Visiting Wicklow, Mount Usher Gardens, Powerscourt House & Gardens and Glenalough

My wife and I are making our first trip to Ireland soon. We're primarily staying in Dublin but would like to take two days to see sites to the south of the city. Are we best off to take a tour or to rent a car ourselves? Please recommend a charming, reasonable inn and a restaurant for dinner in the area. Thank you.

Hi Alan, 

A car will offer you the freedom to visit sites to the south of Dublin like Glendalough, Powerscourt Estate, and the Wicklow Mountains National Park at your own pace, and doesn't require you to take multiple tours. If this a route you wish to explore, I would recommend checking out our page on 'Renting a Car in Ireland'. 

Are you looking for a recommendation for a restaurant in Dublin, or in the south region of the City? 

Let me know and I would be happy to make a few suggestions. 

Cathaoir 

Cathaior,
We appreciate your prompt reply. We've booked a night at the Hunter Hotel in Wicklow. We're looking for a good restaurant in that area for dinner. Is the hotel itself a good option? We're also seeking restaurants in Dublin. Is there a particular car rental company that you recommend as well? Thanks again.
Alan

Hi Alan,

Thanks for getting back to us with an update on your accommodation choice while in Wicklow!

Dining at the Hunters Hotel would be a fine choice, with superb views over the gardens. This gives you the chance to have a relaxing meal certainly after a full day sightseeing. That said, the Wicklow Heather restaurant will be close to your time in Glendalough if you wish to extend your evening out in that area.

The majority of places to eat in Wicklow itself would be the pubs and bars which offer excellent food with great value for money. 

When in Dublin, you will be spoilt for choice! There is an article on dining out in Dublin that has a few to choose from and with the wealth of bars, pubs, and food places from around the world, no end of possibilities.

As far as car rental goes, all of the major companies operate out of the city so you will find plenty of options. 🚗 Your chosen airline may have partner deals so always a good idea to check their website too. 

Hopefully, this will help with your options, maybe some of our other members or industry partners can help out too.

Martin

Thank you, Martin!

My wife and I have rented a car for a two-day trip to County Wicklow from Dublin. The first day we plan to visit Powerscourt in the morning and Mount Usher Gardens and have lunch at the Avoca cafe there. If we have time, we'll visit  Wicklow Town as well in the afternoon.

Our second day, we'll either start in Wicklow Town or go directly to Glendalough. We're interested in a recommendation for a place to eat an informal lunch at or near Glendalough. Or should we plan to bring a picnic?

For our return to Dublin, I am wonder whether we should go back up the coast or take the inland route. If we take the coastal route and have time, we will stop at the Killruddery House in Bray. If we take the inland route and have time, we will stop at the Russborough House in Blessington. We welcome your recommendations here.

Thanks very much!

Alan Miller

Hello Alan,

It looks like your itinerary is taking shape nicely!

For lunch near Glendalough, Martin's suggestion above of the Wicklow Heather is an excellent one. Some other good options in the area include the Glenmalure Lodge Restaurant and Lynham's of Laragh. Of course, making up a picnic is another great choice!

In terms of taking the coastal route or the inland route back to Dublin, you'll be a winner either way. Both Killruddery House and Gardens and Russborough House are well worth a visit. I recommend that you take some time to research both and choose your preferred place to visit.

Regards,
Eoin