Heya!

Hope you’re having a lovely Saturday? I’m so glad it’s the weekend! Even though I don’t have anything planned, it’s so lovely to chill and catch up on some bits I’ve been putting off. I’ve been meaning to write this blog for the past two weeks but to be honest, it just never happened! We were supposed to be in Italy at the start of July and obviously we had to cancel it- depressing I know. But we still wanted to get away somewhere and seen as 2020 is the year of the Staycation, we decided to book a short break for a weekend in Wicklow.

Where we stayed

I booked Druids Glen in Newtown Mount Kennedy for the weekend. I had heard some good recommendations about the hotel, and with my parents having stayed there a few years ago, we decided to try it. We stayed for two nights and it was 100% worth it. We got upgraded too which was a nice surprise!

The hotel had great food options and we ate in Hugos restaurant on one evening and in the Garden Rooms and Bar on the other night. We used the pool while we there (the spa was closed), the driving range and they also had DVD’s in the reception each night that you could borrow and return the next morning which was a nice idea!

Covid Restrictions

To be honest I wasn’t too worried about going away beforehand and after staying in a hotel while the world is dealing with covid restrictions, I wouldn’t think twice about going somewhere again. The hotel was well equipped to deal with social distancing and everything was easy to follow without being too imposing. They had lots of floor markings, hand sanitising stations and in general, the hotel felt very safe. Everyone had to book time slots to use the swimming pool and the restaurant etc so that is the one downfall with the restrictions, everything has to be planned and nothing can be “on a whim”, but that’s the case in all hotels/restaurants now so I suppose we’ll have to get used to it!

What we did

Killruddery House and Gardens

Killruddery House is a large country house in Bray, County Wicklow and it was only about 15 minutes from the hotel. It was €8.50 each for entrance to the gardens. As the house wasn’t open for tours due to social distancing restrictions, we walked around the gardens and really enjoyed it! But you don’t have to pay to experience some parts of the estate. They hold a farmers market every Saturday from 10am-3pm in the Horse Yard and they have a farm shop and cafe open all year round. Would 100% recommend a visit!

Fragrences of Ireland Lavender Harvest, Kilmacanogue

Another free excursion! The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays in July only so this weekend is the last one. There’s lavender products, lemonade, jams, plants and obviously lavender bunches.

Powerscourt Estate and Gardens

I loved Powerscourt! I had never been there before and it’s always been on my list of places to visit in Ireland. It was €20 for two tickets to the gardens and even though it was a rainy day, we managed to explore everywhere without getting caught in a shower! We then had lunch in Avoca which is on the estate and had a look in some of the small shops inside. Another great place to visit if you’re in the area.

Newcastle Beach

This was the closest beach to the hotel and it was so peaceful! We went for a short walk, but it seemed to go on for much longer so you could definitely spend a few hours strolling by the beach!

I think that’s about everything but there’s obviously a lot more to do in Wicklow than we managed to fit in for the weekend! Here are some more suggestions for things to do:

• Explore Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
• Visit Powerscourt Waterfall, nearby to Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
• Walk around Avoca Mount Usher Gardens
• Brave the Bray to Greystones Cliff walk
• Take a tour of Russborough House
• Climb Sugar Loaf Mountain
• Have a beach day at Brittas Bay

I’m hoping to do some more Irish Destinations blogs with Staycations becoming the most popular trend of 2020 so if there’s anywhere you would like to see next, let me know!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Eva