|
|  | A wide variety of things to do and places to visit only minutes from the Ramada Woodland Court Hotel
& Conference Centre
ACTIVITIES
- Golf
- Horse Riding
- Walking
- Shopping
- Eating Out
- Sealife Aquarium
- Glenroe Open Farm
- Race courses
- Mermaid Arts & Theatren Centre
- Wild Waters
- Traditional Irish Nights with Music & Dance
- Balloon Ride
- Nightlife
ATTRACTIONS
- Avoca Irish Handweavers
- Glendalough Heritage Monastery
- Powerscourt Estate Gardens and Waterfall
- Vale of Avoca and “Ballykissangel”
- Historic Houses and Gardens
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Wicklow’s Historic Gaol
GOLF
There has been an explosion in County Wicklow with the number actually doubling over the past five years. There are over 25 courses with facilities matching the best international standards to make your golfing holiday an enjoyable and memorable one.County Wicklow offers every type of golfing terrain with 30 miles of coastline, thousands of acres of rugged mountains and hills, valleys, forests and woodlands.This varied landscape allows for a wide choice golf course in Wicklow, offering as it does seaside and traditional links courses.See just some of the golf courses and their websites listed below.
Bray Golf Club This 18-hole course directly across from the hotel with varying terrain is located within walking distance. Close to the beautiful costal village of Greystones and is within easy access to the N11. Water is an important feature of the design and comes into play on seven of the eighteen holes.Tel: 00353 (0) 1 2763200 Website: www.braygolfclub.com
Charlesland Golf & Country Club Greystones Located 10 minutes from the hotel This 18 hole course with varying terrain is located within walking distance from the beautiful costal village of Greystone’s and is within easy access to the N11. Water is an important feature of the design and comes into play on seven of the eighteen holes.Tel: 00353 (0) 1 2874350 Website: www.charlesland.com
Delgany Golf Club Located 10 minutes from the hotelFull Bar, Restaurant and Professional Shop. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and breathtaking scenery, with hill and sea views from Bray Head and the Sugar Loaf to Wicklow Head, they guarantee that you will enjoy every round of golf played on our 18-hole course.Tel: 00353 (0) 1 2874536 Website: www.delganygolfclub.com
Druid’s Glen Golf Resort At Druid’s Glen you have the opportunity to play on two courses. Both courses located 15 minutes from the hotel.Druid’s Glen Championship course This course is of the highest standards and is often referred to as the Augusta of Europe. This 18 hole-challenging course is just 7 years old. The Irish Open has been held here.Tel:00353 (0) 1 2873600Druid’s Heath This course consists of 9 holes overlooking the Irish Sea and a further nine holes nestled among the Wicklow Mountains.Tel: 00353 (0) 1 2812278 Website: www.druidsglen.ie
Glen of the Downs Located 10 minutes from the hotel Golfers of all levels will find the course a challenge with its natural slopes and valleys combined with undulating greens and some 90 bunkers. With truly magnificent panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. Tel: 00353 (0) 1 2876240Website: www.glenofthedowns.com
For any additional golf courses in the area Wicklow County Tourism have produced a wonderful Golfing guide to the county with a great map. To order a free copy please email: wt@wicklow.ie
Back to top
HORSERIDING
In County Wicklow a world of choice awaits you. You will find riding centres that cater for all, from trail riding for the more adventurous and Polo for the sporting type. Alternatively, why not explore the miles of breathtaking, scenic Wicklow roads by horse-drawn caravan.
