Step into Wicklow
The Garden of Ireland on your Doorstep
Avoca Handweaving Mill, Store & Café
On the banks of the Avoca River, just a five-minute drive from the Woodenbridge Hotel, lies the oldest working weaving Mill in Ireland. Here you will find the Avoca Store, Café and Hand-Weaving Mill around which visitors can take a guided tour to see first-hand where Avoca’s signature throws, blankets and scarves are created. The Mill is full of local craftspeople, many of whom have been working there for generations and can even identify family members in old photos adorning the wall of the memorabilia room.
The tour itself is delivered by Avoca’s friendly and engaging tour guides who re-tell the story of the Mill and bring the group on a fun and informative visit with a demo on the old flying shuttle loom*. Visitors will learn about the history of Avoca, the craft involved in each step of the weaving process and will get a real sense of the care & tradition Avoca pour into each new piece of fabric as it passes from their home to yours.
A visit to Avoca is never complete without a look around the colourful retail store where visitors can spend time browsing Avoca’s collection of woollen mill products, clothing, giftware and accessories, all crafted with a touch of Irish charm. Visitors can then put their feet up in the wonderful Avoca café serving a selection of freshly baked cakes, scones and delicious homemade lunch dishes.
With plenty of parking available on site and beautiful views of the river, the Avoca Mill, Store and Café provide the perfect destination in the beautiful County of Wicklow. Please click here for further information.
Visit Wicklow, stay at Ireland’s oldest hotel. Trading since 1608.
Mount Usher Gardens
Mount Usher Gardens situated in the beautiful town of Ashford, Co. Wicklow and just a 30-minute drive from the Woodenbridge Hotel, is one of the top-rated garden attractions in Ireland. The Gardens extend to 22 acres and offer scenic walks, stunning views and winding paths that meander along the banks of the River Vartry. Created by four generations of the Walpole family beginning in 1868, Mount Usher is recognised at home and abroad as one of the earliest and finest examples of a ‘Robinsonian’ garden.
Mount Usher is home to an extensive collection of plants, including many rare and exotic species and is known for its magnificent display of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias. It combines a champion collection of trees and shrubs with inspirational floral planting schemes and has an ever-changing panoply of colours and textures enhanced by wafting scents accompanying every season.
The gardens are situated along the banks of the picturesque River Vartry, which adds to the charm and tranquillity of the setting. As you explore the gardens, you will come across charming wooden bridges, nooks, and peaceful seating areas where you can pause and appreciated the beauty of the surroundings.
In addition to the beautifully landscaped gardens, Mount Usher offers a full menu of locally sourced ingredients in the Avoca Garden Café, as well as a shopping outlet in the nearby courtyard. Please click here for further information.
For more information on things to do in Wicklow check out Visit Wicklow
Become a Wicklow ambassador by gathering Wicklow stamps for your Wicklow Passport while touring the Garden County. Passport available from the Hotel reception make sure not to forget your stamp!
