Wicklow Mountains aka "Garden County

Wicklow Mountains aka "Garden County" 1

 

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 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 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!

Top Five Scenic Drives in Ireland

Top Five Scenic Drives in Ireland 5 

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One of the best ways to see Ireland is by getting out of the cities and touring around the country. Listed below are the top five scenic drives in Ireland which are a must see during any tour of Ireland. Atlas Car Hire Ireland offer a wide range of car rentals which will meet your needs at a very competitive price if you are in need of a rental car.
Sheep’s Head Peninsula

Sheep’s Head Peninsula has long been a popular destination for hill walkers, the peninsula is also a stunning drive. The Sheep’s Head Way is a 88km trail which follows old roads and tracks around the peninsula from Bantry to the headland and back. The route combines low and rugged hills with coastline and cliffs. The walkway is very straightforward and can be walked during any time between April and October. The drive around Sheep’s Head Peninsula is just over 70km, but offers the same stunning views as the walk.

“A peaceful, unspoilt peninsula which as some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.”

The start of the drive at Bantry’s south is generally devoid of villages, allowing you to see the magnificent cliffs along the Irish coastline. Drive around the hairpin bends on the road to Kilcrohane before heading off to Durrus. Stop by Good Things Café and Arundels pub, both in Ahakista. From the pub, you can view Dunmanus Bay, the pier, and a little farther off, a small beach. Also in Ahakista is Hillcrest House, a good place to spend the night.
Dingle Peninsula

Dingle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland. The town is a mix of authentic Ireland and nature set against a stunning backdrop. The drive around the Dingle Peninsula starts at Castlegregory at the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula, go west into Cloghane, passed Conor Pass and Dingle, and head west to Slea Head. After Ballyferriter, continue to Murreagh and Kilmalkedar, and finally, back to Dingle. The route is approximately 75 km and highlights are guaranteed around every bend.
On the road, you will see the ancient buildings of Gallarus and the revered site at Kilmalkedar. The Dingle Peninsula itself is dotted with striking ogham stones. Eat in Waterside’s renowned restaurant, Out of the Blue, where the fresh seafood dishes are world-class. Also try Dunquin’s Krugers pub, which has a spectacular view of the sea. If night befalls, stay in the century-old The Captain’s House in Dingle.
Bantry to Killarney

The trip from Bantry to Killarney is approximately 80 km. This route can become very congested during peak tourist seasons as you will surely find a long trail of pilgrims and campers on the highway.
During the drive, you will see a number of quaint villages, such as Glengarriff; herds of farm animals, especially sheep; and both freshwater and saltwater lakes. Drop by the Eccles Hotel, and watch boats coming from and going to the Glengarriff Harbour. At the end of the drive is Kenmare, Ireland’s gourmet capital. Choose from any of the popular restaurants on Henry Street, such as Mulcahy’s and Packie’s.
If you happen to reach the area by nightfall, you may want to consider staying over. Various accommodations are available for tourists, ranging from four-star hotels to campsites.
Copper Coast
The 120 km-trip begins in Dungarvan, with its gorgeous coastline. Proceed to Stradbally and eventually head to Waterford. Continue to Clonmel, then to Ballymacarberry, and eventually head back to Dungarvan.
The Copper Coast in Waterford is the only geopark in the entire European continent. It was named as such because of the mines of copper that used to be present in the stretch. View the majestic Comeragh Mountains, the Nire Valley and Stradbally Cove. Make sure you try the Tannery in Dungarvan, which is an institution in itself, offering mouth-watering Irish dishes. You may want to stay the night in Hanora’s Cottage, which is right beside the Mahon River in Nire Valley.
Europcar offer a car rental location in Waterford should it be required.
Galway to Westport
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The long trip, which spans approximately 230 km, starts in Galway city. Driving along the N59, head over to Clifden, past Connemara National Park and then to the center of Westport. Finally, go back south via N84, and back to Galway, maybe taking in Castlebar along the way. The Sky Road in Clifden is a must see for the stunning views of the Atlantic coastline and Connemara.
Enjoy the view of Killary Harbour from Blackberry Café in Galway. Stop over at Kylemore Abbey in Galway, where you can check out the church and craft shop and eat at the restaurant afterwards. After the long drive, spend the night at Quay House, a former monastery in Clifden.
Europcar offer a car rental location in Galway City should it be required.
Related Stories
– The Sheep’s Head Way or Bog hopping in Ireland
– Ireland: Dingle Peninsula
– Kilarney National Park
– Copper Coast
– Ireland again part 3– The Ring of Kerry – 4 Personal Highlights