Wicklow is a treasure trove for travelers seeking authentic Irish experiences. Its lush landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns make it an ideal place for day trips and guided tours. We’re particularly fond of the Russborough House and Parklands tour for its elegant setting and impressive art collection, and the guided cliff walk that offers stunning coastal views and wildlife sightings. Whether you want a leisurely visit to a grand estate or an active adventure along the coast, Wicklow has a lot to offer.
For those seeking family-friendly fun, the Greenan Farm, Museums & Maze offers a perfect mix of outdoor play, farm life, and discovery. All these options showcase Wicklow’s diverse appeal—rich history, scenic beauty, and lively local culture. To help you choose, here’s a quick overview of the top tours, with links to more details.
Quick Overview
- Russborough House and Parklands Admission and Tour Ticket: Explore one of Ireland’s most beautiful stately homes, with access to exquisite art, gardens, and a hedge maze. []
- Wicklow: Greenan Farm, Museums & Maze with Animal Feeding: A family day out at a working farm, featuring mazes, museum exhibits, and animal feeding. []
- Wicklow: Guided Cliff Walk with Seals and Town Tour w/Picnic: Experience dramatic coastal scenery, historic ruins, and wildlife on a full-day guided walk with picnic. []
1. Russborough House and Parklands Admission and Tour Ticket
Rated 4.5/5 from 47 reviews, this private tour offers a chance to see one of Ireland’s most stunning stately homes. For around $16.84, you get roughly an hour exploring the mansion’s luxurious interiors, adorned with artwork by John Singer Sargent and Thomas Gainsborough. The tour emphasizes its private art collection, making it a must for art lovers. The guided tour is flexible—multiple departure times mean you can fit it into your day easily.
What makes Russborough special is its setting: lush parklands open from 10am to 6pm, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. Kids love the beech hedge maze and fairy trail, adding an element of adventure. The house itself is full of stories, from its 18th-century origins to its restoration after a fire. The guided tour is both informative and engaging, with staff sharing insights into the house’s history and art. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the well-stocked gift shop.
Bottom line: If you appreciate fine art, elegant architecture, and tranquil grounds, this tour offers great value and a taste of Irish aristocratic life. It’s ideal for history and art enthusiasts seeking a manageable, enriching experience.
2. Wicklow: Greenan Farm, Museums & Maze with Animal Feeding
Rating 4.5/5, this family-friendly day involves a self-guided journey through maze, museums, and farm activities. The highlight? Animal feeding at 2:30 pm, where kids can enjoy feeding piglets, lambs, sheep, and horses—an authentic farm experience. The maze and woodland playgrounds keep younger visitors entertained, making it a perfect outing for families.
The farm is more than just fun and games. Visitors can explore the heritage museums to learn about rural Irish farming life, and the treasure hunt adds a fun puzzle element with real treasure at the end. The woodland walks teach about native trees and local wildlife, making it both entertaining and educational. The farm’s location offers the chance to breathe in fresh air and appreciate Wicklow’s natural beauty.
The ticket provides self-guided access, allowing flexibility to explore at your own pace. The guided animal feeding provides a memorable highlight, with plenty of opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. Reviewers love the mix of activities, saying it’s “a fantastic day out that combines nature, history, and fun.”
Bottom line: Perfect for families wanting a full day outdoors, it balances farm life, discovery, and play. The animal feeding and maze make it stand out, especially for kids who love animals and adventure.
3. Wicklow: Guided Cliff Walk with Seals and Town Tour w/Picnic
Rated a perfect 5/5, this full-day guided tour is for those who want a more active and scenic experience. Over approximately 8 hours, you’ll explore the dramatic coastline, with spectacular views where the Irish Sea crashes against rugged cliffs. The highlight is the guided walk, which includes spotting grey seals lounging on rocks and seabirds soaring overhead.
Your day begins with pickup from Dublin and visits sites like Black Castle, a 12th-century Norman fortress, along with the Lime Kiln and historic church ruins. The walk is tailored to be manageable, with plenty of stops for photos and rest. A picnic with tea, coffee, and pastries offers a delicious break while enjoying the sea breeze.
The tour includes scenic drives along Wicklow’s coast, with numerous photo stops. The wildlife sightings, especially seals and seabirds, provide a real connection with nature. The guide’s commentary enriches the experience, sharing stories about the area’s history and environment.
Reviewers praise this tour for its balance of activity, history, and wildlife—“an unforgettable day,” one said. It’s suited for active travelers, nature lovers, and those eager to combine scenic hiking with cultural sights.
Bottom line: If you’re comfortable with a full day outdoors and want to see the coast’s wild beauty, this guided cliff walk with town tour is a standout.
How to Choose
Deciding between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and available time. For a taste of elegance and art, the Russborough House tour offers a refined experience that doesn’t require extensive walking. Family travelers or those curious about farm life will find the Greenan Farm day ideal for its mix of animals, maze, and hands-on activities. Active explorers who want breathtaking scenery and wildlife will love the guided cliff walk and town tour, especially if you enjoy walking, history, and spotting seals.
Consider your schedule: the Russborough tour is quick and perfect for a half-day, while the farm and coastal tours take more time but deliver more immersive experiences. If wildlife and coastal scenery are top priorities, the guided walk is hard to beat. For art and architecture lovers, Russborough offers a refined peek into Ireland’s aristocratic past.
Booking early is advised, especially for guided tours, as popular slots fill quickly—particularly in peak season from late spring through early fall.
Wicklow’s range of tours highlights its natural beauty, history, and family-friendly charm. Whether you prefer a relaxing mansion visit, a hands-on farm adventure, or a rugged coastal hike, there’s something to match your travel style. For art lovers, history buffs, or outdoor enthusiasts, these experiences provide memorable ways to explore Ireland’s Garden of Ireland. Take your pick, plan ahead, and enjoy everything Wicklow has to offer.