Victor’s way is an Indian Sculpture Park located in County Wicklow, near Dublin, Ireland. It is a 22-acre park surrounded by lush green forest and typical Irish countryside. The park also has some open green fields, ponds and several small lakes.
We followed the below route:
The entire route is quite scenic.
We had spent some time at the Cloghleagh Bridge and at the Lough Tay Viewing point (and Guinness Lake) before reaching Victor’s way.
Cloghleagh Bridge:
This lovely Single arch bridge (over Shankill River) is surrounded by woodland and is adjacent to a quaint church. It’s a beautiful quiet place surrounded by shady trees, with small waterfalls and large flat rocks. There is also a Walking Trail available here.
Lough Tay Viewing point (and Guinness Lake):
The lake is located along the Sally Gap drive and you’ll be treated to magnificent views of its inky black water. The Guinness Lake, as it’s known, is situated within a private estate, but it can be viewed from above from several viewing points along the Sally Gap.
Victor’s way:
You can either book online or pay as cash (10 Euros for Adults) for the tickets. I have not seen any ticket counter as such. There is a small slot where you deposit the money. When we visited, there was a person available near the car park to collect the cash. I don’t remember them giving us any printed tickets or so.
There is enough parking space available within the park.
The entry to the Victor’s Way is an unusual opening, with two ladies on either side. It is known as Victoria’s Gate and the opening represents the birth canal. The birth canal in other words is the one through which we came through into this world. It’s the first journey we ever make in life, and at this point our world becomes so much bigger.
The birth canal here represents being born again and entering into the park, with all the worries of the world left behind on the other side.
The park was known as Victoria’s Way until 2015, when it was closed by the owner who felt that too many day-trippers were coming into the park for fun activities (for parents & children). It was reopened in 2016 as Victor’s Way with new age restrictions as it was designed as a garden for over 28’s year old only.
Although the park won’t suit everyone’s taste, it’s one of the unique things to discover in Ireland. If you’re looking to escape from your busy daily life, then a trip to the peaceful Victor’s Way Park might just be what you need. In addition, it was created for those between the ages of 28 to 60 years old.
It is indeed a great place for a relaxing walk. You can easily spent a good hour or two, walking around the sculpture gardens and it’s best to follow the arrows to guide you through the different areas. There are lot of sculptures (lot of Indian/Hindu deities aswell) within the campus. Some statues appear stunningly beautiful in their black granite.
Seems that many of the sculptures here were directly carved in Mahabalipuram, India.
Please note that this place is not intended for Family Fun (like other parks). This is more of a meditation park.
There is a lot of walk around. So please plan accordingly if you have small kids or elderly people within your group.
Its always better to check their website for the opening season/timings. Please note that this is not open throughout the year. Also, I believe they don’t encourage pets.
Website: https://victorsway.eu/
The Irishman Victor Langheld designed and created the park. Victor also stays within the campus. So there are high chances that you might see him somewhere within in the park.
One of the most famous sculpture here is The Ferryman’s End.
The Ferryman’s End represents the icon of burnout, is set in algae covered waters.
The ferryman ferries himself and others from ‘this shore’ to the ‘other shore’ (and where the grass is always greener). In other words, he/she ferries from here (meaning sameness) to there (meaning difference) and so from death to life. (Courtesy: https://victorsway.eu/sculptures/ferryman.htm)
(Note: One personal comment. Don’t underestimate the size of this sculpture after seeing the images in Internet. It is relatively small and is set in algae covered waters)
There is a craft shop onsite selling Indian made products. The interesting thing is that there is nobody available within the shop for selling the items. All items have the amount details mentioned in that. If you liked any item, just check the price, and deposit the money in a small box (Honesty Box) kept at the entrance.
Why am I too old to visit this sculpture park?? It seems very discriminatory to me! At 78, I would enjoy seeing your park. I feel I am capable of walking around the grounds would expire. Seems very strange to me.