Welcome to Russborough’s demesne, where everyone can enjoy a wide range of activities across two hundred acres of scenic parklands
Parklands Walks
You can explore Russborough's beautiful demense on foot with one of our walking routes, in the heart of the beautiful Wicklow countryside.
Choose from the 2km wildlife trail, which passes through our wildlife habitat, the 2km woodland and rhododendron trail, or combine them for a longer, more satisfying walk. There are information boards along both routes full of interesting facts about Russborough and its flora and fauna. These easy walking routes take in breathtaking scenery, secluded spots, and the best views of the stunning Palladian mansion.
Whilst you’re out and about, keep an eye out for some of the wonderful wildlife that call Russborough home. You may come across swans, foxes, badgers, hares and rabbits as you explore. Dogs are welcome at Russborough, where they will always find a bowl of water in the courtyard, but must be kept on lead.
Children’s Playground Playground
Voted one of the top playgrounds in the country by the Irish Times, children aged 2-12 will find lots of adventure in our play area with its mix of fun and challenging equipment including wooden framed swings, a sandpit, slides and spider web climbing frame.
There's plenty of seating in the picnic area for the grown-ups to relax and the café and toilets are just a stone's throw away.
There is no charge to use the playground and if you feel like losing yourself pick up a token for the maze at Reception.
Please note that for health and safety reasons, we cannot allow your four-legged family members into the playground.
Walking Trail
This season we have launched an walking trail around the 2km parkland walk to the front and back of the house, taking in the beautiful scenery and historic features. While enjoying Russborough's exceptional architecture and demense you will be brought to fifteen locations where where you can read about fascinating stories of the people & events that helped shape the house and estate since the mid-18th century.
To ensure that we keep our littlest visitors entertained there is also a shorter children’s walking tour with a quick quiz question at each stop to keep children engaged.
Walled Garden
Russborough’s 18th century walled garden is currently being restored by volunteers from the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI). This hive of activity can be visited during the following times:
March-April
Wed & Sat: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
May
Wed & Sat: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |Sun: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
June-August
Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Wed & Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The impressive restoration work includes reinstating the garden paths to their original layout and dimensions along with repairs to the surrounding brick and stone walls using traditional techniques, replanting of the hornbeam hedge, and restoring the curvilinear glasshouse. The once overgrown vegetable garden is again an area of productivity and work is being carried out to restore the Pleasure Garden.
Groups can pre-book a garden tour along with their house tour on 045 865239
Artisans of Russborough
The Artisans of Russborough were formed in 2009 and are a group of resident artists working from within the grounds of Russborough House.
All accomplished in their fields, you can visit the artists in their studios located in Russborough's East and West Wing Courtyards. Among these award winning artists and craftspeople you'll find beautiful handmade products by a Ceramicist, Sculptural Blacksmiths, Candle Maker, Bog Oak Sculptor, Cruthú: West Wicklow arts group, and a Stonemason.
CP Adventure Outdoor Adventure Centre
CP Adventure have been running Outdoor Multi-Activity Programmes for all group types in Blessington for over 28 years. They relocated to Russborough in January 2019 where they developed a new purpose built Forest Adventure Centre. At CP Adventure, you will find a range of land & water activities such as: climbing tower, archery, 100m zipline, ropes course, bungee trampoline, clay pigeon shooting, segway, bike rental, orienteering, bushcraft, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, war canoes and much more.
Corporate Days | Group Packages | Hiking & Biking Tours | School & Group Programmes
Half day or Full day Multi Activities
Overnight Camping Programme
Ecology Programmes
Summer Camps for all ages
Walk-ins welcome (subject to availability). Come along, bring the kids and try out our Adventure Zone.
Call us on 045 865742 | 087 4662252 for more information or visit our website from the button below.
The Blessington Greenway
The Greenway is a 6.5km trail (the round trip equals 13km) along the shores of the Blessington Lakes and through forest and natural woodland. It starts at Russelltown Bay, across the road from Russborough, and finished at the Avon Ri activity centre at the southern end of Blessington. There is space for parking at both locations. It is hoped that the Greenway will stretch right around the Blessington Lakes with a distance of about 35km in the future.
Grade: Easy
Distance: 6.5 km
Estimated Time: 1.5 Hours
Total Height Climbed: 0
Terrain Underfoot: Forest Roads, Boardwalk, and Tarmac Footpath
Suitable for: Anyone with Reasonable Fitness
The Starting Point
The Greenway can be accessed from the N81 at either end by car, or alternatively by the number 65 bus in Dublin to Blessington or Russborough. The GPS for the start point is: 53.161703, -6.533786.
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