What to do
There are a whole host of different local activities to appeal to a range of ages and tastes. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, south-east Ireland has it covered.
Coollattin Golf Club
Distance: 3mi / 4.8km
The beautiful Coollattin golf course is set in the rolling, mature, landscaped parkland, formerly the gardens and park, of Coollattin House. Golfers can walk to the clubhouse along the driveway directly opposite the front gate. There’s a great choice of golf courses locally – Coollattin (5 minute drive), Mount Wolseley (20min drive), Brook Lodge (25min drive), Wooden Bridge (35min drive), Mount Juliet (50min drive), Rathsallagh (50min drive), Druid’s Glen (50min drive), Charlesland (1hr drive), Greystones (1hr drive), and Powerscourt (1hr 15min drive).
Walking
Distance: 0.5mi / 0.6km
The cottages are built almost right on the famous Wicklow Way, which follows a North-South direction over 132km of the lovely Wicklow Mountains. There are also a selection of other countryside walks, including Tomnafinnoge Woods (4mi / 7km), Glendalough (30mi / 48km) and Lugnaquilla (15mi / 25km).
For something different, there’s Greenan Farm Museums and Maze.
Hillwalking Tours
Distance: Variable
Our friends at Hillwalking Tours Ireland are a great resource for anyone who is looking to walk the Wicklow Way, or a selection of other hikes around the country!
“A hiking tour where you decide how far to walk each day, and with whom. A hiking tour where the only timetable that matters is your timetable. Here at Hillwalk Tours – Ireland, our goal is to make your hiking trip a happy one. We have hiked all over Ireland, seeking out the most beautiful trails and discovering the best B&B’s for you to stay at. Each step you take on your Ireland hiking tour, we will have been there before you. We’ll transfer your bags, tell you all about Irish history and folklore and tell you where to find the tastiest food and the best pint of Guinness.”
Shops and Pubs
Distance: 1mi / 1.6km
The village of Shillelagh is close by, which has a petrol station, church, and post office. The larger town of Tullow (10mi / 16km) has larger shops for groceries, such as a greengrocer, a Lidl, supermarket and bank. Carlow town (18mi / 30km) is larger still, with the Fairgreen Shopping Centre and Carlow Shopping Centre. Local Pubs to recommend are The Dying Cow (with live music once every 2 weeks), Egan’s in Parkbridge (4mi / 6km) and Parkview House in Shillelagh village (which also serves food).
“The Dying Cow”
Distance: 2mi / 3.2km
Officially named Tallon’s Pub, this legendary pub is located in The Wicklow hills, in a place called Stratnakelly approximately 3 miles from Shillelagh and 3 miles from Tinahely. With its stunning views, it is also a favourite watering hole for walkers as it is situated on the Wicklow Way.It has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for a major session or just a few quiet ones. Irish music night is every second Thursday.
Restaurants
Distance: 3mi / 4.8km
Sha Roe in Clonegal has won awards and acclaim and has featured in the Bridgestone Guides ever since Claire Goodwillie discovered, back in 2006, that everything at Sha Roe ‘was great’. Some past dishes include a pork and chorizo burger, or a pheasant and apple burger. They also cook great local meats and the puddings and cheeses are always excellent. The Grainstore in Aughrim also has an excellent reputaion for value for money and good service. The atmosphere is second to none and almost all the ingredients are locally sourced.
Avoca / Ballykissangel
Distance: 20mi / 32km
The Avoca area has been associated with its famous copper mines for many years and the valley has been immortalised by Thomas Moore in the famous song “The Meeting of the Waters”. It is also famous for its traditional weaving, with Avoca Handweavers based there. Copper mining is reported to have begun in the Avoca River valley around 1720 and it continued, with interruptions, until 1982. Earlier mining, perhaps dating back to the Bronze Age, may have occurred. The BBC series Ballykissangel was filmed there.
Glendalough
Distance: 30mi / 48km
The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has many attractions to entice, entertain and enthral visitors, from its world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower to its scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way. For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes’ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. The remains of the Glendalough Mines and Glendasan mines can be found both inside and outside the Park.
Beaches
Distance: 18mi / 28.8km
There are a selection of beaches close by, including Brittas Bay (25mi / 40km) and Curracloe (30mi / 50km). For something more inland, there is Clara Lara Funpark. Courtown (18mi / 30km) is a seaside town with excellent beaches, walks, arcades, an amusement park, and an adventure park called Pirate’s Cove, which features adventure golf, 10-pin bowling, and an arcade. A great place for a family day out.
Horse Riding / Trekking
Distance: 3mi / 4.8km
We have several excellent deals with riding schools close by that can take you for a lesson. Alternatively, if you are already a competent rider, you can go trekking in the countryside or along The Munny Trail. Simply ask and we can recommend the most suitable school in the area for your needs.
Nearby Towns
Distance: Variable
Carlow (20mi / 31km) and Gorey (15mi / 25km) are the closest shopping towns. Farther afield, there is historic Kilkenny city (40mi / 63km) with its castle and cathedral.
The capital city of Dublin’s central shopping district is 55 miles (90km) away.