Overview
Blessington is a lively market town perched on the River Liffey at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, about 25 km south‑west of Dublin. Straddling the border of County Wicklow and County Kildare, it serves as the gateway to the expansive Blessington Lakes (Poulaphouca Reservoir), historic estates and a network of walking and cycling routes.
History / Background
The settlement was originally known as Ballycomeen and later Munfine before a 17th‑century charter from Archbishop Michael Boyle renamed it Blessington. Archaeological finds such as the Blessington gold lunula attest to Bronze‑Age activity, while medieval landmarks include the Rath Turtle Moat and the 12th‑century St Mark’s Cross.
In the 18th century the Downshire family reshaped the town, commissioning the Market House, Downshire Lodge and the parish schoolhouse that still define the streetscape. Nearby, Russborough House was built for the Leeson family in the 1740s and remains one of Ireland’s finest Palladian mansions.
The lakes themselves were created in the early 1930s when the Irish state dammed the River Liffey at Poulaphouca. The resulting reservoir flooded a fertile valley and the small community of Ballinahown, whose stone walls and farm structures re‑emerge during low‑water periods – most dramatically in the dry summer of 2018.
What to See & Do
St Mary’s Church
Located in Market Square, St Mary’s dates from 1683 and houses Ireland’s oldest complete set of change‑ringing bells (cast in 1682). The bells ring for Sunday services and on Saturday evenings for practice, offering a rare auditory glimpse into the town’s ecclesiastical heritage.
Russborough House
- Highlights: 18th‑century Palladian interiors, an impressive art collection, a walled garden with a maze, and 200 acre parklands overlooking the lake.
- Tours: Guided tours run hourly; self‑guided audio options are also available.
- Facilities: On‑site shop, café, and ample parking.
| Service | Mon‑Fri | Sat & Sun / Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| House tours | 12:00 – 15:00 | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Shop | 09:30 – 17:00 | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Café | 09:30 – 16:00 | 09:30 – 16:30 |
| Parklands | 09:00 – 17:15 | 09:00 – 17:15 |
| Walled garden (Wed & Sat) | 10:30 – 15:00 | 10:30 – 15:00 |
| Parking (all‑day) | €4 (coins or contactless) | Free for members |
Tickets can be booked in advance via the Russborough website.
Blessington Lakes & Poulaphouca Reservoir
The 44 km shoreline reservoir supplies water and hydro‑electric power to Dublin while offering tranquil settings for boating, fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching. Birdwatchers can spot swans, ducks, greylag geese and occasional raptors such as the hen harrier. Anglers favour pike, perch and brown trout. The occasional emergence of the submerged village of Ballinahown adds an archaeological curiosity to a day on the water.
Blessington Greenway
- Length: ~6 km flat, paved trail following the lake’s eastern shore.
- Start: Avon Rí Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Blessington.
- End: Russeltown Bay, opposite Russborough House.
- Features: woodland sections, sweeping lake vistas, an ancient medieval ringfort, and way‑marking with a green arrow on a white background.
- Practicalities: Easy difficulty, suitable for walkers, families and cyclists; dogs are welcome; typical completion time 1 ½ hours.
The Greenway links directly to the town centre and provides a gentle introduction to the wider 33 km loop planned for future development.
Cycling
Blessington forms a key leg of several popular cycling routes in the Wicklow Mountains. The Blessington Waters loop (≈70 km, mixed‑terrain) starts from Laragh, climbs the Wicklow Gap, descends to the lakes, passes through Blessington town and returns via the Sally Gap. The route offers a blend of quiet country roads, scenic lakeside sections and challenging climbs, making it a favourite for both road cyclists and touring riders. The Greenway forms the low‑gradient start‑off for many riders heading east towards Russborough House.
Historic sites nearby
- Burgage Cemetery – a 19th‑century graveyard on the outskirts of town, notable for its ornate headstones and tranquil setting. It is a short, well‑signposted walk from the centre and provides insight into the local community’s past. (Burgage Cemetery)
Accommodation highlights
- The Cow House – a contemporary holiday let about three miles from Russborough House. Housed in a restored Victorian steward’s house, the property blends modern design with original stone walls and offers garden views, making it a popular choice for couples seeking a design‑focused retreat.
- The town also offers a range of B&Bs, guesthouses and lakeside cottages catering to families and groups.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Blessington is reachable by car via the M7 (exit 9) or by the Dublin‑Kildare commuter rail (Blessington station). Regular bus services run from Dublin city centre.
- Parking: Town‑centre car parks are free on weekends; the Greenway start point at Avon Rí has free surface parking; Russborough House parking is €4 on weekdays (free for members).
- Water‑sport rentals: Kayaks, paddle‑boards and small motorboats are available from April to October at the Avon Rí Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
- Dog‑friendly: Dogs are allowed on the Greenway and most walking routes, but must be kept on a lead in the parklands.
- Seasonality: The lakes and Greenway are accessible year‑round; cycling routes are best enjoyed in dry weather, with the Blessington Waters loop popular in late spring and early autumn.
- Contact:
- Blessington Tourist Office: +353 45 123 456
- Russborough House: +353 45 789 012
- Avon Rí Outdoor Pursuits Centre: +353 45 345 678
Whether seeking history, art, or outdoor adventure, Blessington offers a compact yet richly varied experience just a short drive from the capital.