The town of Baltinglass may be small, but, surprisingly, it’s one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Dublin.
Last updated: January 14, 2023
The Ultimate Guide and One-Day Itinerary to Baltinglass, Ireland
You’ve probably never heard of Baltinglass before sitting down and planning your trip to Ireland. This little town in Wicklow County, about one hour away from Dublin, barely gets exposure. Even big travel planning sites hardly focus on Baltinglass or simply combine it with other sightseeings in the area.
And it’s quite a disappointment considering the amount of historical and archeological sites in and around the town. Thus, if you still have room for an additional place in your Ireland itinerary, I highly recommend that you visit this beautiful destination. Moreover, to help you make your trip as enjoyable as possible, I’ve compiled the short, yet substantial guide to visiting the historical town of Baltinglass.
How to Get to Baltinglass
Baltinglass is a small town or village, like locals call it, in the southwestern corner of County Wicklow. It’s set on the River Slaney, approximately one hour drive from Dublin. There are a few routes that can take you to the village. The most commonly used one, though, is via N81.
Driving is by far the easiest and most reliable way to visit the historical town with its medieval ruins. Wicklow guided tour buses also give you an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the village. But in the latter case you might not have enough time to see everything you would if you were driving.
The Best Time to Visit Baltinglass
The village is open for visitors all year round. Although narrow and somewhat difficulties to travel along for unaccustomed drivers, most of the roads to Baltinglass from Dublin are paved, allowing for easy access to the village.
Winters are much colder than the rest of the year. The roads may be slippery after a round of snow or rain. The latter never fails to highlight Irish famed forty shades of green.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving on the narrow roads of Ireland, consider taking these guided tours. The Wicklow Mountains tour normally includes a quick stop in Baltinglass.
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Baltinglass: Top Things to Do
Baltinglass Abbey
Baltinglass Abbey is the most famous attraction in the village. The abbey was founded in 1148 as a monastery. By the early 16th century, it was one of the richest abbeys in the country. Things, however, changed drastically, and by the 1536 the abbey was supressed. Today these ruins are one of the prominent examples of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
Saint Mary’s Church
The second favorite historical site of the village is located just one minute away from the abbey. Saint Mary’s Church was built in 1884. The abbey’s nearest neighbor is regarded as one of the finest examples of the Gothic style as well.
Saint Joseph’s Church
An older sibling of Saint Mary’s Church, Saint Joseph’s Church also appeared in the village in the 19th century, about 20 years earlier. And like Saint Mary’s Church, it astounds its visitors with the Gothic Revival style.
Other Historical Buildings
Baltinglass is known as the Heritage Town that boasts many archaeological sites and buildings. Some of them, such as Baltinglass Courthouse, Baltinglass Library, and the McAllister Monument, cluster in the heart of the town.
Germaines of Baltinglass
A visit to the Irish village of Baltinglass isn’t complete without savoring some of the local delicacies. And what better place to do it than Germaines. This family-run pub offers some of the best homemade dishes in the village along with its cozy Irish ambience.
Horans Bar and Restaurant
For a chance to meet locals, look no further than Horans Bar and Restaurant. This 1881-year building is set on Main Street. It serves traditional dishes with a signature Irish twist.
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