We are looking forward to a great autumn season full of weekend getaways and longer adventures. There are still plenty of inspiring things to do in Autumn as the vibrant colours transform from lush green into a sea of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. This rich tapestry of colour is very much apparent in Wicklow AKA the garden of Ireland. If you have never driven across the Wicklow mountains via the Sally Gap or Wicklow Gap then Autumn is the best time to experience these incredibly scenic drives! If you are feeling more adventurous then Wicklow offers many activities to get you out into the great wide open! Walkers & hikers are spoilt for choice between the Wicklow Way, Djouce or the more challenging Lugnaquilla (our highest peak). If you don’t own a pair of hiking boots then the Sugar Loaf or Bray head are both an easy climb and offer rewarding views up and down the East coast. If you are lucky on a clear day you might see across the water to Wales! If walking is not your thing then there are plenty more activities to get you outside from Zipit in Tibradden Woods, Horse-riding at Brennanstown Riding School, Fat Bikes guided tours, military simulations or paint-balling in the forest at Special Ops or sightseeing, nature & fishing trips with Wicklow Boat Charters. You might even see the now world-famous Sammy the Seal around Wicklow Harbour. His daily feeding times are 9, 2 & 4! Autumn is also prime foraging season and the hedgerows are bursting with wild berries and fruit. It’s the perfect time to get out and collect the bounties of nature. Wicklow offers a whole host of hedgerow courses and many exciting ways to get you foraging and back to nature. Learn bushcraft or go mushroom hunting at Kilruddery House, go foraging with Wicklow Wild Foods or with our friends at Blackstairs Eco Trails just over the border in Wexford. If you don’t want to work for your food then you can dip into one of Wicklow many eateries: Happy Pear, Lighthouse Restaurant, the Food Village at Brooklodge or one of our latest favourites Platform Pizza and Box Burger in Bray. We also love our local cafes Halpin’s Bridge Cafe in Wicklow Town and Avoca Garden Cafe at Mount Usher gardens in Ashford. Alternatively you can stock up at one of the many artisan food fairs and markets happening around the county. Kilruddery hosts a Farm Market every Saturday from 10 – 3 and Brooklodge host a monthly Village Food Market on the first Sunday of every month. We even have our very own Beer Festival in Redcross happening from the 6 – 9 October at the Wicklow Brewery. Families can enjoy Greenan Maze (open weekends only in September), cycle the Blessington Greenway starting at Avon Ri Activity Centre and ending at Russbourough House for a great day out! Other recommended activities include a visit to Sea Life Bray, Squirrel Scramble in Kilruddery or a day out in Powerscourt House & Gardens voted No.3 garden in the world by National Geographic. Above all enjoy the freedom & flexibility our vans afford. Lazy Days VW campers are the perfect way to explore Wicklow and environs. If you need a little help planning a getaway just give Sue a call on +353 (0)87 2885771 or email sue@lazydays.ie to get started.
