Private Garden of Ireland Wicklow Tour from Dublin

St Kevin was a hermit Christian mystic and ascetic. He founded Glendalough the monastery, but he also wrote poetry and prose, including rules for Irish monks in verse. The oldest source for St Kevin is an 11th-century text called Latin Lives, written 500 years later, today housed in the amazing Marsh’s Library in Dublin (a library that hasn’t changed in 300 years!). St Kevin was recorded as born in 498 but more reliable Annals of Ulster mark his death as 618 – and there’s no way he lived to 120 in a remote, isolated cave in the early Middle Ages. Therefore, it’s more likely he was born sometime later in the 6th century.

In 1214, the dioceses of Glendalough and Dublin were united. From that time onwards, the cultural and ecclesiastical status of Glendalough diminished. The destruction of the settlement by English forces in 1398 left it a ruin but it continued as a church of local importance and a place of pilgrimage.

Lough Tay is, along with Glendalough, one of the most photographed locations in Wicklow. The stunning scenery of the Lake surrounded by the mountains makes it one of the most iconic locations in Ireland.

Lough Tay is fed by the Cloghoge River and then drains into Lough Dan, located to the south. The beach on the northern side is bright white sand. It was imported by the Guinness family whose estate runs through part of the Lough Tay area. The shape of the lake with the white sand at the top makes it look like a Pint of Guinness!

Did you know that the main ingredient in a pint of Guinness comes from Wicklow? Water!!!

The best viewing point to see Lough Tay is along the Military Road above, at the junction with the Wicklow Way. From there, enjoy the stunning views over the Wicklow Mountains.

On the road to Sally Gap, there are spectacular views of the surrounding blanket bog and the Wicklow Mountains. Sally Gap is one of two east-to-west passes ...

Why is it called Sally Gap?
It is evident from the name itself that there was a 'gap' (bearna) at this location and a 'road' or a 'way' of some sort (bealach). The final element of the placename is probably a transliteration of the Irish word sailearnán (genitive: sailearnáin)

PS I Love You set in the Sally Gap

County Wicklow locations include Blessington Lakes, Lacken, Wicklow Mountains, and The Sally Gap. PS I Love You shot in Ireland for about ten days. A couple of days were shot in Whelan's Pub in Dublin. County Wicklow locations include Blessington Lakes, Lacken, Wicklow Mountains, and The Sally Gap.

Movies at the Waterfall

Movies and TV series have been shot at the waterfall since the 1920s, with one of the more recent ones being the hit show “Vikings” in 2015. The unspoiled, ageless setting of the waterfall has made it a firm favorite of directors making historical dramas.

About Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt is Ireland’s highest waterfall
It offers a chance to experience the natural phenomenon of a waterfall
The sound and motion that water produces are relaxing
Ions that are associated with waterfalls energize us and help us feel relaxed
It has unusual tree species and some of the highest trees in Ireland
The Interesting history
Lord Powerscourt Deer Park and the introduction of Sika Deer to Ireland

Voted one of the top ten houses worldwide by Lonely Planet, the Palladian mansion at Powerscourt holds a treasure trove of experiences for visitors to explore.

Whether you want to pick up unique and high-quality examples of Irish design in the shops or take a restful pause for delicious coffee and cake at the Avoca Terrace Cafe, the house offers everything you could want, set in stunning surroundings that have been the setting of many a film and TV series.

Making Movie Magic

Over fifty different movies and TV series have been shot at the Powerscourt Estate since Laurence Olivier started the trend by filming Henry V here in 1944. Whether you’re looking for a location for your next picture, or simply want to imagine yourself starring alongside Tom Cruise or Anna Hathaway, learning about our cinematic history is part of the fun.

Gerry Ginty, with his business partner, a local entrepreneur Ashley Gardiner presented the proposal to build a whiskey distillery to the estate owners – The Slazenger Family – on one of Ireland’s great estates. Planning permission was secured in 2015 and the project was ready for investment.

Powerscourt Distillery is now paving the way for a new era of whiskey making in Co.Wicklow under the watchful eye of Master Distiller -Paul Corbett and Head of Whiskey- John Cashman. Both men are visionaries with expert knowledge and experience in the Irish whiskey category.

This year saw the release of Powerscourt Distillery’s first Fercullen Single Malt, distilled and matured onsite and winning GOLD at the 2023 Icons of Whiskey Awards.

Travel time to Wicklow can vary due to traffic allowing 2 hours