Excursions from Dublin – The Wicklow Mountains

Posted on | January 11, 2010 | Comments Off

Dublin has welcomed countless millions of tourists to its heart through the decades who have come in their droves to soak up the history, the sights, the shopping and of course the Guinness. However, those that have solely been to the heart of Dublin cannot say they have experienced the true Ireland without having ventured out of the city and into the wondrous greenery, historic sites and spectacular landscapes that lie within close proximity of the capital.

Many in the know have arranged car hire in Dublin to take a self-guided tour in order to capture the atmospheric, mysterious and downright spectacular natural scenery that lies within driveable distance of central Dublin. Car hire Dublin is offered by many companies so picking up a cheap deal is not difficult.  One of the most rewarding drives – if not the most beautiful – is one that will take you to the formidable Wicklow Hills – the ‘Garden of Ireland’.

After arranging a car, be prepared to be swept away by this journey which leads you through dramatic sweeping valleys, reservoirs, waterfalls and lush green glens all under the gaze of lofty mountain peaks.

From Dublin, get yourself on the N11 towards Arklow where you can stop to enjoy this harbour town before being greeted by the staggering beauty of the Vale of Avoca, characterised by its pretty streams, green hillsides, Gothic churches and the chimneys of old copper mines. The village of Avoca itself is also worth a stop if you fancy a bite to eat. The village is the epitome of a quaint Irish rural settlement and is also where you can purchase hand-woven goods produced by the famous Avoca Handweavers. A short drive from the village will lead you to the stunning sight of the ‘Meeting of the Waters’ where the Avonbeg and Avonmore rivers come together to create the Avoca – a truly awesome sight.

Once you have enjoyed the fruits of Avoca, join the R752 and follow the brown signposts for Avondale House – the birthplace of Charles Parnell; the former leader of the ‘Irish Party’ in the 19^th-century. After visiting the house, then head for the beautiful Avondale Forest Park; this is teeming with beautiful glens intersected by the Avonmore River.

After stretching your legs, let the R752 take you on to the R755, where you will head for the truly impressive town of Glendalough – one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland and home of the “Valley of the Two Lakes.” Here you will find the round towers associated with Saint Kevin, who famously allowed birds to breed in the palm of his hand. The impressive history is coupled with incredible scenery, created of course by the nearby valley and lakes.

After negotiating Glendalough, make for the R756 road which will begin your ascent up to the Wicklow Gap where you will be astounded by the spectacular panoramas which begin to unfold in-front of you, before ending suddenly as you pass through the ruins of old lead mills. The magnificence reappears however a little further on as you park your car at a designated viewpoint for the unrivalled sight of the mammoth Lough Nahanaghan and a huge reservoir.

After enjoying these wondrous sights, get back on the R756 and head for Hollywood and catch glimpses of the impressive Pollaphuca Reservoir and dam. A fantastic scenic drive can be had by taking the R758 which will take you around the reservoir and adjoining lakes. Your next port of call from here should be Blessington, which has a great beach and also several shops and cafes to grab some refreshments before moving on to Ballyknockan which is in close proximity of a number of incredible megalithic tombs, structures and mysterious standing stones. Whilst in Ballyknockan, you are able to purchase a map which details the locations of all of these mysterious historical sites before getting back on the main N81 route back into Dublin, or if you simply can’t get enough; drive as high and as far into the Wicklow Mountains as the road will allow!

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