Spinc Loop and Hidden Valley celebrated as Wicklow sites win six Irish Independent Travel Awards

COUNTY Wicklow received six prizes at the 2022 Irish Independent Travel Awards, with the Spinc Loop and Hidden Valley landing top-spot in their respective categories.

The Awards are sorted by categories with the objective to list the best tourism experiences and destinations around Ireland and the world. Categories include Ireland’s top walks, beaches, hotels, campsites, visitor attractions and more.

The Spinc Loop in Glendalough was voted Ireland’s best walk trail. The stunning loop around the Glendalough Valley fully deserves its first prize. The recent work done by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to upgrade the trails have made this stunning trail more accessible.

Hidden Valley was voted as the number one campsite in Ireland. Hidden Valley, along with its sister’s park at River Valley, has been investing heavily in adding quality and fun infrastructure to the place over the years. With a fantastic waterpark and many outdoor activities, this award is rightly deserved.

Powerscourt Hotel was voted the third best spa in the land. The combination of amazing facilities, perfect surroundings and great staff is why Espa at Powerscourt Hotel is so celebrated.

River Valley came in at number four for best campsite. The Electric Karts Race Track launched in May last year, was the latest addition to the many great activities available at River Valley.

Beyond the Trees, Avondale was voted number six for sustainability. Following a major investment by Coillte and Fáilte Ireland, Avondale has been the star attraction of the 2022 summer season! The tree top boardwalk and giant tower has been featured over the news and social media with stunning images. Great efforts have been made to make Beyond the Trees as eco-friendly as possible.

Brittas Bay Beach came in at number ten for best beach. This award is probably a just recognition of what has been one of Ireland’s most visited beaches over the years. As soon as the weather gets warmer, Brittas Bay welcomes hundreds of visitors. The combination of sand dunes, Blue Flag beaches and proximity to Dublin has been the successful recipe to attract visitors to Brittas Bay.

Commenting on the results, Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council said: “Wicklow County Council is absolutely delighted with the many awards won in the County. The diversity of the various awards is also significant. Mountains, sea, attractions, accommodation and activity are all featured. Wicklow is unique and blessed in its amazing diversity that continues to attract visitors over the years.”

Cllr Tommy Annesley, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, added: “Wicklow County Council should take pride in the result of those awards. The hard work and vision of the Council is being recognised, especially with Brittas Bay. Partnerships with Wicklow National Parks and Wildlife Service for the Spinc and Coillte for Avondale are celebrated here as well. Huge congratulations to Hidden Valley, River Valley and Powerscourt Hotel to their continued effort to make Wicklow one of the best destinations in Ireland.”