Things To Do
Things To Do
County Wicklow is located just south of Dublin traditionally known as “The Garden of Ireland”. Wicklow displays a scenic beauty that justifies this name. Archaeological and historical remains are in their abundance, particularly in West Wicklow. But there is far more to Wicklow than its magnificent scenery. There are 20 golf courses, many angling facilities, mountaineering and hillwalking. Walkers have said they could seek no better terrain, traditional Irish Pubs, music and crafts.
Beyond the Trees Rooftop Walk, Avondale
The longest Treetop Walk in Ireland & the UK, at 1.4km it brings visitors on an adventure through and above the trees, their journey culminating at the impressive Viewing Tower. Here the magnificent architectural tower standing 38m above the forest reveals panoramic 360-degree views over the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River, and the Vale of Avoca. To complete this innovative experience, both adults and children can opt to continue their adventure and whizz their way back down the tower via the gigantic 90m spiral slide. Self-guided tours can be booked in advance at: www.beyondthetreesavondale.com
Tinahely Past & Present Audio Tour
Glendalough
Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.
Glendalough is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. Glendalough is also a recreational area for picnics, for walking along networks of maintained trails of varying difficulty, and also for rock-climbing. Visit www.glendalough.ie for more info.
The Dying Cow Pub
The Dying Cow (7mins drive) is a hidden gem, situated just off the Wicklow Way walking track. Its one of the few remaining traditional Irish pubs in the country. Its a cosy pub with friendly people, great music and good craic! A traditional music session is held every two week. Click here to visit their Facebook page for up to date news.
The Courthouse Arts Centre
The Courthouse is a multi-disciplinary non-profit arts centre, dedicated to artistic excellence and actively nurturing the creative and cultural life of this region. It hosts a varied programme of arts and cultural events, including musical and theatre performances, visual arts exhibitions and installations, and arthouse and foreign cinema. Click here to view the Arts Centre calendar of events.
Tir Na Glass
Tir Na Glass, Historical Guided Walking Tour (30min drive)
Book a guided walking tour on Kilranelagh Hill to discover the extraordinary and mysterious megalithic monuments of West Wicklow. Visit the stone circle, ringfort, ancient graveyard, or even a hidden cairn. This tour will take you on a journey through history as you explore the ancient sites and hear the old folk tales. You’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views and the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful location. 5000 years ago stone age communities constructed intriguing megalithic monuments. The area of Baltinglas and surrounds is the most populated area in the whole of Western Europe for megalithic sites. These sites on Kilranelagh hill are hidden gems, untouched and wild, not to be missed. See website for further information: tirnaglass.com
Blessington Lakes
Blessington Lakes Greenway (45mins drive)
Set in the Wicklow Mountains, the Blessington Lakes cover 5000 acres water. The Lakes were formed 50 years ago by the building of the Poulaphouca Dam and hydroelectric station.
The Poulaphouca reservoir is the largest man made lake in Ireland and is a great base for various outdoor activities.
The road around the lake offers amazing views over the reservoir and the Wicklow Mountains. Drive or Cycle around the lake going through historic villages such as Valleymount, Ballyknockan or Lacken. Click here for information on the Blessington Greenway and local activities.
Tinahely Farm Shop
Only 400metres away, Tinahely Farm Shop is the ideal stop for the whole family. Facilities include a kids activity centre, an animal walkway, a coffee shop and a gift store. Click here to view Tinahely Farm Shop’s website.
Wicklow National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park is a 205-square-kilometre protected area in Ireland, one of six national parks in the country. The park stretches through County Wicklow as well as small areas of South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown in County Dublin. Click here for more information.
The Wicklow Way
Tinahely lies directly on this magnificent waymarked trail, and provides the perfect base for exploring one of Ireland’s best-loved and most authentic paths. Check out the website here.
Rathwood Home & Garden Centre
To complement the garden center experience, Rathwood offers a delightful café and restaurant. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal or indulge in a cup of coffee and freshly baked treats while surrounded by the beauty of the gardens. The café and restaurant often incorporate seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in their menu, providing a delightful dining experience.
