OUR PROPERTIES
Housed within the West Wing at Russborough House, the Garden Apartment, like the Beit Residence, echoes the opulence and grandeur of the main house. This house enjoys a spectacular setting with magnificent views of the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Mountains beyond. It was in the West Wing that Sir Alfred and Lady Beit lived the final years of their lives. Each apartment is exceptional and is representative of the way life was lived here. Beit family photographs, reminiscent of life at Russborough, adorn the drawing rooms. A rich sense of history and craftsmanship can be felt in the specially commissioned Spanish rugs spread throughout the Beit Residence.
Sir Alfred and Lady Beit bought Russborough House in 1952, chiefly to hold their art collection and spent many years restoring this truly magnificent Palladian style house. In 1976, Sir Alfred and Lady Beit generously gifted the house and the renowned art collection to the people of Ireland by establishing the Alfred Beit Foundation. It was at this time that they relocated to live full-time in the West Wing until 2005. Russborough House opened to the public in 1978, and it is lavishly furnished with fine furniture, tapestries, porcelain and silver.
At Beit Residence ...
TULFARRIS GOLF CLUB
Tularris Golf Course, home to the 2000 Irish Seniors Open, is an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Ireland's renowned golf course architect, Patrick J. Merrigan. The natural landscape blends into the design of the course that is set on three peninsulas overlooking Blessington Lakes.
Address: Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort, Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: (045) 867600 tulfarrisgolfclub.com
BLESSINGTON LAKES GOLF CLUB
Blessington Lakes Golf Club is a 9-hole course set in the panoramic setting of Boystown in the heart of the Wicklow countryside. Enjoy a pleasant game of golf in a location where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Blessington Lakes and stunning Wicklow Mountains
Address: Blessington Lakes Golf Club, Baltyboys, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: (045) 867146 blessingtonlakesgolfclub.com
RATHSALLAGH GOLF CLUB
Rathsallagh Golf Club is set in 250 acres of parkland and was recently rated in the top 30 courses in Ireland by John Redmond in his book Ireland's Finest Golf Courses. The clubhouse overlooks the 9th, 10th and 18th holes and serves excellent food and drink.
Address: Rathsallagh House Hotel and Golf Club, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: (045) 403112 rathsallagh.com/section/golfclub
GLENDALOUGH HERMITAGE CENTRE AND WALKS
The Glendalough Valley was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age and the two lakes, from which Glendalough gets its name, were formed when the ice eventually thawed. The Valley is home to one of Ireland's most important monastic sites founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century with a round tower, 12th century Romanesque Priest's House, 11th and 12th century cathedral and a 6th or 7th century granite cross.
Situated in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, the area is a haven for wildlife and there is a rich selection of flora and fauna and beautiful walks.
The remains of the Glendalough and Glendasan Mines can also be found here both inside and outside the Park.
Address: Glendalough, Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: 0404 45600 glendaloughhermitage.ie
CLARA LARA FUN PARK
Clara Lara Fun park is an outstanding outdoor adventure park. It is a unique park dedicated to providing healthy and creative fun for families and groups of children. There is a picnic restaurant serving burgers, chips, sandwiches, ice cream, teas and coffee etc. and a small shop. There are also extensive picnic areas and you are welcome to bring your own picnics.
The fun park is seasonal so please telephone for opening details.
Address: Clara Lara Fun Park, Vale of Clara, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: 0404 46161 claralara.com
GREENAN FARM MUSEUM AND MAZE
Greenan Farm Museum and Maze is situated in the midst of the Wicklow Mountains at the foot of the beautiful Glenmalure Valley. Greenan Farm is a working farm with pigs, horses, donkeys, lambs, chicks and more, and has plenty of other attractions including a garden maze, a C16th farmhouse, a farm museum, bottle museum, sculptures, nature trail, craft shop and tea rooms. There is also a nature walk by a stream down to the dragonfly ponds where an abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed.
Open: 10.00am to 6.00pm
May/June: Tuesday to Sunday July/August: 7 Days
September: Sundays only Easter Weekend and Bank Holiday Mondays in May/June.
Address: Greenan Farm Museum & Maze, Greenan, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: 0404 46000 greenanmaze.com
STONEBROOK PET FARM
Stonebrook Pet Farm is in the picturesque setting of the River Liffey valley and is an ideal spot for a family day out. At Stonebrook Pet Farm you can meet and pet and even feed some very friendly baby animals. There are also two rare kune-kune pigs who are also part of the petting menagerie and along with Bertie, the pygmy goat, have joined the farm from Dublin Zoo. There are also baby chicks, ducklings and goslings to see. A café serves tea and coffee and there is a large safe play area with views over the farmland.
The pet farm is seasonal so please telephone for opening hours.
Address: Stonebrook Pet Farm, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare
Telephone: 086 2661720 stonebrookpetfarm.com
AVON RI RESORT - LEISURE CENTRE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Avon Rí has a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure activities for you to discover during your time in the Wicklow countryside. Indoors there is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi with beautiful views over the Blessington Lakes, a sauna and steam room, and a comprehensively equipped gym. Outdoor activities divide into water-based and land-based, and an experienced outdoor activity team is on hand to teach, set-up and co-ordinate all levels ofparticipation. Activities include kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, power boat training, clay pigeon shooting, archery, air rifle shooting, segway, orienteering, hill walking, mountain biking, tennis and football.
A daily pass is available for purchase for the swimming pool and gym.
Pool and gym opening hours are as follows:-
Monday - Thursday: 7.00am to 9.30pm Friday: 7.00am to 8.30pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 10.00am to 6.00pm
Please telephone the resort to arrange one of the outdoor activities.
Address: Avon Ri Resort, Burgage, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: (045) 900670 avonri.com/activities
WALKING THE WICKLOW WAY
Variety is the great characteristic of this route, which starts in the Dublin suburbs, climbs into the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, and switches from glen to glen through dramatic mountains to Aghavannagh. Views of Luggala, Glendalough and wild Glenmalure eventually give way to lower ground, with sheltered farms and tillage land. The stonewalled stronghold of Rathgall, said to be the residence of the Kings of Leinster, and the Mill of Purgatory - a cupboard in Aghowle Church - are amongst the many places of historic interest. Useful reading material while walking in Ireland is 'Way Marked Trails of Ireland' by Michael Fewer.
Address: Wicklow County Buildings, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow
Telephone: 0404 67324
Route Detail: Marlay Park, Knockree, Roundwood, Laragh, Glenmalure, Ballygobban Hill, Tinahely, Clonegal
Total Distance: 132km / 82 miles
Longest Stage: Knockree to Roundwood - 22km / 13.5 miles
Highest point: White Hill - 630m / 2073ft
Maps and Guidebooks: The Wicklow Way Map Guide, The Complete Wicklow Way - J B Malone
Ordnance Survey Maps: numbers 50, 56, 62
ST KEVIN'S WAY
St Kevin's Way follows in the footsteps of St Kevin through the hills of County Wicklow to the haunting and mysterious valley of Glendalough where he stayed for the rest of his life in solitary prayer and contemplation.
Total Distance: 30 kilometres (18 miles)
Ordnance Survey Map: Discovery Series Sheet 56
Information on Restaurants is available in the Guest Book at the property.