 Wicklow
Heritage Sites
Many Heritage sites and Historic Houses can be found within
easy reach of our lodge.
Glendalough, the world-famous sixth century monastic settlement
founded by Saint Kevin, set on the floor of one of Wicklow's
classic glacial valleys and bounded by mighty Camaderry and
Derrybawn mountains on its North and South sides is but a
short 40 minute drive from Ballycullen Lodge.
Equally accessible are the late eighteenth century Avondale
House, one time home of Charles Stewart Parnell at Rathdrum,
Russborough House near Blessington, built in the mid-eighteenth
century in the Palladian style under the direction of architect
Richard Castle and now famous for its priceless collection
of Dutch, Flemish and Spanish paintings assembled by Sir Alfred
Beit, and Powerscourt at Enniskerry, another fine example
of the eighteenth century Palladian idiom where retail therapy
opportunities abound!
Couple this feast of gardens and historic sites with the
majestic backdrop of the Wicklow Uplands National Park and
you have the perfect setting for the gardening and nature
enthusiast's holiday. If the weather plays along, Wicklow
is pure magic.
 Wicklow's
Historic Gaol
Are you looking for the experience that in the past has been
called scary, educational, emotional, terrifying, but always
highly entertaining?
Then look no further than Wicklow's Historic Gaol, where you
will find live characters, a life-size Treadmill, a Hanging
Cell and Gaol Model.
This compelling story is told through live re-enactment and
spell binding audio-visual and interactive material. Tours
are 1 - 1.5 hours in duration and sizes are controlled to
provide the maximum enjoyment for all.
Visit
Wicklow's Historical Gaol for more information.
 Killruddery
House & Gardens
The gardens of Killruddery House have the most extensive early
formal gardens, still in their original style, surviving in
Ireland. Dating from the 1680's they are amongst the most
important gardens of their type in these islands. The house
dates from the late 1600's but was remodelled in the Elizabethan
style in 1820. A splendid Orangery was added to the house
in 1852 where classical music concerts can be enjoyed in the
summer.
Avondale House & Forest Park
Set in a splendid forest park along the banks of  the
Avonmore River, Avondale House was the birthplace and home
of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846 - 1881), one of the greatest
political leaders in Irish history. The forest estate at Avondale
comprises over 500 acres. Throughout the estate several sign-posted
walks have been established, as you walk watch out for the
many animals who inhabit the woodlands and waters of Avondale,
the squirrel, the badger, stoat and otter.
Dublin Heritage, Culture, Theatre & Entertainment
The lodge is only an hour away from Dublin city where you
will find a huge range of cultural and heritage sites to explore
and events to attend. The famous Abbey Theatre is only one
of the city's many centres where world renowned local and
international actors can be seen performing both contemporary
and traditional works. If shopping is to your taste, the recently
opened Dundrum Shopping Centre is one of the most extensive
in Europe. Click
here for more information.
 Devil's
Glen Sculpture in Woodland
Sculpture in Woodland is situated in the beautiful surroundings
of the Devil's Glen Wood at Ashford, Co Wicklow in Ireland
and features a unique collection of over 16 contemporary sculptures
by Irish and international artists. For the suitably fit,
this is within walking distance of the Lodge and can also
be enjoyed from horse back. Alternatively a short drive brings
you to the car park from where the walk to the sculptures
and the waterfall is more leisurely.
Visit
Sculpture in Woodland for more information.
|
