Page 95 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
WICKLOW
BRAY HEAD
JN 2 (R768) TOWARD BRAY 10 min from exit
Bray Head is a 241m hill and headland between the towns of Bray and Greystones. It forms part of the Wicklow Mountains and is a popular spot with hill-walkers. From the top you get a magnificent panoramic vista of Bray, north-east Wicklow and Dublin Bay. You can also see some of Bray Head’s neighbouring mountains.
BRAY TO GREYSTONES CLIFF WALK
JN 2 (R768) TOWARD BRAY 10 min from exit
This linear walk takes you from Bray to Greystones (or vice-versa) along a breathtaking coastal path. As well as the stunning views out to sea and cliff scenery, one of the most attractive aspects of this walk is how quickly the bustle of Bray town fades away to a quiet rural ambiance.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
POWERSCOURT WATERFALL
JN 8 (R755) TOWARDS GLENDALOUGH
30 min from exit
Powerscourt Waterfall is set at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, 5km from Powerscourt House and Gardens. Be drawn in by the sound of the water and relax as you stroll around the grounds with your family and friends.
As you drive from the gate lodge towards the waterfall you are surrounded by Beech, Oak, Larch and Pine trees, some of which were planted over 200 years ago. Look out for the Giant Redwood or Sequoia trees which
are native to California and were planted at Powerscourt sometime after 1860. In their native land they may grow up to 80m high and live for 4,000 years, the trees at Powerscourt are still youngsters!
SALLY GAP
JN 8 (R755) TOWARD GLENDALOUGH
30 min from exit
Worth a detour for the spectacular views of the surrounding blanket bog and the Wicklow Mountains.
On the road to Sally Gap, highlights include Glencree Valley, the dark waters of Lough Tay, Kippure Mountain, Glenmacnass Waterfall, Glencree War Cemetery and Glencree’s Visitor Centre.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
GLENDALOUGH MONASTIC SITE
JN 15 (R755) TOWARDS ASHFORD
24 min from exit
This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St Kevin in the sixth century and developed into a “Monastic City”. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the tenth through to the 12th centuries.
Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 AD. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. Stunning landscape, historic ruins and beautiful walks await at this unique location.
BLACK CASTLE, WICKLOW TOWN
JN 16 (R772) TOWARDS WICKLOW
10 min from exit
Overlooking the harbour in Wicklow town, the site consists of a deep rock-cut ditch and the remains of the keep. The castle was first recorded in 1174 and may be on the site of an earlier promontory fort. Travilahawk Beach, directly under the castle ruins, is the reputed landing point of St Patrick in Ireland in AD 432.
KILMACURRAGH BOTANIC GARDENS JN 18 (R751) TOWARDS RATHDRUM
7 min from exit
The milder climate, higher rainfall and deeper, acidic soils of the Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens provide a contrast to its sister gardens, the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.
Visitors will enjoy the rhododendron avenue, the double herbaceous borders,
WICKLOW WAY WINES (WINERY)
WINERY TOURS AND WINE TASTINGS
Award winning wines from Irish berries Artisan food pairings
Behind the scenes - hosted by the Winemaker Book at www.wicklowwaywines.ie
Wicklow Way Wines (Winery)
Unit 8 Newtown Business and Enterprise Centre, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow Phone: +353 86 947 7396
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 93