The beautiful seaside town of Greystones is well-known for its outstanding scenery and range of activities, but there are also some hidden gems in and around the area that provide locals with great ways to spend their free time.
It’s the perfect location to call home, with the great transport options making the commute to work easy, and a host of excellent schools close by, but when it comes to getting out and about and enjoying all the area has to offer, Greystones has a few surprises up its sleeve.
While many people are aware of the Wicklow Way and the absolutely stunning Cliff Walk, a lesser known and more family-friendly walk lies much closer to home for Greystones residents looking to stay healthy, or simply enjoy the scenery.The Glebe (also known as Jacob’s Ladder), is a winding trail that starts out at nearby Delgany and brings you through fields, along a river, then up some very old steps to the magnificent church overlooking the village. This easy stroll is much-loved by locals, and gives great views over the area.
A short spin in the car will also bring you to the starting point of the Downs Hill walk (pictured below), a place as peaceful as it is beautiful, where, on a good day, you can enjoy panoramic views over Greystones and the coast, as well as the imposing Sugar Loaf mountains, and all without the crowds.
Powerscourt is deservedly recognised as one of the most beautiful places in ‘the garden of Ireland’ to spend a day, but Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford (below), less than 20 minutes from Greystones, is a well-kept secret. These gardens are a perfect place to unwind, to take time to, literally, smell the roses, before rewarding yourself with a tasty treat from the on-site Avoca café. Renowned horticulturist Monty Don says these gardens are one of his favourites anywhere, and we tend to agree with him.
Another place that offers up the unexpected is Victor Way (or Victoria Way) near Roundwood (main picture), which really has to be seen to be believed. Covering nine hectares and including small lakes and wooded areas, this private meditation garden and sculpture park influenced by Indian philosophy offers up rare tranquillity, as well as some very eye-catching artworks. Dedicated to computer scientist and cryptographer Alan Turing, it focuses very much on providing nourishment for both body and mind, and is well worth a visit.
Speaking of nourishment, Greystones’ very own The Happy Pear has become a national sensation, but the village has many other, less well-known eateries that local foodies are more than happy to keep to themselves. Chakra, for example, is one of the best Indian restaurants in the country, and can be found right in the heart of Greystones.
Those who enjoy the active lifestyle and are looking forward to the upcoming Winter Olympics should be delighted to know that 20 minutes away is the Kilternan ski slope (below). While our island nation is used to the many water activities you can enjoy in Greystones, we don’t really expect to have ski facilities, but these artificial 180 metre and 130 metre slopes are among Europe’s finest, and give ski and snowboard fans the chance to practice their moves (or learn how to stay upright) before facing the real thing. The Ski Club provides lessons for all levels, and children will have a great time trying out tubing – the safe and fun way to tackle the slopes.

Of course, while these hidden gems are some of the Greystones area’s lesser-known treasures, the beautiful high-quality houses for sale at SeaGreen are less of a secret. These energy-efficient homes overlooking the picturesque village offer buyers the perfect base to start out on the many outdoor pursuits the surrounding area provides, and are a wonderful place to return to after a rewarding day out with the family.
The three-bedroom Portland, four-bedroom Wyndham and Bellevue, and the five-bedroom Somerby houses at SeaGreen, provide families with the comfort and living space they need, and bring with them the benefits of energy-saving features that keep bills down all year round.
The latest phase of development, SeaGreen Gate, will launch soon, and will also put a firm focus on sustainability combined with comfort and superior fixtures, tailored to your tastes and needs. These four-bedroom houses include top-quality insulation, solar thermal panels, high-tech triple-glazed timber windows and thermostatically controlled radiators, so you can ensure that no matter what activity you enjoy in Greystones, you can always return to a cosy home.
If you are interested in buying one of these beautiful new homes with outstanding scenery and great activities on your doorstep, register here:
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