Brennanstown Riding School ( located 5 minutes fom the hotel) Hollybrook, Kilmacanogue, nr. Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: +353 (0)1 2863778 Fax: +353 (0)1 2829590 E-mail: info@brennanstownrs.ie Situated in the beautiful Hollybrook Demense adjoining the magnificent Killruddery Estate, Brennanstown Riding School has excellent indoor & outdoor riding facilities with qualified instruction, catering for all standards of rider (children & adults). Visitors can enjoy cross country rides & treks on 100's of acres of scenic Wicklow countryside. No dining facilities. Open all year. €26 per hour (group adults), €20 per hour (group children). Group rate available on request. Contact Person: Jane Kennedy
Devil's Glen Equestrian Centre(located approx 15 minutes from hotel) Ashford, Co. Wicklow.Tel: +353 (0)404 42127Fax: +353 (0)404 40638E-mail: info@devilsglen.ieWeb: www.devilsglen.ieFully approved custom built stables at edge of Devils Glen Forest. All levels catered for. Excellent cross country course. Thousands of acres of woodland to explore. Qualified instructors. Children from 4 years welcome.Facilities include 55 horses, catering for all levels - beginners to advanced riders. Activities available include trekking, lead-rein, cross country, hunting, private/group lessons, show-jumping, gallops & livery. No dining facilities. Parking facilities for 20 cars & 2 buses. Open all year.Trekking €25 per hour, lead-rein €13, cross country €40, lessons from €25. No group/Tour Operator rates available.For more information on Horse riding in Wicklow visit www.wicklow.ie/tourism/activities/horse_riding.html
Back to top
WALKING
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy short strolls beside the sea or alongside a river, through the forests or over the hills and mountains. Travel along old coast roads, bog roads, nature trails and mountain paths used by medieval monks. En routes are deserted settlements, forts, a varied flora and roaming deer. The first trail in Ireland, the Wicklow Way, was opened in 1981, and routes in Wicklow are still generally uncrowned. The St. Kevin’s Way was opened in 2001 and runs from Hollywood to Glendalough in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. There is a nice scenic walk from our hotel to Bray Head or there are many beaches. Newcastle and Kilcoole have lovely walks on the grassy banks along the foreshore. Bray and Greystones are twin resorts on the northern shoreline, which still retain the Victorian charm that has ensured their popularity since the 19th century.
Back to top
SHOPPING
Bray’s main street is good for any shopping you had in mind. To get a list of all the shops please click the following link http://www.townlevel.com/search/s/60/map/39/
The Dundrum Shopping Centre (Europes Largest Shopping Centre) is only 10 - 15 minutes from us. To get a list of what is available please click on the following website www.dundrum.ie
Or drive into the heart of it all in Dublin City Centre is only 25 - 30 minutes. Local train will also bring you in in 23 minutes.
Back to top
EATING OUT
All restaurants are between 5 - 10 minutes from our hotel
Barracuda
Barracuda is situated on the Bray Seafront. Known locally for it's fabulous views and excellent seafood. Their chef has created a dinner menu that is unpretentious, comprehensive and simple, with a range of salads and pastas, fish and meat dishes along with a sinful dessert menu.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2765686 Fax: +353 (0) 2042870
Jasmine House
The Jasmine House is a favourite for chinese food, situated on Bray’s main street. The restaurant has a good ambiance with friendly staff. There is a wide verity of foreign cuisine, specialising in Chinese dishes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2860305
Sanam Tandoori
The Sanam Tandoori is situated just at the end of Bray’s main street. The restaurant has great views. They serve Indian cuisine with large portions.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2865337
Pizza’s ‘n’ Cream
Pizza’s ‘n’ Cream is situated beside Bray’s dart station. The restaurant has delicious pizza with plenty of other options. Fast and friendly staff with good value for money.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2861606 Fax: +353 (0) 2864352
Camp De Fiori (Italian bistro)
Locateded on Albert Place across the road from the National Sealife Aquarium on Bray seafront. This cosy Italian restaurant is unpretentious, very resonably priced and serves excellent dishes. Be sure to check out the fresh lobster and pasta dish...