Rathwood Garden Centre is particularly popular among families due to its range of family-friendly activities. They offer a charming train ride through the woods, where children can meet characters from popular stories. They also organize seasonal events and activities such as Easter egg hunts, Christmas experiences, and pumpkin picking during Halloween, creating memorable moments for the whole family.
The Big Top at Rathwood is home to a number of events and shows to include country musicians, magical shows and circus acts to name but a few. For more information please visit www.rathwood.com .
Nearby Beaches
If you take a trip to Courtown, be sure to visit Seal Rescue Ireland, a wonderful organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured seals along the coast of Ireland. Visitors to Seal Rescue can learn about these fascinating creatures, witness the rehabilitation process, and even see the seals up close. If you're very lucky, you might get to see some seals being released back into the ocean.
See website for further information: www.sealrescueireland.org
Equestrian Centres
The Annual Wicklow County Show organised and run by the Tinahely Agricultural Show Society is held at Fairwood Park just a mile outside the village on August Bank Holiday Monday. The Show has always provided a wonderful showcase for horses bred and produced in the area and attracts a considerable number of entries from the surrounding counties. Many classes are qualifiers for National Competitions. Here you can see everything from brood mares, side saddle classes, draught classes, carriage driving, jumping, working hunter and show classes. For anyone who likes horses, it is the place to be on August Monday.
At Broomfield Equestrian Centre, just a short drive outside the village on the Tinahely/Knockananna Road, there are great opportunities to enjoy equestrian sport at any level. The centre caters for all standards of riders from beginners to advanced. With a large indoor school and even larger outdoor arena along with cross country courses and miles of trekking facilities, visitors and locals alike have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful outdoor activity in a beautiful setting. For further information contact Pam Horan on 0402 38117 or 087 7513186.
Years of experience in breeding has meant that a variety of horses are produced very successfully in the Tinahely area. There are several established studs and these have produced a string of national hunt and flat race winners.
A young local trainer, Philip Rothwell, whose training yard and gallops are located a short distance from Tinahely, has already made a name for himself both at home and in Britain. He holds a licence to train for both National Hunt and flat racing but mainly specialises in the training for horses for jump racing both at home and abroad.
Hunting is also a big part of life in the area and the Shillelagh District Hunt has been active for well over 50 years attracting local support and visitors from around the country and abroad. The hunt also holds several Point to Point races during the year and these are also very well attended.
The Riding Club Movement is also well represented with two riding clubs operating in the area – The Tinahely Riding Club in Coolboy and the Broomfield Riding Club in Mullans.
Wicklow Way Wine Tour & Tastings
Based in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, many people are interested in what Wicklow Way Wine do, want to taste their wines, and see how they make them! Prepare to be guided on a casual and unique tour of the winery – consider it an intro to winemaking, from their fabulous co-owner and winemaker, Brett. Following this, you will experience the beautiful flavours of the 3 Berry Wines, alongside Irish artisan cheeses and chocolates, overlooking the vats of wine. All for €25pp! Click here for more information and bookings.
Tinahely Craft Market
Craft workshops are run regularly. Please check out their Facebook page for updates by clicking here. Every Thursday from 10:30am- 1:30pm, an informal “Knit & Stitch” coffee morning is hosted. All welcome!
Ready for your next adventure?
More things to do:
Castlecomer Discovery Park (1hr drive)
Tick Tock Activity Farm (up to 10 years of age) (25mins drive)
Greenan Farm Museum and Maze (25mins drive)
Woodenbridge Golf Club (20mins drive)
Avoca Mines (30mins drive)
Avondale House (30mins drive)
Mill at Avoca Village (25mins drive)
Clara Lara Funpark (35mins drive)
Getting around:
Dublin Airport DUB (1hr 30mins drive)
Rathdrum Train Station (30mins drive)
Arklow Train Station (30mins drive)
Click here for the local link bus timetable from Arklow station to Tinahely.
Wicklow Train Station (45mins drive)
