Things To Do Near Kilquiggan Cottages

You'll need your own car — but you won't be short of things to do. Here are our favourites, from world-famous landmarks to hidden local gems that only the locals know about.

Right on Your Doorstep

Elvis Presley's Ancestral Grave — Kilquiggan Graveyard (2 minute walk) The King of Rock 'n' Roll's ancestors are buried in Kilquiggan graveyard, just steps from your door. His great-great-great-great-grandfather William Presley was a Wicklow farmer who left Ireland in 1775. Confirmed by an 18th-century court document discovered in 2016. A quiet, beautiful spot — and one of the most unexpected pieces of music history you'll find anywhere in Ireland.

The Dying Cow Pub (8 minute drive) A proper traditional Irish pub. Live music on selected nights, dog-friendly outdoor area, and a genuine local welcome. Don't miss it.

The Wicklow Way (500m from the cottages) Ireland's most famous long-distance walking trail passes almost directly by the cottages. Step outside and walk.

Nature and Walking

Tomnafinogue Wood and The Old Railway Walk (10 minute drive) The last remaining native oakwood in Ireland — and the start of a beautiful flat trail along a historic old railway line all the way to Tinahely. The line was originally built to carry the Fitzwilliam family and their guests from Arklow to the magnificent Coollattin Estate. Today it's one of the loveliest easy walks in Wicklow — perfect for walkers, cyclists and dogs. Pack a lunch and make a morning of it.

Wicklow Mountains National Park (approx. 50 minute drive) Ireland's largest national park. Deep glacial valleys, mountain streams, ancient woodland and sweeping lake views. Endless walking trails for all levels.

The Sally Gap Drive (approx. 1 hour) One of Ireland's most dramatic scenic drives — past the famous Guinness Lake at Lough Tay and across vast open bogland. Pick a clear day and take your time.

History and Heritage

Glendalough (approx. 50 minute drive — Eircode: A98 HC80) A 6th-century monastic city set in a stunning glacial valley — one of Ireland's most iconic and visited sites. The famous round tower stands over 30 metres tall and has stood for over 1,000 years — one of the best preserved in Ireland. Ancient stone churches and beautiful lake walks complete the picture. Arrive early at weekends to beat the crowds.

Kilkenny Castle (approx. 1 hour drive — Eircode: R95 YRK1) One of Ireland's most magnificent castles, standing above the River Nore in the heart of Kilkenny city. Built in the 12th century and home to the powerful Butler family for nearly 600 years. Grand Victorian interiors, a stunning picture gallery, 50 acres of free parkland and a tearoom. Open all year round. Well worth combining with a wander around Kilkenny's famous Medieval Mile. Allow at least half a day.

Huntington Castle, Clonegal (12km — Eircode: Y21 K237) A 17th-century castle still lived in by the same family after 400 years. Guided tours, beautiful gardens, a tearoom, children's playground and a dungeon with a fascinating history. Open Easter and May to September.

Brownshill Dolmen (approx. 25 minute drive) A 5,000-year-old megalithic tomb just outside Carlow town. The capstone alone is estimated to weigh over 100 tonnes — one of the heaviest in Europe. Free to visit and genuinely awe-inspiring.

Wicklow Gaol (approx. 50 minute drive — Eircode: A67 Y337) The story of the 1798 rebellion told through the original dungeon. Gripping and not for the faint-hearted.

Gardens and Nature

Altamont Gardens (10km — Eircode: R93 N882) Widely regarded as the jewel in Ireland's gardening crown. Formal and informal gardens, riverside walks, ancient trees and a stillness that's hard to find anywhere else. Free entry — just a 2 euro parking fee. Open all year. Please note dogs are not permitted in the gardens.

Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens (approx. 1 hour drive) Ireland's highest waterfall at 121 metres and one of the world's great gardens. A full day out.

Avondale Forest Park (approx. 40 minute drive) A stunning elevated boardwalk through towering trees near Rathdrum, leading to a 38-metre viewing tower. Historic Avondale House — once home to Charles Stewart Parnell — is on the same estate.

Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens (approx. 45 minute drive) A hidden gem — spectacular in spring when the rhododendrons bloom. Free to enter.

Family Days Out

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland (5 minute drive — Eircode: R93 PY82) Chocolate and ice cream making practically on your doorstep. Tours, tastings and hands-on chocolate mould-making workshops. A huge hit with children and adults alike. Pre-book workshops at chocolategarden.ie — check seasonal opening times before visiting.

Rathwood (5 minute drive — Eircode: R93 X3F9) An award-winning family day out right next door to the Chocolate Garden. Forest train rides, animal park, children's playground, bird of prey centre and a maze made from 2,500 beech hedges in the shape of Ireland. Great restaurant on site.

Greenan Maze (22km) A relaxed and friendly farm and maze in the Wicklow hills. Great for a half day out with the family.

Clara Lara Funpark (approx. 45 minute drive) The ultimate outdoor adventure park for children — water slides, zip wires, tree climbing and rafts in a beautiful wooded Wicklow valley. A brilliant screen-free day out.

Golf

Four superb courses within easy reach — all at very competitive green fees.

Coollattin Golf Club (10 minute drive — Eircode: Y14 KH39) Consistently ranked in the Top 100 golf courses in Ireland. A magnificent 18-hole parkland course set within a 175-acre historic estate in the heart of County Wicklow. Mature trees, sweeping fairways and a warm welcome for visitors every day. Book at coollattingolfclub.com

Mount Wolseley Golf Club (Tullow — 10 minute drive) A full resort with two golf courses, a spa and an excellent restaurant right on your doorstep in Tullow. Perfect for societies or a full leisure day out.

Woodenbridge Golf Club (approx. 30 minute drive) Dubbed Ireland's Augusta by golfing legend Joe Carr. Set in the stunning Vale of Avoca where two rivers meet — one of the most scenic golf courses in the country. Ranked in the Top 100 courses in Ireland. Book at woodenbridge.ie

Arklow Golf Links (approx. 35 minute drive) A classic traditional links course established in 1927 on the stunning Wicklow coastline. Rugged fairways, exceptional greens and views of the Bay of Arklow. Book at arklowgolflinks.com

Staying for a few days and fancy a round? We are happy to point you in the right direction for tee times and local course information. Just give us a call — Thomas: 087 825 1874 or Rita: 087 673 9128.

Beaches and Coast

Curracloe Beach, Co. Wexford (approx. 35 minute drive) Seven kilometres of unspoiled sandy beach — and one of the most famous in the world. Steven Spielberg chose this exact beach to film the legendary D-Day landing scenes in Saving Private Ryan in 1997. It was also used for the beach scenes in the film Brooklyn. Today it's peaceful, beautiful and well worth the drive. Dogs are welcome on the beach.

Arklow Beach (approx. 35 minute drive) A lovely sandy beach right in the town of Arklow — perfect to combine with a round at Arklow Golf Links.

The Wexford Coast (35 to 50 minute drive) Miles of beautiful beaches all along the Wexford coastline — Rosslare, Courtown and Brittas Bay are all within easy reach for a day by the sea.

Food and Drink

From cosy local pubs to restaurants in nearby Tullow and Tinahely — ask us for our personal recommendations when you arrive. We are always happy to point you in the right direction.