Scenic Drive Itinerary Help

We have the use of a rental car for the duration of our stay. My wife and I are staying in the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown. We will be driving to Wicklow National Park and are after some help about which route to take. We would love a scenic route and advice where to stop of en route, places to visit, towns to visit etc. I know it's not a long drive but we have set aside a whole day and maybe even two full days if needed. Any advice and suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advice.  

Hi Mukesh,

We have come up with a scenic tour that will take you from Blanchardstown out to the Wicklow Mountains and all the valleys and views in between. You will be driving over beautiful bog roads, through stunning valleys, and through mountain gaps. This is a good introduction to County Wicklow’slandscapes in all their splendour. We recommend having the cameras or camera phones at the ready, this is quite a beautiful scenic drive.

Calary Bog
Begin your drive, in the rental car, heading towards the N11. The main road from Dublin to Wexford. About 7Km past Bray you will reach Kilmacanogue. At this point, turn right off the N11 onto the R755.Continue along this and take a left for Roundwood past the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, have the camera at the ready because the spectacular mountain is worth a picture, along with some seriously scenic views on your right.

Glendalough
You can not go to Wicklow without visiting Glendalough. A must in any visitors itinerary. This valley is one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. For years now, people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes’ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife.Glendalough is a remarkable place that will calm your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul with wonder. It is a great way to relax after the hustle and bustle of Dublin. After you visit make your way back to Laragh for a snack and take the R115 (The Military Road).

The Military Road
Constructed around the 1800s this picturesque winding road that passes through the hills, glensand boglands of the Wicklow. Providing some of the best views of this breath-takingscenery. The barren mountains and moorland are spectacular in any weather so there’sno need to worry about Ireland’s unpredictable weather. On your way you willcome across the Glenmacnass waterfall, stop here and get some pictures, the views are beautiful and the waterfall will sooth the mind. Continue along it toGlencree, where on the way you will pass two beautiful mountain lakes calledLough Bray Upper and Lough Bray Lower and continue through the lakes towards Enniskerry. The last stop on the trip.

Enniskerry
Here in this picturesque village, you will end your little tour. Have a drink (Not the driver!) or some food in one of the pubs and admire the setting. This quaint little town is welcoming and will have you feeling right at home from the moment you stop in it. The towns people love visitors and hearing about your travels. To get back to the Dublin, head towards the N11, take the R117 to Bray, then the N11 back to Dublin.

We hope you enjoy your trip.If you are looking for more road trip please take a look at our suggested driving routes around Ireland. We also have suggestions on some activities that will ensure you see the best Ireland has to offer while having as much fun as possible.  

I am a representative from Car Rental Ireland, on behalf of Car Rental Ireland, we really hope our recommendations help make your trip unforgettable.

Hi Mukesh,
I hope you enjoy your visit here to Ireland.
Why not take a railtour to take the stress out of driving.
Here in Railtours Ireland we run a variety of day and overnight tours around the country of Ireland and we also run tours to Wicklow.
On our tour to Wicklow you will be visiting Glendalough and Avoca (Ballykissangel) while traveling by Dublin Bay by train as you exit Dublin for the county of Wicklow.
You can book any of our tours by visiting our website railtoursireland.com or by calling us directly on +353 1 856 0045.
Railtours Ireland - Car free Care free.

Hi, Murkesh,

Big thanks to Car Rental Ireland for their very informative answer, an excellent drive just outside of Dublin through Wicklow Mountains National Park. All that I would add would be a stop at Loughs Tay and Dan. Lough Tay is fed by the Cloghoge River which then drains into Lough Dan West of Roundwood, County Wicklow.

Are you staying with us for long? Would you be looking to take a trip somewhere different on the other days?

I'm sure you will get some other suggestions from our community members on their favourites too.

Best wishes,

Thanks very much to people who have responded so far. I'm actually in town for a tattoo from the 17th through to the 21st. But only really have a couple of days spare for some driving. I'm guessing the routes recommended are easily navigated via sat nav? Would love to visit some nice pubs en route to.

Hi Mukesh,

You are more than welcome. Yes, all the driving routes that are on our website, and the route above are easily navigated through Sat Nav or Google Maps.

As for some typically Irish pubs, we would suggest going to Temple Bar to the official 'Temple Bar' and all pub surrounding this, there will plenty of live music to keep you entertained. Both the 37 and 39 bus go straight from Blanchardstown into the city centre, and it drops you off right outside temple bar, or a taxi should cost around €30-40.

However, if you don't mind driving, we would suggest:

• Johnnie Fox's Pub real quaint Irish pub on the outskirts of Dublin.
• The Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Ireland, and a great place to meet people, on the Quays.
•  O’Donoghue's not only pours a great pint of the black stuff but also has amazing traditional sessions on a Sunday afternoon and a Favourite of many celebrities. Based in Merrion Row
• John Kavanagh AKA The Gravediggers, this pub sits across from Glasnevin Cemetery hence its unusual nick name. This is a unique pub with a real Irish feel.

Hi Mukesh,
One day is plenty time for Wicklow National Park, depending on what you'd like to do there - hikes etc? 
I like to take the M50 motorway, after you exit on to the N11 and on to the R755, there will be lots of villages en route to Glendalough. Equally taking the N81 route via Blessington lakes is picturesque so you have two nice choices, maybe out one way and back the other? I would also recommend that you visit the Boyne Valley and Newgrange - not too far from your hotel and really quite exceptional.  It is north of Blanchardstown in Co Meath. 
Thanks,
Áine 

Hi Mukesh,

Wonderful additions from our industry members.

Great list from our friends at Car Rental Ireland on suitable pub stops on route. Thanks also to Railtours Ireland for their alternative to driving and Love Ireland on the idea of the other route on the north side of the city up to Newgrange, maybe this could work for you on the second day?

You will find plenty of Tourist signs along the way, they will be brown in colour, and don't be worried about asking for help along the way if you need a few extra directions.

Keep us up to date with your plans and let us know when you are here and what you have chosen to see.

Best wishes,

Hi Mukesh
Just don't forget to never ever drink and drive if you are going to stop off at pubs. Our scenic roads are narrow with a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, be safe and enjoy the trip! 
Áine 

An excellent point from Love Ireland, one also mentioned by Car Rental Ireland,(Not the driver!). Non-alcoholic drinks are available in all pubs, so enjoy some food and the atmosphere and stay safe.

There are trips available from the city using Public Transport, Top 10 Day Trips is an excellent article well worth a look. And of course, you could also take a taxi if that would be a useable alternative.

Look forward to hearing all about your time with us,

All the best.