Wicklow - The Garden of Ireland

WICKLOWThe Garden of Ireland.

Wicklow

• Wicklow is a beautiful scenic county on the east coast of Ireland.

• It has many geographical and historical sites. It is these sites that make it an ideal location for tourists and people coming back to Ireland for 2013 the year of the gathering.

5 Places of interest for a trip around Wicklow

• Blessington lakes• Glendalough• Powerscourt Waterfall• Bray• Russborough House

Blessington lakes

• Blessington lakes cover 500 acres of land.• They are artificial lakes – formed in 1940

when Poulaphouca Dam and hydroelectric station were set up to provide water and electricity for Dublin city.

• The lakes in the Wicklow mountains are a perfect tourist attraction as they provide beautiful views and are a perfect area for water sports and other activities.

• Avon Rí Resort is an ideal location in the Blessington lakes area for those looking for more than just the beautiful views of the lakes.

• The Resort includes lake activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing and windsurfing.

• The Resort also has on site accommodation in the form of self-catering apartments which make it perfect for tourists.

Blessington lakes

Glendalough

• Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains.

• Glendalough was originally a monastic site and for the past two thousand years people have been drawn to the beauty and scenery of the glen of the two lakes, making it a wonderful attraction.

• The valley was formed during the ice age by glaciers and the two lakes were formed when the ice thawed.

• The area is a famous tourist attraction not only for its beautiful scenery and monastic features such as the round tower, stone churches and crosses, but for the wildlife and fauna and flora that live there.

• Accommodation is available in the area for visitors.

• Water activities also take place in the lake such as the Glendalough swim which took place on the 7th and 8th of September.

• There are also many walking routes that attract people who enjoy mountain walking and hiking.

Glendalough

Glendalough Swim Glendalough Round Tower

Powerscourt Waterfall

• Powerscourt waterfall is Irelands largest waterfall. It is located in the parklands of the Wicklow Mountains.

• The waterfall is 121 metres high.• It is a great attraction for tourists as the

parklands surrounding are good for picnics especially during the summer with the fantastic view of the waterfall next to you.

Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall

• http://www.tubechop.com/watch/1491908

Powerscourt Estate

• Is located near the lovely village Eniskerry.• The actual house was burned in 1974 and with

it were its treasures but thankfully the beautiful garden was safe and is a brilliant attraction for tourists.

• The Garden is judged as one of the greatest in Europe.

• The waterfall, the fountains, the Italian steps and the winged horse sculptures.

Powerscourt

Bray

• This sea side town is a great attraction for tourists of all ages.

• Bray has its own aquarium SEA LIFE is located on the sea front and is a fantastic attraction with over 1000 creatures. It is only minutes from Bray DART station.

• Tickets cost 12 euro for an adult and 9 euro for a child however there are family offers and online offers.

• The climb up Bray head is also recommended for tourists.

• The climb is not that steep or difficult and views from the top are breath taking.

Russborough House

• This house was designed by the German architect Richard Cassels and is a wonderful attraction. It was built in the 1740’s.

• It was built for the views of Blessington lakes and the Wicklow mountains by the Earl of Milltown in 1741.

• The house is one of the most beautiful in Ireland and the views of the lakes and mountains are spectacular. The house has been maintained beautifully on the inside also.

• It was opened to the public in 1978 and since has had over 1 million visitors.

The Maze

• The Maze at Russborough House was built in 1989 to reveal a clue about the owners – the Beits.

• They were involved in the diamond trade and the centre reveals a diamond shape.

• There is also a statue of Cupid in the centre and there is a beautiful view of the 2000 square metre maze from the upstairs bathroom.

References

Websites• http://www.dromardbandb.com/sites/

61/800px-Glendalough.jpg• http://visitwicklow.ie/• http://grandtour.ie/• http://gardenofireland.com/• http://media.digiweb.ie/wp-content/u

ploads/2007/10/wicklow-signs.jpg• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia

/commons/thumb/9/94/Island_of_Ireland_location_map_Wicklow.svg/250px-Island_of_Ireland_location_map_Wicklow.svg.png

• http://www.visitsealife.com/bray/http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7208740704_58e3476931_h.jpg

Books• The World Book

Encyclopaedia (international)

References

Websites continued• http://www.teamcarflagireland.com/

_webcare_product_images/teamcarflagireland.com/P-0110_L.jpg

• http://grandtour.ie/events/• http://www.glendalough.ie/heritage_of_glendalough.php• http://www.powerscourt.ie• http://www.newstalk.ie/saint-kevin-of-glendalough• https://www.google.ie/search?q=avon+r

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• http://blog.powerscourt.ie/Portals/118263/images/DSCN4807-resized-600.JPG

• http://image.yaymicro.com/rz_1210x1210/0/6ad/powerscourt-gardens--county-wicklow--ireland-6ade9c.jpg

• http://www.bray.ie/http://www.devilsglen.ie/russborough.htm