combines some of Ireland's Garden County's best-known attractions with a relaxing five-star countryside escape.
Day One: Powerscourt Estate & Enniskerry
Arrive in County Wicklow
Begin your weekend with the journey to Powerscourt Hotel in Enniskerry. Located approximately 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, the hotel offers the feeling of a countryside retreat while remaining within easy reach of the capital.
Explore Powerscourt Gardens
Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, Powerscourt Gardens are an ideal first stop.
Set across approximately 47 acres, the gardens offer a collection of formal gardens, terraces, ornamental lakes, woodland and landscaped spaces, all set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains.
Allow time to explore at your own pace before continuing your afternoon on the estate.
Discover Enniskerry
Continue to nearby Enniskerry and spend some time exploring this picturesque Wicklow village.
Browse its shops, stop for a coffee or simply take in the village atmosphere before returning to Powerscourt Hotel for your first evening.
An Evening at Powerscourt
Settle into the slower pace of the countryside with dinner and drinks at the hotel.
After a day of travelling and exploring, enjoy an evening surrounded by the tranquillity of the 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate before preparing for a full day discovering County Wicklow.
Day Two: Glendalough & the Wicklow Mountains
Morning in the Wicklow Mountains
After breakfast, set out to discover the landscapes that have earned Wicklow its reputation as the Garden of Ireland.
The Wicklow Mountains offer dramatic scenery, walking routes, valleys and viewpoints, making a drive through the region an experience in itself.
Discover Glendalough
Continue to Glendalough, one of County Wicklow's most famous destinations.
Set within a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough combines spectacular natural scenery with centuries of Irish history. Explore the historic monastic settlement, see its distinctive Round Tower and spend time walking around the valley and lakes.
Whether you prefer a gentle walk or want to spend longer exploring the surrounding trails, Glendalough is well worth allowing several hours for during a weekend in Wicklow.
Return to Powerscourt
After a day exploring the mountains, return to Powerscourt Hotel for an afternoon or evening of relaxation.
Enjoy a swim in the hotel's 20-metre Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool, experience the spa and wellness facilities or book a treatment before dinner.
It is this combination of exploring Wicklow by day and returning to five-star surroundings in the evening that makes Powerscourt an ideal base for a weekend in the county.
Day Three: Powerscourt Waterfall & the Wicklow Coast
Visit Powerscourt Waterfall
Begin your final morning with a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall, approximately a 10-minute drive from Powerscourt Hotel.
Surrounded by woodland, the waterfall is one of the most recognisable natural attractions in County Wicklow and provides a beautiful final opportunity to experience the landscape surrounding Powerscourt Estate.
Discover the Wicklow Coast
Before returning home, consider travelling towards the coast to experience another side of County Wicklow.
Visit the seaside town of Bray and enjoy time along the promenade and Irish Sea, or continue exploring the coastal scenery before making your journey home.
From mountain landscapes and historic sites to villages, gardens and the coast, even a short weekend reveals the variety that County Wicklow has to offer.
Make Powerscourt Your Base for a Weekend in Wicklow
A weekend in Wicklow can combine nature, history, outdoor experiences and five-star relaxation without travelling far from Dublin.
Powerscourt Hotel is set on the 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate, approximately 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, with Powerscourt Gardens around a 5-minute walk away and Powerscourt Waterfall approximately a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Spend 2 nights and 3 days discovering the estate, Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains and coast, while returning each evening to luxury accommodation, dining and spa and wellness experiences.
Whether planning a romantic weekend, countryside escape or your first visit to Ireland's Garden County, Powerscourt Hotel provides a five-star base from which to experience the best of Wicklow.