1 Albert Road Bray, Co .Wickow
The Hungry Monk Winebar & Bistro
The Hungry Monk is situated in the pretty village of Greystones. The restaurant has been around for a long time and is a favourite with the locals. The Monk is an unpretentious place, somewhere to enjoy Wicklow lamb, salmon with watercress, game in season. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2875759 Email: hungrymonk@eircom.net
Vino Pasta
Vino Pasta is situated on Greystones Main Street. Like a lot of Italian restaurants, it is small and cosy inside, with ample room to dine comfortably. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 287 4807 Fax: +353 287 4827
Back to top
SEALIFE
Sea Life has - a network of marine life aquariums stretching across much of Europe. Each of their attractions offers a unique insight into the lives of myriad creatures from shrimps to sharks. The National Sea Life Bray is situated on the seafront, overlooking the promenade (the longest in Ireland) and the sea. It is 2km from our hotel – 5 minutes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2866939 Fax: +353 (0) 2860562 Website: www.sealife.ie
Back to top
GLENROE OPEN FARM
As both a real and fictional rural community, Glenroe Open Farm appeals to young and old alike. The Farm - one of the principal filming locations of the television series "Glenroe" for 18 years, offers close and easy access to a terrific selection of farm animals and pets. Facilities include Coffee Shop, Gift Shop and indoor/outdoor picnic areas. It is 7km from our hotel – 15 minutes. Opening Times Daily from April to August Weekends and Bank Holidays only in March, September and October. Santa Venue in December.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 1 2872288 E-mail: mail@glenroefarm.com Web: www.glenroefarm.com
Back to top
RACECOURCES
Leopardstown Racecourse – from us its 11km - 11 minutes
Website: www.leopardstown.com
Punchestown Racecourse – from us 54km - 55 minutes
Website: www.punchestown.com
Curragh Racecourse - from us 64km - 55 minutes
Website: www.curragh.ie
Naas Racecourse - from us 50km - 55 minutes
Website: www.naasracecourse.com
Back to top
MERMAID ART CENTRE
Since their launch in August 2002, Mermaid Arts Centre has made a splash in the artistic and cultural life of County Wicklow. They present an ambitious programme of performance including innovative dance, spellbinding theatre, cutting edge music and art-house cinema. Mermaid gallery shows work by some of the finest artists from Wicklow and further a field, both national and international. It is 2km from our hotel –5 minutes. To find out more about their varied programme, please Tel: +353 (0) 2724030 Email: info@mermaidartscentre.ie
Back to top
WILD WATERS
This the National Aquatic Centre. If you crave extreme thrills, raging water adventures, flying through the air, or just an enjoyable day with your family, National Aquatic Centre has Europe’s biggest and best rides and attractions with something for every member of the family! It is 35km from our hotel –35 minutes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 1 6464300 Email: info@nac.ie
Back to top
TRADITIONAL IRISH NIGHTS
Johnnie Fox’s Pub
Situated in Glencullen in the Dublin Mountains, Johnnie Fox's is one of Ireland's oldest and most famous pubs and undoubtedly the highest pub in the country. We are located approx 25-35 minutes drive from Dublin City centre. At Johnnie Fox's they fine food and live Irish music 7 nights a week (also on Saturday & Sunday afternoons from 3.30pm - 5.30pm). You can also see one of the top dancing performances in the country at our dinner and show (Hooley Night). It is 42km from our hotel –40 minutes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 1 2955647, Fax: +353 (0) 1 2958911 E-mail: info@jfp.ie
Taylors Irish Night
Taylors Irish Night banquet and show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, ballads and Irish dancing. The Irish Night show is widely acclaimed due to the genuine and friendly nature of the pub and its dedicated approach to Irish music. From start to finish, this is a show based on a living and real traditional culture. First enjoy the banquet from our award-winning restaurant - which offers a choice of menus. The entertainment commences with the best traditional Irish music group in Dublin The Merry Ploughboys who have been performing together for over 16 years. Midway through, All-Ireland and World champion Irish Dancers from Dublin and beyond perform a specially commissioned show. After the dancing, the musicians re-take the stage and really up the tempo for the final part of the evening. A night of authentically Irish entertainment is guaranteed. A strong heart is required however, as both musicians and dancers involve the entire audience in this electric performance. It is 42km from our hotel –40 minutes. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 4942999, E-mail: info@taylorsirishnight.com
Back to top
BALLOON RIDE
For something a bit new and different, why not try ballooning. Hot Air Balloon pleasure flights take place all year round from a variety of prime locations. These launch sites have been chosen for their scenic location as well as the accommodation and other facilities that they can provide. For passenger rides, the balloons we operate can take up to 11 passengers, plus pilot. Balloon flights take place all year round but the spring; summer and autumn months often provide the best conditions. Flights typically take place early morning and early evening when the wind conditions are at their calmest. Flights can either be booked online or via our Dublin Office. Once the booking has been made, flight vouchers will be sent out entitling the recipient to a flight at any of our locations.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 4064777 Fax: +353 (0) 4064776 Website: www.balloons.ie
Back to top
NIGHTLIFE
Most nightlife is located on the seafront in Bray there are two main nightclubs, The Bac Bar and the Koo Late Bar.
