Exploring Enniskerry & Surrounds in a Camper Van: A Perfect Wicklow Itinerary
Plan the perfect camper-van trip around Enniskerry, Wicklow — scenic hikes, Powerscourt, Glencree, and a relaxing optional stay at Summerhill House Hotel
Nestled at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Enniskerry is an ideal base for a scenic camper-van adventure. With lush woodlands, dramatic waterfalls, historic sites, and charming villages, this corner of the Garden of Ireland rewards slow travel and spontaneous detours. Below is a carefully paced itinerary that blends nature walks, cultural history, and cosy evenings beside your camper van. Many visitors leave Wicklow inspired by its indoor-outdoor lifestyle, from garden rooms to timber decking spaces overlooking nature.
Day 1: Arrival and Village Stroll
Morning: Roll into Enniskerry mid-morning, with panoramic views of rolling hills and crisp country air. After finding a camper-friendly parking spot or campsite nearby (check local designated camper van sites), take a wander through the village centre. Enniskerry’s neo-Tudor architecture and quaint streets offer a gentle introduction to rural Wicklow life. There are several cafés and pubs perfect for a lunch stop — ideal after a day on the road.
Afternoon: Stretch your legs with an easy walk in Knocksink Wood, a protected Special Area of Conservation with diverse oak woodlands and tranquil creekside paths. This nature reserve near Enniskerry is a great first taste of Wicklow’s wild side and perfect for spotting native flora and birdlife.
Evening: Park up your van for the night at a nearby designated area or campsite and enjoy a relaxed dinner – perhaps local Wicklow produce cooked over a portable stove or a hearty meal at a community pub. Before setting off on your camper van adventure, it’s always worth making sure your van insurance and breakdown cover are up to date for added peace of mind.
Day 2: Powerscourt Estate — Gardens, House & Waterfall
Morning: Get an early start with a short drive to the Powerscourt Estate — one of Ireland’s most loved attractions. Book ahead or visit the official site for current opening hours and ticket info.
At Powerscourt, you’ll find 47 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with Italian terraces, colourful walled gardens, hidden grottoes, and a serene Japanese garden — perfect for slow wandering and photography.
Afternoon: After lunch at one of the estate cafés, drive or walk to Powerscourt Waterfall, about 6 km from the main gardens. At 121 m tall, this cascading fall is Ireland’s highest and offers an unforgettable backdrop for a picnic or short hike through the peaceful glen.
There are walking trails around the waterfall and options to explore deeper into the nearby Crone Woods, a fantastic area for forest trails and views over mountain ridges.
Evening: Return to your camper van spot. If the weather’s clear, enjoy stargazing from a quiet lay-by or campsite, with only the sounds of the countryside around you.
Day 3: Glencree Valley and Hidden History
Morning: Head north towards the tranquil Glencree Valley, a beautiful mountain valley just a short drive from Enniskerry. It’s a standout option for history buffs and quiet walkers alike.
Here, a key stop is the Glencree German War Cemetery, a serene memorial to 134 German military servicemen and civilians from both World Wars. Set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains and bordered by the Glencree River, this cemetery is both a historical point of interest and a place of reflective beauty.
Afternoon: After a peaceful morning, return towards Enniskerry via scenic backroads. If you’re feeling energetic, stop at Crone Woods again for a more extended woodland hike or explore more of the Wicklow Way trails that branch through this region.
Consider visiting the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, whose grounds and history bring deeper context to the valley’s past.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in one of Enniskerry’s pubs or taverns. Locals often recommend hearty Irish stews, seafood chowder, or a pint of craft ale to round out the day.
Day 4: Flexible Nature Day or Nearby Explorations
Morning: Use this day as a flexible adventure buffer. If you’re keen on more scenic driving, the Wicklow Gap Road or routes through Glencullen lead to views of mountains, lakes, and hidden valleys.
Alternatively, consider a short drive southeast to the National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh — a beautiful historic garden filled with rare plant species and wide open green spaces that change with the seasons.
Afternoon: Pack a picnic by the river or head to a nearby beach — Wicklow’s coastal spots like Brittas Bay and Greystones are less than an hour away and offer a change of scenery from the rolling hills inland.
Evening: For your final night, you might choose to return to your camper van or, if you’re in the mood for extra comfort, book a relaxing night at Summerhill House Hotel. This charming country-house escape sits right beside Powerscourt and offers warm, cosy rooms, an inviting atmosphere, and the option to indulge in a soothing spa treatment. After days on the road, it’s the perfect place to unwind in comfort. Treat yourself to an à la carte dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, enjoy a slow morning the next day, and then continue your journey refreshed.
Tips for Camper Van Travel Around Enniskerry
🌿 Plan parking ahead: Designated camper-van parks or campsites help ensure you stay within local regulations.
🍃 Leave no trace: Always pack out what you bring in — Wicklow’s nature is part of its charm.
📅 Check seasonal opening times: Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall have specific seasonal hours. Booking online is recommended.