Major city · Ireland
Blessington
One night is enough: base here only with a car, for Russborough House and the lakes; otherwise day-trip from Dublin in 90 min on bus 65.
Blessington is a small west Wicklow town of about 5,600 people on the N81, between the Wicklow mountains and the Kildare border. The draw is Russborough House and its art collection, the Poulaphouca reservoir shoreline, and two garden stops on the N81. Without a car you are limited to the village, the greenway and what bus 65 reaches.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, gardens closed)
- Airport
- DUB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Blessington112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Blessington, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyA low-crime rural town; the real risks are narrow roads, fast N81 traffic and mountain weather that turns without warning.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue · 999 Alternative emergency number
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (No direct bus to Blessington; bus 65 leaves from Dublin city, so add a city transfer first.
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–20 (≈ US$17–25)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Sallins & Naas to Blessingtonabout €30 (≈ US$35)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room€250 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (No direct bus to Blessington; bus 65 leaves from Dublin city, so add a city transfer first. About 1 h 30 min by car via the M50 and N81.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Blessington: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable. Bus 65 runs from Dublin Poolbeg Street via Templeogue and Tallaght, about 90 min, and some services continue past the Russborough House entrance to Ballymore. Local Link 183 links Sallins & Naas to Blessington and continues over the mountains to Glendalough and Wicklow. For Punchestown, the mountain valleys or the gardens you need a car or a taxi.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h by car, longer by bus
Local Link 183 from Blessington, or drive over the Wicklow Gap via the R756
Monastic complex and lakes; go early in summer.
Punchestown Racecourse
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive 8 km (5 mi) northwest towards NaasDrive 5 mi (8 km) northwest towards Naas
Race days only; check the fixture list and book ahead.
Sally Gap and Lough Tay
goDoor to door: About 30 min to the gap
R759 from the N81 about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of townR759 from the N81 about 3.1 mi (5 km) north of town
Mountain road; the gap sits at 503 m and the weather changes fast.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus 65 from Blessington to Poolbeg Street
Runs every couple of hours; check the last bus back.
Door to door: About 30 min by car
Drive via the N81 and N7, or Local Link 183 to Sallins & Naas
Nearest railway station is Sallins & Naas, about 15 km (9.3 mi) away.Nearest railway station is Sallins & Naas, about 9.3 mi (15 km) away.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Blessington village (Main Street)
Walkable to pubs, shops and the greenway start; the practical choice without a car.
Lakeside and Ballymore Eustace
B&Bs and the golf hotel around the reservoir; you need a car or taxi for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 1 night × €150 | €150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Bus 65 Dublin to Blessington, one way2 × €4 | €8 |
| Russborough House adult ticket2 × €15 | €29 |
| Taxi Sallins & Naas to Blessington1 × €30 | €30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €47 |
| Trip total≈ €257 per person per day, bed included | €514≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in euro; car hire and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Russborough House adult ticket | €14.50 (≈ US$17) |
| Russborough House parking | €4 (≈ US$5) |
| Hunting Brook Gardens adult ticket | €8 (≈ US$10) |
| Taxi Sallins & Naas to Blessington | about €30 (≈ US$35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus 65 is the only city link and runs every couple of hours: check the last return before you commit to a day-trip.
- Bus Éireann 132 stops at Blessington but cannot be used between Dublin city centre and Blessington.
- The Glen of Imaal hills are an army live-firing range with limited public access: check firing notices before walking.
- St Kevin's Way has no accommodation along the route: stage it by car or walk it in one long day.
- Rural roads are narrow with no hard shoulder; drive on the left and expect walkers and cyclists on the N81.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue
- 112
- Alternative emergency number
- 999
Pocket card
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BlessingtonBlessington
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergency services112
- Alternative emergency number999
Embassy
No embassies in Blessington; most are in Dublin. US travellers: the US Embassy is in Dublin (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 65 Dublin Poolbeg Street to Blessington: about 90 min, every couple of hours
- Local Link 183 Blessington to Glendalough: 4–5 services a day
- Taxi Sallins & Naas to Blessington: about €30 (≈ US$35)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-rass)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
English is spoken everywhere; Irish phrases are optional.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Blessington. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, gardens closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialRussborough House
- officialBlessington Greenway
- officialDublin Bus timetables
- officialHunting Brook Gardens
- officialTulfarris Hotel
- officialPunchestown Racecourse
- officialSport Ireland — St Kevin's Way
- secondaryWikivoyage: Blessington, revision 5324504 (CC BY-SA 4.0)