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

CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

Places worth visiting in Ireland

CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

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The Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres), consisting of entirely natural and unspoilt terrain. It is an environment which offers the visitor endless sights, experiences, adventure and activity.

The people are friendly, welcoming and only too delighted to see new faces in the area. There is much to see in Connemara with the scenic Twelve Bens mountain range in the north, the picturesque, golden beaches reaching out into the vast Atlantic Ocean and the Roundstone Bog. Any time of the year it is ideal to take a break here. In spring, the beautiful, spring flowers, the new-born lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo make it a unique and magical place.

During the warm summer days, one can take in the awesome Connemara countryside with its gentle hills and golden, sandy beaches which are ideal for safe swimming. On cool autumn days, the Connemara countryside boasts different colours every day. If desired, one can spend the day walking, cycling, golfing, painting, horse riding, shooting or fishing. In any weather, the Connemara countryside and atmosphere is magical. If in the area, a trip to Connemara is not to be missed.

The Connemara visitor centre is situated near Letterfrack and attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, audio-visual show. In addition there is a summer programme of walks, talks and special events for younger visitors. Access for visitors with disabilities in the Visitor Centre.

Should you require more information on our Ireland vacations please contact us today.
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KILKENNY

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Kilkenny is a county of fertile farmland formed in a central plain surrounded by rolling uplands. The River Nore flows through this plain and out to the sea at the River Suir and on the banks of the Nore in the centre of the county is the town of Kilkenny.

The town of Kilkenny was founded by St Canice, who established a monastery here in the 6th Century. When the Normans arrived in the 12th Century, they established one of their main power bases at the stunning castle in Kilkenny, making it the medieval capital of Ireland. Kilkenny is a lively town, which hosts a number of international festivals giving rise to Kilkenny's contemporary nickname as the Festival Capital of Ireland.

Around the county are remnants of Kilkenny's prestigious past such as the 13th Century Kells Priory and Jerpoint Abbey, where it is said St Nicholas (Santa Claus) is buried. Dotted around are numerous rural towns and the world famous golf course at Mount Juliet can be found in the south of the county.

Kilkenny's inhabitants are known as the cats a nickname which also refers to Kilkenny's very successful hurling teams. Famous Kilkenny Cats include James Hoban, the architect of the White House in the U.S.

Cork

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Corcaigh (in Irish) The largest county of Ireland, Cork is tucked away in the south western corner of Ireland along with county Kerry . It is bordered by Co. Waterford to it's east and by counties Tipperary and Limerick to the north.

North Cork is a mix of rolling green hills and mountains but also has some of Ireland's richest pastures in the Golden Vale East Cork is a region with gentle hills and beautiful beaches To the south and west of the county the region know as West Cork , boasts a wild and rugged coastline of rocky headlands, great bays and secret coves warmed by the Gulf Stream.

Like many counties in Ireland Cork's main industries are farming, fishing and tourism. The remote westerly region of West Cork has become a popular destination for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a slower pace of life around small, rural fishing villages and towns, amid some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland. West Cork is popular with the yachting crowd who gather each summer in the tiny harbours of Baltimore, Schull and Kinsale, the historic port renowned as the culinary capital of Ireland. In this region of the country, you'll also find Ireland's most southerly point; Mizen Head.

Galway

Places worth visiting in Ireland

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Ireland's second largest county, Galway is located in the rugged west of Ireland and encompasses the magical scenery of Connemara, the rugged Aran Islands and the city of Galway , from which the county takes its name.

The Irish translation Gaillimh relates to the word gaill meaning foreigners and indeed the maritime city of Galway was established by outsiders from 14 merchant families of Norman heritage in the 13th Century. Known as the City of the Tribes, referring to these families, the walled city of Galway was under constant attack from the Irish natives. These days the city is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub, regarded as the Dublin of the West and hosts a number of festivals, including The Galway Races in the last week of july and most famously the Galway Oyster Festival in September.

County Galway, particularly the western region known as Connemara, is where the Irish language and many of the traditions of Gaelic Ireland are strongest. Connemara is one of Ireland's most iconic locations, a landscape of rusty boglands and jagged coastline overlooked by the brooding ranges of the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens.

On the eastern borders of Connemara is Lough Corrib one of Ireland's premier salmon and trout fisheries, attracting Fly Fishers in droves from May to September. Lough Corrib is the largest lake of the Republic of Ireland and splits the county between the rugged west of Connemara and the fertile farmland of the east of the county.

Off the coast out in Galway Bay are the three Aran Islands of Inishmor, Inishsheer and Inishmaan. These rugged islands represent to many visitors the timeless character of auld Ireland. The largest Inishmor is home to one of Ireland's most important and stunning prehistoric stone forts, Dun Aonghusa, perched on the cliff face over looking the Atlantic Ocean.

Famous Galwegians include actor Peter O'Toole, Irish novelist Liam O'Flaherty, Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce and contemporary novelist Walter Macken.

Aran Islands

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No holiday to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the mystical Aran Islands that are situated in the middle of Galway Bay.

The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of County Galway.

No holiday to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the mystical Aran Islands that are situated in the middle of Galway Bay. The rugged, natural beauty along with thatch roofed stone cottages that dot the islands provide a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage and gives one the impression that they have just travelled back in time..

The islands are Inishmore, the largest, Inishmaan and Inisheer being the smallest. With Gaelic still being the first language of the islanders, a true feel for older Ireland is to be found. Throughout the islands, you will find the ruins of early Christian monasteries and fortifications, the best known being Dun Aengus which dates back over 2000 years, and many churches. The ruins of the House of Saint Edna, the most important Medieval religious settlement on Inishmore, can still be seen. Fishing is still the main industry on the islands and in many cases, the methods of the fishermen's ancestors are still used. The lives of these fishermen were the subject of the John M Synge 1904 play Riders to the Sea.

There are a number of options open in travelling to the islands. You may either travel by ferry from Galway City or Rossaveal, or take the very short flight on Aer Arann from Connemara airport. When planning your trip to the Aran Islands, one should take into account that accommodation on the island is limited as well as seasonal. During the peak season, over 1000 visitors make the crossing to the Islands each and every day.