| Blessington Lakes in County Wicklow |
Your visit to Kippure Estate in County Wicklow marks the perfect opportunity to get out on and explore the real Ireland, away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. The “Grand Tour” is a new Irish road trip, a short route across the picturesque plains, the historical houses and the Christian heritage sites that Kildare and Wicklow have to offer. It’s a leisurely drive through spectacular rural surroundings, and a fantastic option for a day out when you’re staying at Kippure Estate.
In the past, aristocrats travelled the Grand Tour to soak up the scenery and explore the Emerald Isle, and the route still boasts the same luxurious sights. As the route winds through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, it passes right by Kippure Estate’s gate. Starting at Ashford, the route passes Greystones and Bray before moving west through the Wicklow Mountains, stopping off at Manor Kilbride and then completing a circuit around the spellbinding Blessington Lakes. Finally, it continues onwards towards Naas and beyond, with the option to either explore the 18th century Quaker settlement of Ballitore or venture north towards Castletown House in Celbridge.
The area surrounding Blessington Lakes is arguably the highlight of the route. The lakes boast of 5,000 acres of water and a diverse array of bird life. The lakes are only a 15 minute drive away from Kippure Estate, offering year-round fishing opportunities and things like kayaking, windsurfing and boating through the summer. On the land, you can explore ancient cairns and standing stones, enjoy a picnic or take a scenic walk through the countryside.
RussboroughHouse is only a short distance from Blessington Lakes, and it’s also on the Grand Tour route. The 18th century house has a reputation as one of the most beautiful in Ireland. You can take in the ornate interior, enjoy the brimming art collection and venture through the splendid courtyard and maze.
You can take a trip out directly from Kippure Estate, or you can even start before you arrive. If you want to drive the whole route, you could start down at Ashford and spend the first day of your trip taking in the sights on the way to Kippure. After a comfortablenight’s sleep here at the estate, you’re free to use the next day to explore the remainder of the route.
Still looking for more ideas? The next article in the series introduces the endlessly popular Irish National Stud and Gardens in County Kildare!