The Porterhouse Bac Bar
A favourite spot for our staff to “chill out” after work is the Bac Bar with live music and excellent club sounds ‘till late. The club is open late from Wednesday till Sunday. Some of Ireland's top live bands and DJ's perform right throughout the week. One of the main features is the outside terrace. With its waterproof canopy's and electric heating, customers can socialise both inside and outside all year round in warm and comfortable surroundings. Club Opening Hours:
Wed - Sat: 11.00pm - 2.30am Sun: 11.00pm - 1.30am
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2860668 Fax: +353 (0) 2861171 Email: inn@porterhousebrewco.com
Koo Late Bar
Koo late bar has established itself as one Bray's premium night spots. The club itself is tastefully designed offering its clientele a touch of comfort and sophistication. Koo is open seven nights a week.
Koo Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 11.00pm - 2.30am Sun: 11.00pm - 2.00am
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2868000 Fax: +353 (0) 2864254 Email: info@heatherhousehotel.com
Back to top
AVOCA IRISH HANDWEAVERS
Avoca Irish Handweavers have award-winning cafes, food halls and kitchen shops at several stores, a garden centre at one and have published Ireland’s best selling cookbooks. Avoca Handweavers have three stores in Wicklow at Avoca, Kilmacanogue and Powerscourt. You'll find an exciting range of accessories and gifts including Irish Knitwear clothing, glass, leather, silk, pottery, ironwork and jewellery, much of which is exclusive to Avoca.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2867466 Fax: +353 (0) 2862367 E-mail: info@avoca.ie
Back to top
GLENDALOUGH HERITAGE MONASTERY & SITE
Glendalough is the English translation of the Irish name ‘Gleann da Locha’ which translates to ‘The Valley of the two lakes’. Glendalough is steeped in history and beauty and famous for its outstanding historical and archaeological features. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 404 45325/45352 Fax: +353 (0) 404 45626
Back to top
POWERSCOURT GARDENS ESTATE AND WATERFALL
The highest waterfall in Ireland is situated in Enniskerry, a beautiful old village on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains. Regarded as one of the most splendid houses and grounds in Europe, Powerscourt is grand in the traditional manner with sweeping terraces, antique sculptures and fountains, set in acres of rolling green grasslands. The grounds spread over 45 acres and were created in 1740’s. It contains a large picnic area, playground and nature trail. Opening Times Daily from 9.30am-7pm (summer) or 10.30am-dusk (winter) closes two weeks prior to Christmas. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 1 204 6000 Fax: +353 (0) 1 204 6900 E-mail: info@powerscourt.ie Web: www.powerscourt.ie
Back to top
VALE OF AVOCA AND BALLYKISSANGEL
This celebrated valley is the place where “bright waters meet”. The joining of the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers in the beautiful vale inspired Thomas Moore’s poem “The Meeting of the Waters”. Near the confluence is Thomas Moore’s tree, where the poet is reputed to have spent many hours composing songs and poems.
The red earth in the valley is testament to the deposits of copper, which have been mined here for two centuries. The village of Avoca itself lies in the middle of the valley and has in recent times risen to fame as the location of BBC’s “Ballykissangel”.
Back to top
HISTORIC HOUSES AND GARDENS
Killruddery House and Gardens
Killruddery House has been the home to the Brabazon family (the Earls of Meath) since 1618. The House itself dates from the 1600s but was completely remodelled in 1820. The Drawing Room and Dining Room have very impressive ceilings. A wonderful Orangery was added in 1852 and contains a collection of statuary mainly from Italy.
