The Garden County is spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities and places to visit with your children. Here are some of the best outdoor places in Wicklow for families, from forest parks and waterfalls to Blue Flag beaches and lakeside cycling routes.
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Save this list for the next school holiday, a free weekend, or that precious dry spell when it’s time to get outdoors!
Best Outdoor Places in Wicklow for Families
In this guide:
- Avondale House & Forest Park
- The Meeting of the Waters
- The Sean Linehan Walk
- Powerscourt Waterfall
- The Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk
- The Tinahely Railway Walk
- Blessington Lakes
- Brittas Bay & Greystones
- Ballynerrin Playground
Avondale House & Forest Park
Combine an educational day out with a fun day out at Avondale House and Forest Park. This is the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, the great Irish statesman. There are also brilliant trails for forest walks and cycling across the magnificent 505-acre estate, and the plots laid down between 1904 and 1913 are still visible today along the sweeping lawn known as the “Great Ride”.
There’s a café and a playground to keep the whole family happy. The Forest Park is just outside Rathdrum, close to other family attractions such as Greenan Farm Museum and Maze, making it an excellent day trip.
The Meeting of the Waters
At the Meeting of the Waters, the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers come together to form the Avoca River. It’s a spot of such beauty that it inspired Thomas Moore to write his famous Irish melody, “The Meeting of the Waters”.
There’s also a riverside café, restaurant and craft shop to visit while you’re there. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy Wicklow’s scenery and make a fun day out for the kids.
The Sean Linehan Walk
The Sean Linehan Walk, named in honour of a local Aughrim man, is a lovely walk in the picturesque, historic village of Aughrim. There are a number of short walks available, the longest being 4km, which suit little legs well. It’s also a great place to observe nature, though some of the route is unsuitable for buggies.
The walk starts at the old Tinnakilly Bridge, a short walk from the town centre, and follows the path of the Macreddin River. The river is an important habitat for many different forms of wildlife, and kids will love keeping an eye out for birds such as dippers and herons.
Powerscourt Waterfall
Powerscourt Waterfall in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, is a wonderful place to visit on a summer day. At 121 metres, it’s Ireland’s highest waterfall. The landscape is beautiful, with many trees over 200 years old and several woodland pathways. With a playground, café, ice-creams, walks, barbecue facilities and picnic benches, it’s easy to lose track of time here.
It’s a haven for wildlife, and children can have fun trying to spot some of the locals — the chaffinch, cuckoo, raven and willow warbler. Sika deer, first introduced to Ireland in 1858, also live here, and there may be a red squirrel or two about. There is car parking and toilet facilities on site.
The Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk
The Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk, one of the highlights of Wicklow, is a stunning walk with unique coastal views. It’s just over 6km long, and while it’s a decent stretch for little legs, the breathtaking views make it well worth the effort — a back carrier can be handy for younger children if you’re not sure they’ll manage the full distance.
The Tinahely Railway Walk
The Old Railway Walk in Tinahely is a safe, quiet spot to take the family for a lovely day out. The walk stretches 2.7km and traces a section of the former Woodenbridge to Shillelagh railway line, which closed in 1964.
Each season along the walk has its own charm, from bluebells in spring to blackberries and crab apples in autumn. If you’d prefer a longer loop, the Tinahely Loop is a 25km walking trail that takes in elements of the Railway Walk, the Wicklow Way and Muskeagh Hill.
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Blessington Lakes
Bring the bike for part of the Blessington Lakes (also known as Poulaphouca Reservoir) loop. Set in the Wicklow Mountains, it’s the largest man-made lake in Ireland, with views that are hard to beat.
The road around the lake offers wonderful views over the reservoir and the Wicklow Mountains. You can walk or cycle around the lake, passing through historic villages such as Valleymount, Ballyknockan and Lacken.
Brittas Bay & Greystones
Wicklow has over 66km of coastline, including two Blue Flag beaches — Brittas Bay and Greystones. All the beaches here offer great opportunities for family fun and outdoor pursuits.
Some beaches are known for their amenities, like a Blue Flag and toilets, while others are simply beautiful stretches of sand. Even stony beaches have plenty to offer, making great spots for rock pooling, skimming stones and, in some cases, rock climbing.
Be sure to add Magheramore (Blainroe), Johnsons Beach and Ennereilly Beach (Arklow) to your list of beaches to visit, along with Bray — Ireland’s longest-established seaside town — for a 99 and a visit to the amusements.
Ballynerrin Playground
One of our favourite discoveries has to be Ballynerrin in Wicklow Town. This playground has two sections, for older and younger children, with facilities including a football pitch, basketball pitch, slides, a climbing frame and much more. It’s in a residential area, but there’s still plenty of parking nearby.
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Finally, if you’re looking for a good place to fly a kite, head to the beach — just be sure to stay well away from any rail lines or overhead wires. A breezy stretch of coastline is the perfect spot to catch the wind.
Article written by Tríona from Greystones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best outdoor spot in Wicklow for a family day out?
It depends what you’re after. Avondale House & Forest Park and Powerscourt Waterfall both combine scenic walks with a playground and café, making them great all-rounders for families with younger children.
Are the Wicklow walks in this list buggy-friendly?
Most are family-friendly, but not all are suitable for buggies. Part of the Sean Linehan Walk in Aughrim, for example, is unsuitable for buggies, so it’s worth checking a route’s terrain before you set off if you’re bringing one.
Which Wicklow beaches have Blue Flag status?
Brittas Bay and Greystones are Wicklow’s two Blue Flag beaches, though the county has over 66km of coastline with plenty of other beautiful spots to explore too.
Is Blessington Lakes good for family cycling?
Yes — the loop road around Blessington Lakes (Poulaphouca Reservoir) offers lovely views over the water and the Wicklow Mountains, and is a popular route for family cycling.
Related Articles
- Great Family Walks in Wicklow
- Recommended Playgrounds in Wicklow
- Best Beaches in Ireland for Families
Fancy exploring more of Wicklow, or want to plan your next family day out? Browse our full collection of outdoor and adventure ideas for more inspiration, or save this article to come back to next time you’re heading to the Garden County.
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