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3rd July 2017
05:01pm BST
We could all do with a break every now and then in our lives. A chance to get away, switch off from work and just relax.
And you know what? You deserve it. You deserve to treat and pamper yourself. To really and truly unwind.
Of course, location is key, and you can't go wrong with a trip to Wicklow.
This part of the country is spoiled when it comes to natural surroundings, gaining the county its apt nickname of the 'Garden of Ireland'.
The best bit? It's just 30 minutes from Dublin, so you can enjoy a super relaxing weekend without spending hours in the car.
Here are a just a few of the things you can expect...
You only need to spend a day in Wicklow to understand why it's known as the Garden of Ireland. Sally Gap, Russborough House, Mount Usher Gardens — the whole county is a wonderland.
One of the most picturesque and highest waterfalls in Ireland, the Powerscourt Waterfall is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or a walk to remember.
Another romantic way to enjoy your time in the Garden of Ireland is to find the secluded woodland River Walk which runs along the Dargle River, where you can enjoy the peaceful babbling of water and the serenity of the wide open spaces surrounding you — though this option is available exclusively to guests of the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa or members of Powerscourt Estate.
Or if you'd rather take the weight off your feet, you can also take a scenic trek with the Brennanstown Riding School, who give guided tours of the area on horseback, showing visitors the Glen of the Downs, Wicklow Mountains, Dublin Bay and many other jaw-dropping sights.
Get a guided tour or go your own way through the ruggedly beautiful Wicklow Mountains, one of the best hiking spots in the country.
If you're looking for a bit of a challenge, the Sugar Loaf is the mountain you want to climb. While it's only 501m about sea level, the mountain's shape and isolation from other mountains make it appear far larger (and more daunting) to would-be climbers.
Or why not make Glendalough your hiking destination? Nestled among the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains, this lake is without question one of the most breathtaking spots on this little island of ours, with visitors flocking from near and far to gaze upon the natural wonder.
Nothing says 'chill' like a day at the spa… and Wicklow is home to one of Ireland’s leading spas — ESPA at Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa. Make sure to check out the Swarovski Crystal-lit swimming pool and one of their signature treatments… you’ll float back to reality.
Getting away from the city doesn't mean you have to sacrifice top-class dining experiences.
Chef Catherine Fulvio runs the Ballyknocken Cookery School from this location, where guests can participate in a variety of scheduled classes. A must-visit for the food-obsessed.
You can also have an elegant treat with Afternoon Tea at the Sugar Loaf Lounge at Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, a wholly more relaxing way to admire the Sugar Loaf Mountain, if hiking’s not your thing.
If you're in need of a relaxing weekend away from it all, Wicklow is the place for you.
Round up your pals (or the love of your life) and treat yo'self ASAP.
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Dreaming of a break away?
Well, lucky for you, the lovely people at Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa are giving away an overnight stay for two people in a luxurious Deluxe room!
The lucky winner will also enjoy a delicious dinner in Sika and a breakfast feast the following morning, while overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Just click HERE to enter the competition — good luck!
