Wicklow Heritage Sites
Many Heritage sites and Historic Houses can be found within easy reach of Lus Mór.
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”.
Set on the floor of one of Wicklow’s classic glacial valleys and bounded by the mighty Camaderry and Derrybawn mountains on its North and South sides, the monastic site and round tower is only a short drive from Lus Mór.
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol
Wicklow Gaol is an atmospheric jail museum experience offering visitors a glimpse of life in prisons of the past. It is located in the seaside town of Wicklow and tells the story of its prisoners through an interactive tour led by experienced and passionate actor guides.
Day & Night Tours available.
There is also a genealogy centre.
Killruddery House & Gardens
Killruddery House in Bray dates from the late 1600s and was remodelled in the Elizabethan style in 1820.
The gardens, in their unique formal layout, were conceived by the French gardener, Bonet, in 1682. Bonet had been a gardener to Sir William Petty and was a disciple of the great landscape designer André le Nôtre, famous for the gardens of the Palace of Versailles near Paris.
Notable features to explore include the Angles (find out why they are affectionately known as goose feet), the Long Ponds, the Wilderness, the Sylvan Theatre, Lime Walks and the Beech Hedge Pond.
A splendid Orangery was added to the house in 1852 where classical music concerts can be enjoyed in the summer and there is a very pleasant Tea Room for Tea/Coffee and freshly baked scones and cakes.
Avondale House & Forest Park
Set in a splendid forest park along the banks of the Avonmore River, Avondale House in Rathdrum is the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell, one of Ireland’s greatest political leaders. The forest estate at Avondale comprises over 500 acres and includes several sign-posted walks where you will find a wide variety of indigenous and exotic tree species as well as a host of wildlife including, deer, squirrels, badgers, stoats and otters.
Devil’s Glen Sculpture in Woodland
Sculpture in Woodland is situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Devil’s Glen Wood at Ashford and features a unique collection of contemporary sculptures by Irish and international artists.
There is also a lovely woodland walk along the river which brings you to the Devil’s Glen Waterfall.
Powerscourt Gardens & House Exhibition
Today visitors can enjoy the gardens which first began to take shape over two and a half centuries ago. The charming walled garden, the striking terraces, fine statuary and varied trees are linked by carefully designed walks and set in the magnificent surroundings of the Wicklow mountains. Together they form one of the most beautiful Gardens in Ireland.
The 18th century Palladian house now incorporates an innovative shopping experience, terrace restaurant and house exhibition. Powerscourt Gardens are part of Powerscourt Estate, which also boasts Ireland’s highest waterfall (Powerscourt Waterfall). Powerscourt Estate is located just outside Enniskerry village.
Mount Usher Gardens
Laid out along the banks of the River Vartry, this wild and beautiful Robinsonian garden dates from around 1860. The gardens, located in Ashford, measure 20 acres and contain over 5,000 different species of plants and trees. Water forms an essential part of the scenery with picturesque cascades and suspension bridges. There is a café and restaurant within a shopping courtyard. This garden is at its best in Spring and early Summer.
National Garden Exhibition Centre, Kilquade
The National Garden Exhibition Centre is now Arboretum Kilquade, where you will find a new gardening and lifestyle shopping experience as well as over five acres of gardens offering inspiration to all gardeners. The Secret Garden Café is also a great spot for a tasty lunch or Tea/Coffee and Cakes.
Japanese Gardens & Irish National Stud
The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, in Tully, Co. Kildare, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, are far more than simply a treat for the eye. They also provide comfort to the soul, achieving exactly the objective that was set out when the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910.
Devised by Colonel William Hall Walker, a wealthy Scotsman from a famous brewing family, the gardens were laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’. That plan was executed to perfection and Eida’s legacy is now admired by the 150,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens every year.