Opening Times: Gardens: April, weekends only. 1st May - 30th September, 1pm-5pm daily. House: May, June & September, 1pm-5pm daily.
Also at other times and dates for pre-booked groups. It is 2 minutes from our hotel. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 2863405 Website: www.killruddery.ie
Mount Usher Gardens
These lovely gardens, laid out along the banks of the Vartry River at Ashford are "a must" for visitors to the county. Mount Usher is a wild, Robinsonian garden dating from approx 1860. The gardens measure 20 acres & contain over 5,000 different species of plants & trees, including many Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias, Eucryphia and Azaleas.
Opening Times: Daily 10.30am to 6pm from 5th March to 31st October. It is 23km from our hotel –20 minutes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 404 40205/40116 Fax: +353 (0) 404 40205 E-mail: mount_usher.gardens@indigo.ie
Russborough
Near Blessington Lake in West Wicklow, one of the finest 18th century houses in Ireland open to the public. It is home to splendid period furniture and furnishings. Due to a major ongoing works programme, including conservation of the building, the collection of paintings normally displayed will not be on view this season.
Opening times and dates: April from 10am - 5pm Sundays and Bank Holiday, May to September from 10am - 5pm Every Day and October from 10am - 5pm Sundays and Bank Holiday. It is 48km from our hotel –50 minutes. For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 45 865239 Fax: +353 (0) 45 865054 Email: russborough@eircom.net
Avondale House
Avondale House was the birthplace and home of Chalres Stewart Parnell (1846 -1891), one of the greatest political leaders in Irish history. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres along the banks of the Avonmore River, with tree trails and walks ranging in duration. This beautiful Georgian House, designed by James Wyatt and built in 1777, contains fine plasterwork and many original pieces of furniture.
Opening Times: Mid - March to 31st October, daily 11am-6pm (Last admission to house is 5pm) It is 42km from our hotel –40 minutes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0) 404 46111 / Fax: +353 (0) 404 46333 E-mail: costelloe_j@coillte.ie Web: www.coillte.ie
Back to top
Greenan Farm, Museums and Maze
Greenan Farm Museums & Maze is situated in the midst of the Wicklow Mountains at the foot of the beautiful Glenmalure Valley, only 4 miles from Rathdrum. Visitors will delight in a fun-filled day incorporating heritage, education, nature and relaxation. It is a wonderful day out for all, from toddlers to senior citizens and from families to corporate tours. It is 40km from our hotel –38 minutes.
For information please contact Tel: +353 (0)404 46000 Fax: +353 (0)402 36308 E-mail: fun@greenanmaze.com Web: www.greenanmaze.com
Back to top
WICKLOW MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The Wicklow Mountains National Park is one of the six national parks managed by Duchas. The park covers approximately 20,000hectares around the Glendalough and Wicklow Mountain Region. This includes large areas of mountain blanket bogs, including the Lugnaquilla and Liffey Head Bog complexes and Glendalough Wood Nature Reserve. The National Park provides protection for the landscape and the wildlife, from rare orchids to the wild and beautiful Peregrine Falcon. The education centre is located at the upper lake in Glendalough.
Opening times: Apr – Sept at weekends 10am – 6pm May – Aug Daily 10am-6pm. Admission free. Kilafin, Laragh. Tel: +353 (0)404 45425/45338 Fax: +353 (0)404 45338 Web: www.heritageireland.ie
Back to top
WICKLOW'S HISTORIC GAOL
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol gives visitors an absorbing overview of Irish social and political history. It tells the story of old Ireland from the Rebellion in 1798, to the famine years, prison reform and how it impacted the lives Irish people, alongside the traumatic impact of the transportation of almost 50,000 Irish people as convicts to Australia. Actors interpret these stories along with audios, graphics and figures. Opening Times: Apr – Oct: 10am – 6pm 7 days a week. Tours take place every 10 minutes. Wicklow Town Tel: +353 (0)404 61599 Web: www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com
Back to top
|
|
