How to have a great family break in Wicklow
Experience family fun in beautiful County Wicklow where you can pack a lot into a short family break in Wicklow. From incredible scenery to historic sites, beautiful gardens to outdoor activities like zip-lining and kayaking, there’s so many things to do in Wicklow with kids, ensuring a memorable family break in Wicklow.
Here are some of the best family days out in lovely Wicklow.
Explore the best of North Wicklow
Bray
There are lots of beautiful beaches all along the scenic coast of Wicklow, but there’s something special about Bray and its Victorian promenade. Start your visit to Wicklow in the lively town centre which runs parallel to the Blue Flag beach and boardwalk.
You can always grab an ice cream and spend the afternoon playing games on the beach or paddling in the sea, but there’s lots more to do in Bray if you want to stay a little longer. Get the whole family’s adrenaline pumping at Bray Adventure with all sorts of outdoor and ocean pursuits like snorkelling, raft building, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Enjoying a Family Break in Wicklow
After a few hours at the beach, Platform Pizza on nearby Strand Road (and its legendary Punjabi Pizza) is a good option for casual dining.
Afterwards, families with older children can follow the moderate 6km trail of the Bray Head Loop Walk all the way to Bray Head Cross for stunning panoramic views before circling back to the village.
As you explore Bray, remember that it’s an ideal spot for a family break in Wicklow, offering both adventure and relaxation.
Killruddery House
Just outside Bray, it is well worth a visit to Killruddery House, where children under the age of four get in for free. With its historic house and beautifully manicured gardens, as well as a pretty tearoom, you could easily spend a morning or afternoon in this 800-acre estate.
Take a quiet walk through the Walled Garden and Beech Circle, or let the kids run free in the Squirrel’s Scramble Adventure Tree Park with 50 different challenges and a dozen ziplines. If you visit on a Saturday from April, check out the popular Farm Market, which opens from 10am to 3pm and is a great place to pick up some local produce for a picnic.
Blessington Lakes
Visiting Killruddery House is another highlight of a family break in Wicklow, combining history with beautiful gardens for all ages.
Just over the border with Dublin, the glassy water and dense woodland of the Blessington Lakes feels like a world away from the buzz of Ireland’s capital. Pack a picnic and enjoy some quality downtime by the lake or check out kayaking, zip-lining, archery and more at The Avon.
Make the most of South Wicklow
At Blessington Lakes, families can enjoy a perfect day out, making it a great choice for a family break in Wicklow.
Glendalough
The historic monastic site Glendalough in the heart of Wicklow somehow manages to feel like a world of its own, despite being one of the country’s top visitor destinations. Learn all about St Kevin’s Christian settlement at the visitor centre, and the pleasant 3km walk around the Upper Lake never feels taxing thanks to excellent pathways and the picturesque landscapes.
Glendalough is not only steeped in history but is also a serene escape for families on a family break in Wicklow.
Clara Lara Fun Park
Just 10 minutes from Glendalough, the assault courses, boating lakes, tree houses and woodland playgrounds of Clara Lara Fun Park have formed fun memories for Irish children for decades. It’s home to Ireland’s biggest water slide, but if you prefer a more relaxing experience there are riverside picnic areas, barbecues and miles of hill walking with spectacular views of the countryside.
Clara Lara Fun Park is perfect for those seeking adventure during their family break in Wicklow, with fun activities for everyone.
Brittas Bay
Brittas Bay is a must-visit for families looking for a classic beach experience during their family break in Wicklow.
Drive along the coast half-way between Wicklow town and Arklow and you’ll find Brittas Bay, one of the best beaches in Wicklow. With over 5km of white sand dunes this Blue Flag beach is a perfect spot for a warm sunny day so don’t forget your bucket and spade. Kids can learn to surf or stand-up paddle boarding at Brittas Bay Surf School.
With fatbiking adventures, families can explore the scenic beauty of Wicklow on a unique family break in Wicklow.
If you have more time in Wicklow
Fatbikes Adventures Cycling Tours
Tour Wicklow on a fatbike with a trip along the Avonmore River with Fatbikes Adventures Cycling Tours. The 12km Avonmore Way Forest Trail is a good option for anyone new to off-road cycling and families with older children.
At Greenan Maze, families can bond while navigating the mazes during an exciting family break in Wicklow.
Make sure to take time to discover the local attractions during your family break in Wicklow, ensuring fun for everyone.
Greenan Maze
A working hill farm that includes two mazes, Greenan Maze is a great place to bring a family of all ages. The full-sized Celtic hedge maze is a puzzle well-worth solving, while the solstice maze is a more contemplative and relaxing experience. There are three museums on-site, showcasing what farm life has been like for more than 200 years. The nature walk passes farmyard favourites including bronze turkeys, hens, geese, pigs, sheep, horses, highland cows and one very cheeky donkey.
Wicklow Mountains National Park offers stunning views and hiking trails that make for a memorable family break in Wicklow.After exploring, unwind with your loved ones and reflect on your adventures from your family break in Wicklow.
Keep the family fun going and enjoy even more quality time with the kids in Wicklow.
More to discover
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With its gorgeous gardens and scenic hikes, Wicklow is a great place to unwind in nature – and there’s more to enjoy in the county than its natural beauty. From the sweeping grounds of Powerscourt Estate to the exhilarating heights at Beyond the Trees Avondale, the Garden of Ireland is brimming with more than you’d expect.
Walking trails to explore in Wicklow Mountains National ParkThe great outdoorsWalking trails to explore in Wicklow Mountains National Park
As the sun rises over Glendalough Lake and glistens on the ancient round tower and monastery ruins, you’ll know you’re in a special place. This is Wicklow Mountains National Park, a serene escape from the everyday.
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It should come as no surprise to learn that the Garden of Ireland is also hiking heaven. Wicklow is home to a wealth of excellent walks, with well-maintained trails that will take you through thick forests, along coastal cliffs and around the edge of flat, calm lakes. You can spend a day trekking through (and up) the Wicklow Mountains, or simply take a leisurely stroll on an off-road greenway. And there are plenty of places to refuel at the trail’s end, from cosy pubs to cool coffee shops, as well as hotels and inns set right among the best walking trails.
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