Wicklow

Glendalough is located in Wicklow Mountains National Park and is just over an hour's drive from Dublin, making it the perfect day trip from Ireland's capital city. There are 9 hikes of varying lengths and difficulties in Glendalough but the 9km Spinc and Glenealo Valley Trail (White Route) is the perfect hike to see everything the area has to offer. I recommend parking at the Glendalough Visito...

Park at the Upper Lake car park. The parking fee is 4 Euro.Start at the trailhead and follow the Green Road Walk. Along the trail, you'll walk through wetlands on boardwalks as well as forested areas. At the beginning of the trail by the car park, there are views of Glendalough Upper Lake. You'll be hiking around the Glendalough Lower Lake as well. During your hike, make sure you follow the sig...

The Powerscourt Waterfall grounds are beautiful; picture an incredibly green wooded area with a towering waterfall cascading down a rock wall and then flowing into a gentle creek running through a forest that is full of chirping birds. Can you imagine a spot more perfect for a picnic? It's also a great place for kids because there is a playground. There is a concession kiosk that operates in th...

From Dublin, you can get to Bray via Dart train. Once you arrive in Bray, walk towards the sea along the Bray promenade. Continue along the promenade going south. You'll walk along the beach for a few minutes before reaching the blazed trail. Essentially, you'll follow this trail until you reach the town of Greystones. Along the trail, there are side routes that take you down to secluded beache...

Back in the day, the Forty Foot used to be a nude bathing place for men only. Over time, it became a popular place to swim and cliff jump. The locals have an annual Christmas Day swim here, where brave swimmers take a plunge into the waters in Santa clothing and other festive clad. Others find it as a great hangover cure after a long night at a local pub. Even when I was there, a guy shouted "I...

Starting from the Dart train station in town, follow the green arrows along the promenade that lines the harbour. These arrows are on lamp posts, fairly small, along with other colored arrows for other trails. It can be difficult to first spot them, but if you follow along the harbour, in a meadow there is a large map detailing the different trails on the peninsula. There is also a stand with b...