Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Glendalough

"If the hustle and bustle of Dublin's city centre is getting to you and you would prefer to take your Guinness with a scenic panorama then head up to Ireland's 'highest' pub, Johnny Fox's in the Dublin mountains. The drive is about half an hour but you can take the Express Bus from several central locations to arrive in time for service and leaving after last orders. The pub features live traditional music every evening and its famous 'Hooley Night' features a top dance act; a welcome alternative to the city's busy pubs."

"Technically, it's little bit outside of Dublin's official boundaries, but close enough for a weekend visit, and super easy to access via the Dart. Loads of different sea life for children to see; including sea horses, black tip sharks and leopard sharks. For any kids tiring of the zoo, this will be really exciting for them as they can get involved with feeding times and engage with the interactive rock pool."

"With over 30 displays and 1000 creatures Sea Life is always popular with the kids and adults alike. The aquarium contains Ireland’s largest collection of sharks as well as other tropical fish, octopus and fish found in Ireland’s lakes, rivers and seas. Feedings and talks take place at Sea Life throughout the day."

"Sea Life in Bray is a really fun day out and definitely worth a visit. Get up close with over 1,000 amazing sea creatures and let your little ones discover something fascinating. Make the most of your visit by attending some of their talks and feeding demonstrations which are held throughout the day."

"Nestled between two lakes, haunting Glendalough (Gleann dá Loch, meaning 'Valley of the Two Lakes') is one of the most significant monastic sites in Ireland and one of the loveliest spots in the country, centred on a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral and the tiny church known as St Kevin's Kitchen. It was founded in the late 6th century by St Kevin, a bishop who established a monastery on the Upper Lake's southern shore and about whom there is much folklore."

"Wicklow's most visited attraction is this magnificent 64-sq-km estate, whose main entrance is 500m south of Enniskerry town. At the heart of it is an elegant Palladian mansion, but the real draw is the formal gardens and the stunning views that accompany them. Most of the house is not open to the public, but there's a fine cafe and several gift and homewares shops to be enjoyed, while the grounds are home to two golf courses and the best hotel in Wicklow."

"Often described as a wonderful place to escape for a great day out, Killruddery is conveniently located on the outskirts of the capital where Dublin meets Wicklow.There’s so much to see and explore. Nature has never been more relaxing with leisurely walks in one of Ireland’s most renowned gardens, filled with beautiful planting and wooded areas, water features and distinctive outdoor rooms."

"A stunning mansion in the Elizabethan Revival style, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon family (earls of Meath) since 1618 and has one of the oldest gardens in Ireland. The house is impressive, but the prizewinner here is the magnificent orangery, built in 1852 and chock-full of statuary and plant life. If you like fancy glasshouses, this is the one for you. It's 6km north of Greystones just off the R761 coast road."

"One of Ireland's most magnificent landscaped gardens, Altamont covers 16 hectares on the banks of the River Slaney, with carefully selected plantings arranged in naturalistic settings where peacocks, swans, squirrels and wild hare abound, surrounding an ornamental water-lily lake. The gardens are off the N80 at Kilbride Cross, 24km southeast of Carlow town."

"Nestled between two lakes, haunting Glendalough (Gleann dá Loch, meaning 'Valley of the Two Lakes') is one of the most significant monastic sites in Ireland and one of the loveliest spots in the country, centred on a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral and the tiny church known as St Kevin's Kitchen. It was founded in the late 6th century by St Kevin, a bishop who established a monastery on the Upper Lake's southern shore and about whom there is much folklore."

"If the hustle and bustle of Dublin's city centre is getting to you and you would prefer to take your Guinness with a scenic panorama then head up to Ireland's 'highest' pub, Johnny Fox's in the Dublin mountains. The drive is about half an hour but you can take the Express Bus from several central locations to arrive in time for service and leaving after last orders. The pub features live traditional music every evening and its famous 'Hooley Night' features a top dance act; a welcome alternative to the city's busy pubs."