Wicklow Way, IRELAND
Airing Date: Mar 28th, 2005
The Wicklow Way opened in 1982 and is Ireland's first way marked walk. The walk takes you through the county of Wicklow, known as 'The Garden of Ireland'.
The Wicklow Way is 120 kilometres long, starting at Marlay Park in the suburbs of Dublin. It runs north-south through Wicklow County and finishes in Clonegal. During your walk you'll cover lush green pastures, coniferous forests and small villages, each with their own history and story to tell.
To walk from one end to the other would probably take you about a week, but it's only a few hours between each town. It is possible for you to carry your own gear but there are plenty of B&Bs, such as Tinahely, which can organise for your belongings to be driven ahead to the next village.
The walk is ideal for people of all ages and any level of fitness. Parts of the walk through the mountainous regions can get pretty chilly, so it's a good idea to wrap up with some warm clothes.
One of the attractions along the walking path is an ancient Celtic Ring Fort which is up to 6000 years old. Also known as the Fairy Rings, this is where the Celts would store their cattle.
Over thousands of years, a myth grew that the fort was the place where the fairies, the little people or leprechauns would gather and have parties. Along with the thorn trees, which have remained untouched, it is a very sacred site.
For the ultimate B&B experience stop at Madge Kenny's B&B, which offers one of Wicklow's finest accommodations. Her hearty breakfast with black pudding and all the trimmings is just what you need to set you up for a 20 kilometre walk. One night here will cost you about $50.
Glendalough is one of the ancient Monastery cities founded by St Kevin. Known as the Valley of Two Lakes, this tranquil and beautiful setting is one of the oldest Christian sites in Ireland.
Ruins of the monastery still remain, like the round tower built by the monks to protect their treasures from the Vikings, who had travelled down from Dublin to raid the area. Unfortunately, they managed to destroy most of it, leaving all that remains today.
There's also a legendary superstition called 'hugging the cross', which is where many people come to make their wishes come true. If you're looking for a partner then you have to put your arms around the cross, and if your fingers touch you'll be married within the year.
From Glendalough, you can extend your walk an extra seven kilometres to Roundwood. It is the highest village in Ireland, with plenty of pubs which are usually overflowing with walkers taking a break.
If you complete the full walk you'll eventually come across Enniskerry and Lough Tay. To end your trip on a high, the Powerscourt Estate is the garden to beat them all. During the great famine some wealthy families created work for the poor, employing 100 men to build the most extravagant garden in Ireland, and it's still there to this day.
The facts
3 day walking package with adventure world starts at $609 a person.
Tourism Ireland: Ph. 02 9299 6177. www.tourismireland.com.au.
Gulf Air & British Midland will fly you to Dublin from $2346 ex Sydney.
Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Jetset: Ph. 13 63 83.
Prices correct at 28/3/05
