Wicklow Mountains aka “Garden County”
On the east coast of Ireland lies a vast mountainous area where you will find the county of Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which covers approximately 20,000 hectares of the mountain range. The key goal of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is to conserve and protect the local landscape, wildlife and the local ecosystems. Every year close to one million visitors pass through the Park and it is an extremely important source of recreation for both visitors and locals. Streams run freely into the deep calm lakes of the wood covered valleys and run into the adjoining lowlands. The forestry area and the meandering mountain roads are the only things to interrupt the gaping scenes. Heather and bog covered floors drape the round peaks and the top mountain slopes. The blanket bog areas include the Liffey Head Bog and the Lugnaquila complexes.
English: The Glendasan river in the Wicklow Mo...
English: The Glendasan river in the Wicklow Mountains, County Wicklow, Ireland. In the background is Tonelagee, the third highest mountain in the range. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. The stunning Glendalough Valley is one the most popular tourist areas in the Wicklow Mountains and it is here that you will discover the antiquated monastic settlement of St. Kevin. Exploring the uplands on foot requires proper equipment and a sense of adventure in a setting where you will readily find isolation and wilderness. People have been coming to the ‘valley of the two lakes’ for hundreds of years to soak up its intense history, archaeology, sumptuous scenery and its copious wildlife. The world famous Monastic site with its round tower is just one of its amazing attractions along with its luscious lakes and valleys. The selection of trails and walkways include The Wicklow Way and the area has a lot to offer every discerning visitor. Glendalough is an incredible place that will stir the heart, fulfil the soul and calm the mind.
English: Crossing the Glendasan River near the...
English: Crossing the Glendasan River near the Monastic City of Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are some spectacular walking trails in the Wicklow Mountains and you will find the majority of these in the Glendalough valley. You can choose from a stroll that lasts half an hour to a vigorous hill walk that will take you about four hours. There are wide selections of exciting and impressive walks to choose from – the hardest part will be picking one that suits your mood and ability on the day! Some of the trails venture to the crumbling miners’ village, others to the Poulanass Waterfall, the cave of St. Kevin’s Bed while a visit to Reefert Church is also on the cards.
The visitor centre displays maps of the walks and the walking trails are all flagged with colour-coded arrows. Accompanying some of the walking trails are nature trails which highlight and explore bugs, birds, flora and trees that reside in and around the Wicklow Mountains which will delight both adults and children. For the more daring and experienced adventurer, you can partake in some rock climbing on the crags of Miners’ Road. The information centre will be able to offer you any help that you need on rock climbing. You will also find that angling is allowed in some of the rivers and lakes within the park. Brown trout are the most common fish caught, fishing is allowed from mid-March to the end of September.
Such is the special charm of the Wicklow Mountains nestled in the ‘Garden County’ that you will want to keep coming back. There’s always more to explore!