Avoca Woollen Mills & Mount Usher gardens

Exploring Wicklow

Hi everyone, On bank holiday Sunday I decided to go on a ramble. I am a lover of pretty places, gardens and all things nature. I decided to ditch the drink and hangover for the bank holiday weekend and do some exploring to feed my soul. For a long time, I have wanted to go down to the Avoca woollen mills in the town of Avoca in Wicklow. The drive down wasn’t as long as I expected. It took me about 50 minutes from Dublin and thankfully I didn’t get lost either. It is a gorgeous drive when you exit the motor way. They don’t call Wicklow the garden of Ireland for nothing, there really are some stunning views. 

When you arrive at the Avoca woollen mill you will see the gorgeous white brick buildings with the little red doors and window frames. There are a shop and a cafe but you can also wander into the Mill itself and have a walk around and see everything being made. 

I got to see a man weaving a throw, it was fascinating to see inside and all of the machinery. If you are into your crafts and weaving you will love this place. I captured as much as I could in my Youtube video of the day. My biggest tip, however, is to go during the week. During the week you can see the whole place in action. As it was a Sunday there was only one guy working but going during the week you get to see more. 

I pit stopped in the cafe and had a delicious slice of apple tart and a Mocha to keep me going. I also had a look in the shop where you can buy the pieces being made in the mill. I was tempted by a throw but I couldn’t decide on a colour so I left empty handed. You would only spend roughly an hour – two hours here so plan to see other attractions on your trip too I decided to go to Mount Usher gardens on the way back to Dublin. It is only 25 mins from the Avoca woollen mills and really easy to find. 

I rely on my good aul google maps to get me everywhere. I adored Mount Usher gardens but my best tip is to get there early or during the week and I got arrived at a busy time and had to circle a bit for a parking space. Once in, it is an amazing place to explore. You have to pay into see the gardens but it is definitely worth it. I spend over an hour walking around. There is really pretty woodland trails and my favourite was walking along the river. There are lots of bridges too so you can cross over each side.  This time of year I saw loads of colourful Hydrangeas, the last of the Lupins and some beautiful roses. Unfortunately, I had a rainy day but the gardens were still stunning. I will definitely be back on a sunny day. you could spend all afternoon exploring. 

There is also some cafes and shops on the ground and another Avoca. I popped into the gorgeous Strawbridge shop. I wanted to buy everything! Shabby chic heaven but I resisted temptation and came out with a table runner. 

There are so many more places I want to explore sound here, Glendalough is near too so why not plan out your own day. Please let me know if you know of any hidden gems or gardens near me as I love to explore new ones. Leave your suggestions in the comments below. 

Thanks so much for reading, Let me know if you visit any of the places and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. 

Chat soon, 

Catherine. 

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6 Comments

  1. Nanny Juls
    August 10, 2017 / 7:35 pm

    Really enjoyed your YouTube video & Blog on your visit to Avoca Woollen Mills. Looked amazing. The Gardens you visited are so pretty. May have to take a trip down to visit them next time I go to Ireland to visit my brother who lives in Westport, County Mayo.I love Ireland. There are so many gorgeous places to visit. Thank you for taking us on your amazing adventures Dainty.

  2. Catherine Carton
    August 10, 2017 / 8:35 pm

    Westport is such a gorgeous place, I love trying to find new cute places to do to. Even the cute villages with the cottage pubs! I love them. Thank you so much for watching and reading.

  3. DecoupageIRL
    August 12, 2017 / 8:30 am

    Have you been to the Gaiety Vintage in Westport? A lovely gem of a place.

  4. Catherine Carton
    August 13, 2017 / 8:37 am

    I am pencilling that in, I just googled them and the gardens look gorgeous. I need to get a little camper van lol! Drive around to all these pretty places. Thanks so much for reading!

  5. Welcome to Papery Blue
    December 29, 2017 / 6:10 pm

    Such pretty place, oh I dream of visiting your country one day!

  6. Catherine Carton
    December 29, 2017 / 6:28 pm

    Thank you so much for reading, I do hope you get to visit to see it for yourself xx

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