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WELCOME TO THE WICKLOW
HEATHER RESTAURANT

Nominated for best restaurant in Wicklow, The Wicklow Heather was established over 50 years ago in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains on the footsteps of Glendalough.

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WELCOME TO THE WICKLOW
HEATHER RESTAURANT

Searching for the best restaurant in Wicklow? The Wicklow Heather is idyllically situated in the picturesque village of Laragh, just minutes from Glendalough National Park. The Wicklow Heather Restaurant provides the perfect dining for visitors to the Glendalough area.

A unique dining experience awaits you at the Wicklow Heather Restaurant, homely and comfortable surroundings and service with a professional touch.

Established over 50 years ago, the Wicklow Heather is one of the best restaurants in Wicklow and caters for day visits in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains.

Restaurant

A Unique Experience Awaits You

The room can be booked for parties of up to 90. Check out our menu to see why we’ve been nominated for the best restaurant in wicklow award!

WICKLOW HEATHER Irish Writers Room

Tucked away in the corner of our restaurant lies a room filled with special editions of many of the most famous works by Irish authors. Some say that Ireland’s greatest contribution to arts and culture is its literature, and our exceptional collection certainly showcases the rich body of work created by Irish writers.

First editions of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and James Joyce’s Ulysses (still in its original wrapping) are some of the crown jewels in a broad collection celebrating Irish authors, as well as poets and playwrights such as W. B. Yeats and Samuel Beckett. We even have an original program from the world premiere of Oscar’s Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest.

Looking to have a party in one of the most unique rooms in Ireland? The room can be booked for parties of up to 80.

An rud is annamh is iontach.
The thing that’s seldom is wonderful.

“

One of the most atmospheric dining experiences I’ve had in Ireland is at Wicklow Heather Restaurant in the village of Laragh (A98 D983), near the historic monastery at Glendalough. The venue combines rustic Irish charm with more refined presentation; inside there’s warm lighting, wooden beams and antique details that make you want to linger.

The cuisine blends traditional Irish dishes with continental influences. The menu offers à‑la‑carte lunch and dinner as well as daily specials; signature dishes include panko‑coated fish cakes made with fresh and smoked fish, roasted lamb fillet and crispy chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce . All dishes are prepared from locally sourced organic produce where possible, prices are mid‑range and the style of service remains relaxed .

I tried the creamy seafood chowder – rich, thick and packed with fresh fish; even half a portion was generous. The pork belly stood out with its perfectly crispy crust and tender meat inside. Everything was thoughtfully composed and beautifully plated, without excessive fuss; the portions are large but the presentation is restaurant‑quality . For dessert we had a chocolate‑berry cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce – as delicious as it looked.

The bar deserves special mention. One of the rooms houses a small Irish whiskey bar with a huge selection of Irish whiskeys . Drinks focus on local products: you can order a tasting flight of Glendalough whiskey or Irish coffee made with whiskey from the nearby Glendalough Distillery  . Craft beer lovers will also find Wicklow Wolf IPA and other local brews .

Service deserves separate praise: the staff are polite, attentive and work very smoothly, as other reviews also confirm  . There are vegetarian and vegan options , and the drinks list allows everyone to find something they like. Because of its popularity I recommend booking in advance.

Special thanks to Alena, our waitress, Chef Daniel and Nadiia, who made the desserts. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the evening memorable not just for the food, but also for the emotions.

Overall, Wicklow Heather is not just a tourist spot but a restaurant worth visiting for its atmosphere and the quality of its food. The combination of a cosy interior, fresh local produce, its own whiskey bar and professional service makes it the perfect choice after a walk in Wicklow or a visit to Glendalough. I’ll definitely return here again.

Maris Geide-NomalisMost Atmospheric Dining Experiences in Wicklow

*Serving food between:

Breakfast 

Mon – Fri: 08.30AM – 11.45AM

Sat – Sun : 08.30AM – 11.30AM

Lunch 

Mon – Sun : 12.30PM – 17.00PM

Dinner 

Sun – Thurs : 17.15PM – 20.30PM

Fri – Sat : 17.15PM – 21.00PM

Where is The Wicklow Heather located?

