County Wicklow – dubbed Ireland’s “Garden County” – offers more than sweeping mountain views, serene lakes, and charming retreats. It’s also been quietly brewing a vibrant craft beer scene. Pairing outdoor adventure with local flavour is the perfect way to savor the best of Wicklow. Here’s your guide to a weekend that blends nature and nuance – from hops to hikes.
🍺 Day 1 Morning: Brewery Tour at Wicklow Wolf
Start your journey at Wicklow Wolf Brewery, nestled in Newtownmountkennedy at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. Co-founded in 2014 by Quincey Fennelly and Simon Lynch, this 35 hl brewery is rooted in sustainability – with a 10-acre, chemical-free hop farm growing varieties like Chinook, Cascade, and Fuggle.
A guided brewery tour (about €20) includes a walk through the brewhouse, hop gardens and tastings of flagship beers like Elevation Pale Ale in their taproom . If you’re keen, join their social running club that ends with a pint—brewers-forged fitness, Wicklow style .
Day 1 Midday: Hike in Glendalough
After a hearty tasting session, head to Glendalough, situated in Wicklow Mountains National Park – home to about one million annual visitors. Walk through monastic ruins, cross serene lakes, and breathe in the mountain air.
The Spinc Trail offers dramatic clifftop views, while gentler routes around the Upper and Lower Lakes are ideal if you’re after a calmer stroll. It’s an immersive trek into Ireland’s natural and spiritual heritage.
Day 1 Afternoon: Irish Craft Beer Picnic
Pack a picnic – and take along cans from Wicklow Wolf’s taproom. With the scenic lakeshore as your backdrop, enjoy fresh, locally brewed craft beer (try the dry Irish stout or pale ales) alongside cheese, rustic bread, and locally foraged berries. It’s also a great chance to discuss the flavors you’ve discovered.
Day 1 Evening: Spa Dinner & Drinks at Powerscourt Springs
Next, make your way to Powerscourt Springs Health Farm near Enniskerry – just 30 minutes from Dublin. This beautiful retreat features spa facilities, including a swimming pool and a plethora of treatments and activities.
After muscle-soothing treatments, move into McGill’s Irish Pub within the hotel, where you can enjoy a pint from their curated Irish craft beer list – perhaps Wicklow Wolf or another Wicklow favourite.
Day 2 Morning: Powerscourt Springs Wellness
For a rejuvenating second day, head back to Powerscourt Springs, a wellness retreat set on 38 acres, offering spa treatments, yoga, meditation – and an adult-only ambience just 30 minutes from Dublin. Nestled at the foot of the Great Sugarloaf, it’s the perfect place to relax with craft-beer-inspired smoothies or wellness snacks.
Day 2 Midday: Gardens, Waterfall & Craft Beer Lunch
From the Springs, stroll the famed Powerscourt Gardens, and then walk to Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s tallest waterfall at 121 m, just 6 km away.
After your walk, head back to the hotel and enjoy a light lunch. Complement your meal with a light Irish craft beer – perhaps a lager or pale ale from a nearby brewer, celebrating Wicklow’s terroir.
Day 2 Afternoon: Brittas Bay or Wicklow Gap Drive
Choose your afternoon adventure:
Brittas Bay: A 5 km golden-sand beach with crystal-clear waters, designated a Blue Flag site, and often hosting dolphins.
Wicklow Gap: This scenic mountain pass (475 m) offers dramatic views across the Wicklow uplands and Sea-Past Wales. It’s also part of St Kevin’s ancient pilgrimage trail.
Either way, sip a freshly purchased Wicklow craft beer while soaking in sweeping views, sea breeze or rugged peaks.
Day 2 Evening: Wrap-up at a Local Brewpub
Before heading home, stop by a local pub like Mickey Finn’s in Redcross. They often stock beers from the Wicklow Brewery (in Redcross), a microbrewery that offers tastings and tours. Enjoy a final pint by an open fire, rounding off a weekend that blends craft-beer culture with the scenic beauty of Wicklow.
Why This Weekend Works
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Brewery Experience | Tours at Wicklow Wolf bring you behind the scenes and into hop fields |
| Nature & Hops | Glendalough and Powerscourt offer calm, contrast and beauty |
| Relaxation | Spa time and yoga restore both body and mind |
| Local Culture | Dinner & beers in estate pubs showcase Wicklow hospitality |
| Discovery | From spiritual lakes to coastal breeze, it’s a rich, varied getaway |
Tips for Planning
Booking: Brewery tours at Wicklow Wolf require pre‑booking (€20/pers) , and Powerscourt spa treatments are best reserved in advance .
Seasonal Flavours: Sample Wicklow Wolf’s seasonal Endangered Species beers – small-batch releases brewed with locally grown hops .
Stay Connected: Powerscourt Springs offers Wi‑Fi if you need downtime for work or check-ins.
Final Sip
This weekend itinerary marries the best of Wicklow: craft brewing, majestic landscapes, and indulgent relaxation. You get to explore brewery floors and hop gardens, walk ancient trails, unwind in luxury spas, and savour pints in cosy local spots. It’s more than a trip – it’s a sensory journey through Wicklow’s soul, one craft beer at a time.
Sláinte to that!