The Wicklow Heather Restaurant is located on Glendalough Road, Brockagh, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, close to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.

Is The Wicklow Heather near Glendalough?

Yes. The Wicklow Heather is very close to Glendalough, making it a popular place to eat or enjoy a drink before or after exploring the area.

Is The Wicklow Heather a good restaurant to visit in the Wicklow Mountains?

If you’re spending time in the Wicklow Mountains, The Wicklow Heather is a well known stop for food and drinks in a warm, rustic setting.

What type of food does The Wicklow Heather serve?

The Wicklow Heather serves classic Irish and Continental dishes, using comforting, traditional flavours suited to the setting and surroundings.

Why is The Wicklow Heather popular with visitors to Wicklow?

Its location near Glendalough, combined with traditional food and a cosy atmosphere, makes The Wicklow Heather a natural stop for people travelling through Wicklow.

Do we need have a reservation?

The Wicklow Heather is a popular destination so we encourage bookings to avoid disappointment. We happily welcome walk-in visitors too and do our best to accommodate.

“

After a long day of hiking around Glendalough, having lunch here felt like a reward and truly became part of the whole experience. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the steaks and the lamb shank… both were full of flavor and perfectly cooked.

Everything about this place was enjoyable: the service, the atmosphere, and the decoration. It felt so cozy and comforting after spending the day outdoors. I also ordered the soup of the day to have something warm, and it was so good that I actually came back again the next day!

The only thing I have to honestly mention is that the burger was a bit too simple for my taste and did not stand out compared to the other dishes. However, the rest of the food more than made up for it.

Alixon OcampoLunch after Hiking in Glendalough
“

One of the most atmospheric dining experiences I’ve had in Ireland is at Wicklow Heather Restaurant in the village of Laragh (A98 D983), near the historic monastery at Glendalough. The venue combines rustic Irish charm with more refined presentation; inside there’s warm lighting, wooden beams and antique details that make you want to linger.

The cuisine blends traditional Irish dishes with continental influences. The menu offers à‑la‑carte lunch and dinner as well as daily specials; signature dishes include panko‑coated fish cakes made with fresh and smoked fish, roasted lamb fillet and crispy chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce . All dishes are prepared from locally sourced organic produce where possible, prices are mid‑range and the style of service remains relaxed .

I tried the creamy seafood chowder – rich, thick and packed with fresh fish; even half a portion was generous. The pork belly stood out with its perfectly crispy crust and tender meat inside. Everything was thoughtfully composed and beautifully plated, without excessive fuss; the portions are large but the presentation is restaurant‑quality . For dessert we had a chocolate‑berry cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce – as delicious as it looked.

The bar deserves special mention. One of the rooms houses a small Irish whiskey bar with a huge selection of Irish whiskeys . Drinks focus on local products: you can order a tasting flight of Glendalough whiskey or Irish coffee made with whiskey from the nearby Glendalough Distillery  . Craft beer lovers will also find Wicklow Wolf IPA and other local brews .

Service deserves separate praise: the staff are polite, attentive and work very smoothly, as other reviews also confirm  . There are vegetarian and vegan options , and the drinks list allows everyone to find something they like. Because of its popularity I recommend booking in advance.

Special thanks to Alena, our waitress, Chef Daniel and Nadiia, who made the desserts. Their professionalism and attention to detail made the evening memorable not just for the food, but also for the emotions.

Overall, Wicklow Heather is not just a tourist spot but a restaurant worth visiting for its atmosphere and the quality of its food. The combination of a cosy interior, fresh local produce, its own whiskey bar and professional service makes it the perfect choice after a walk in Wicklow or a visit to Glendalough. I’ll definitely return here again.

Maris Geide-NomalisOne of the Most Atmospheric Dining Experiences in Ireland